How to Winterize Your Central Air Conditioning

The leaves are changing and the air is beginning to get colder. This is the time when the air conditioner gets turned off and the furnace is powered on. Now is the best time to prepare your air conditioning unit for the winter. Make sure to turn off your AC unit and do some basic check ups to ensure that it will be in working order when the temperatures rise again. Contact your local AC and Heating companies to perform AC maintenance. 

Getting colder and more concerned about how your air conditioning will fare through the colder months? Contact Strittmatter Plumbing, Heating and AC for help on managing your maintenance and repairs for your air conditioner. Contact us at our phone number 940-246-2075 or on our online booking site. 

Keep reading through to find out the seven ways that you can make your air conditioner more suitable for winter weather. 

Turn off Your Air Conditioning Unit 

To start making your air conditioning unit ready for the colder weather, the first thing you must always do is to turn off the unit. This will allow the unit to stop cooling your home and let the furnace take on all the work. Turning off the unit will also ensure that maintenance checks are safe. Not only will this benefit the technician you hire, but it may prevent future damages to your unit. If left on during the colder season, your pipes may freeze and burst. This can also speed up corrosion and rust, further decreasing the lifespan of your unit. 

Wash Your AC Cover and Clean Around the Unit

Some air conditioners come with a cover. You may need to purchase one if it is an older unit. You will need to wash the cover to remove any debris or pollutants that may attract smaller animals. 

Animals make a habit of building homes in places that will keep them warm when it is cold outside. When these animals nest in your unit there is an increased risk for wiring issues. This means that when you are ready to turn on your AC, you will need to have it repaired .To wash the cover, take a wet cloth and wipe it down. 

Use a wet cloth or broom to remove any debris around the unit. Cleaning around your unit will help keep the animals away. Keep in mind that the unit has to dry completely before being covered for the winter. 

Cover Any Exposed Pipes 

Exposed pipes can easily break or crack in colder temperatures. To prevent this, the best thing to do is to insulate your pipes with insulation foam. You may also use heating tape for problem areas. Use duct tape to make sure the insulation is wrapped tightly against the pipe. If you do not feel comfortable performing these types of air conditioner winter maintenance tasks, call your local AC and heating company for AC services. 

Cover Your Air Conditioner 

Purchasing an air conditioner cover will be the best decision you make this winter. By covering up your unit, you are preventing damage from a few things: 

• Dirt 
• Sticks and Leaves
• Rain 
• Snow 
• Icicles 

For the cover, you can use a fabric, hard cover or tarp. There are a few other things you can use as covers, but review your HVAC manual to see recommendations first. For example, a fabric tarp is known to attract rodents because it can be warmer than a hard cover which is why a manual may not recommend it. If you are unsure of which type of cover to buy, please call your local HVAC company for AC maintenance.

Furnace Maintenance 

The winter months call for heat and comfort inside your home. After ensuring your AC is dry and stored for the winter, check your furnace. A properly working furnace can make the difference between a cold night and a warm one. You do not want your furnace to act up during the coldest nights of the year. To prevent this, you can easily check your furnace by contacting your local AC and heating company to perform maintenance and any necessary repairs or replacements. It is always better to be prepared ahead of time than to do everything when you need it the most. 

Insulation to Prevent Freezing

Pipes are prone to freezing, cracking and even bursting if the water begins to freeze inside them. Insulation for your pipes, as stated before, can do wonders for preventing freezing pipes. The insulation ensures that the pipes keep a constant temperature that is warmer than the temperature outside. 

Make sure to cover any exposed pipes, but also pipes that are not visible to the eye. You can easily insulate the pipes that are observable, but the more conspicuous pipes need to be insulated by a professional. 

Regular Checks on the Unit

After doing your regular maintenance checks for your air conditioning unit, the best thing to do is to keep an eye on your unit during the winter. Don’t let all your hard work go to waste if your AC unit gets damaged. Clean around and on top of the unit whenever you notice snow or debris. This will help to keep your air conditioner free from potential clogs and damage. Also look inside for any small animals before they are able to wreak havoc on the wires. 

AC and Heating Companies in Flower Mound, TX

In Flower Mound, TX and not sure who to call to help prepare your air conditioning unit for the winter? Strittmatter Plumbing, Heating and AC has your back to help with your AC unit and your furnace. We will make sure both are maintenced and are repaired if necessary. We are committed to answering any questions you may have and attending to all of your HVAC and plumbing matters. Trust our professional technicians to help you with premier service. 

If you are ready to schedule a maintenance appointment at Strittmatter Plumbing, Heating and Air, call us locally at 940-246-2075 or contact us online.