Off-Season Air Conditioning Tips

With proper maintenance, your HVAC system can last up to 15 years. Your air conditioning unit is stored outside, so how does it get affected during the winter, stormy and cold weather? If you do not maintain your A/C unit during the fall and winter season the quality of the unit as well as the life of the unit will have negative effects. Use the steps below to ensure you take care of your system this fall and winter season.

Fall and Winter A/C Maintenance Tips

Clean Air Filters

Even though you are not using your unit the air filter still needs to be replaced every month to three months to protect the unit from outside dirt and debris. The air filter collects allergens, outdoor air particles, dirt and other materials. If the air filter gets blocked and clogged, than build-up will occur and excess particles and allergens will enter into your system. In the long run a new and clean filter is beneficial to your air conditioning unit during the winter.

Clean Air Filters

Just like air filters, the coils and fins of your system can also collect dirt over time hindering the system as a whole and indoor air quality. It is recommended to check your coils and fins to make sure they are clean and in the best working condition. If these parts become bent it will prevent air flow throughout your system, wasting energy and money on unnecessary bills.

Keep Unit Clear

It is extremely critical to keep the area around your outdoor unit clear of all debris. When the leaves start to change color and fall to the ground it’s important to keep the leaves from causing problems with your unit. Excess debris will have direct effect on the air flow of the system. Keep trees, hedges and any large branches trimmed back around the unit. When a winter storm hits with heavy snow you do not want tree branches collapsing and breaking onto your outdoor air conditioning unit.

Protect the Unit

There are many pro’s and con’s to using a cover to protect your unit during the harsh snowy, winter days. If you are looking to help keep your air conditioning unit clearer while not in use, a cover will be beneficial. Be aware of extra moisture being trapped within the air conditioning unit and the unit cover.