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What Should I Do With My Air Conditioner During the Winter?

What Should I Do With My Air Conditioner During the Winter?Denver winters can be brutal. But even when they’re not, you need to be proactive if you want to get through them without damaging your air conditioner. This article features six tips that you can use to keep your AC system through the winter so that it’s ready to use in the summer. Keep reading to learn more.

Cut the Power

The first thing you want to do is turn off the power. That way, you don’t have to worry about any electrocution risks as you’re prepping the system for winter.

The exterior power unit will typically be in a small box mounted near your outdoor unit. Once you find it, flip the switch into the off position and you’re ready to go. This will also ensure that the AC system doesn’t inadvertently turn on if you get an unseasonably warm day.

Clean Up the System

Next, you can start cleaning the system by taking a broom and removing any dirt, leaves, or twigs that are near it. You can also use a hose to wash off any dirt, mud, or bird droppings on your system.

Doing this will help to ensure that the system doesn’t become clogged over the winter, leaving you with a problem when you want to start using it again in the spring or summer.

Look for Cracks and Rust

This is also a good opportunity to look for cracks, rust, and other irregularities in your air conditioner. These should be dealt with before the winter so that they aren’t allowed to progress or even worsen when snow arrives.

Cover the Unit

Now we’re ready to cover the unit to prevent cracking and keep it safe from the elements. You can use a generic waterproof vinyl tarp for this or find a specially-designed air conditioner cover at a local hardware store.

Whatever you choose, make sure that you secure it to the system tightly with bungee cords or rope to ensure it doesn’t blow away in harsh winds.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

If your air conditioner has exposed pipes and wires, you’ll want to cover those with insulated foam to ensure they don’t freeze and crack during the winter.

Check on the System Once a Week

Finally, it’s good to get into the habit of checking on your outdoor air conditioner about once a week during the winter. If all goes well, you won’t have to do a thing. But getting into this habit will ensure that any potential problems that arise aren’t allowed to linger long enough to cause lasting damage to your system.

Indoor Air Quality Can Help You Prepare Your Air Conditioner for the Winter

It’s also a great idea to have a professional technician come out to look at your air conditioner before you stop using it for the winter. An expert at Indoor Air Quality can help you spot problems, perform repairs, and ensure that your system is ready to make it through the Denver winter unscathed.

We’re available in Highlands Ranch and throughout the Denver Metro Area. You can get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help.