With fall arriving next month, it’s about that time to start thinking about getting your home prepared for winter. The winters in Ohio can be unpredictable, but luckily we get to escape to our home for warmth. Yet, your AC, mainly the condenser unit located outside, does not receive the same benefit we have during the colder time of the year. This means you will need to switch your AC off and prepare your equipment for the colder weather conditions. By properly switching your AC off, you will be able to avoid any inevitable repairs and appreciate the cool air in your home next summer.
Here are some steps you can take to accurately shut down and protect your AC from the harsh conditions of winter:
Properly Turn Off Your AC
Your AC contains more than your indoor equipment, and switching off your AC through the thermostat will not be enough to shut your system completely down; the outdoor equipment should be shut down as well. In addition, keeping your condenser unit running could cause inevitable problems. In the case of a warm spell, your condenser unit has the chance of turning on and consuming snow and ice. To completely turn off all of your AC equipment, find the breaker box and switch the fuse attached to your AC to ‘off.’
Inspect and Clean Condenser Unit
Since the condenser unit is outdoors, it is best to clean and inspect before it gets too cold out. Fall is the perfect time to examine the condenser unit. The first thing you should do is clean up any leaves or branches on or near the condenser unit. Then, using a hose, you can clean off any debris or dirt stuck on the condenser unit from the past year. When inspecting your equipment, if you notice any damage, such as cracking or rusting, it is best to contact an HVAC professional.
Cover and Protect Equipment
Lastly, cover the condenser unit with waterproof vinyl or plastic cover. Be sure to secure the cover on your equipment with bungee cords. Hardware stores often carry covers specific to your equipment’s size, but using a vinyl or plastic cover will work just as well as long as the equipment is completely covered and tightly secured.
Have more questions about preparing your home for winter?
Call Washington Court House Heating & Cooling today at (740) 281-5312, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
