Hot summer days are long gone, and the furnace is kicking on to help take the chill off of the cool autumn mornings. Now it is time to make sure you take care of your AC during the winter! Before rushing your AC into hibernation, however, make sure you take the following steps to keep it clean, healthy, and ready to get back to work once summer comes around again.
Remove Leaves, Branches, and Debris.
With stormy weather on the horizon and leaves already starting to fall, it’s a good time to clear debris from the area around your AC unit. While it’s actually beneficial to leave twigs and leaves alone in your yard (they become shelter and warmth for frogs, lizards, and other small animals), it is detrimental to leave them in close proximity to your air conditioning unit. Keeping your HVAC system clear of mud, leaves, branches, and other debris allow it to get proper airflow and function smoothly at maximum energy efficiency in the future.
Clean The Coils
Coil cleaning is a simple task almost anyone can do and doesn’t require the assistance of a professional. Use a soft cloth or duster to gently clean the coils, remove dust and allergens, and scrape off any dried-on dirt. This will assure contaminants don’t sit and cake onto the coils during the off season. If you have pets at home, a smoker in the house, or other heavy contaminants around, frequent coil cleaning can be one of the most effective ways to improve the health of your air.
Replace the Filter
Regular filter cleaning and/or replacement is an essential part of HVAC maintenance, and should be done at every change of season. Not only will changing the filter make the air in your home cleaner, but it will also help the air conditioning unit to function more smoothly and use less energy at the same time!
Invest in a Cover
If you have an outdoor air conditioner, it is recommended that you place a cover over it during the winter months. Doing this protects the AC from the elements, reduces the chances of rust or damage, and keeps dirt and debris from negatively impacting the performance of the unit.Â
Seal Up Window Units
If you have a window unit, you’re going to want to either remove it in preparation for the cool months or seal up any cracks around it in the window frame. Make sure to use caulking to ensure a tight fit and to prevent drafts and damage.Â
Need Assistance? We’re Here to Help!
If you’d rather have a certified HVAC technician out to prepare your air conditioner for winter for you, simply give us a call at Maki Electrical, Heating, and Air. We offer a wide variety of services such as HVAC unit deep cleaning, mini split system installation and repair, air duct cleaning, smart thermostat and Energy Star appliance installation, energy optimization, heater repair, and more. Our customer service is as excellent as our HVAC services. Contact us today at (530) 885-3449 or (916) 782-9242 to see how we can help you!
