Summer is nearly over, the cooler weather is fast approaching, and before you know it, winter will be here. For homeowners with a central air conditioning system, you should take a few simple steps to prepare the unit for a long winter. These tasks don’t take a lot of time and can protect your unit from potentially expensive and unnecessary damage.
Why Winterize Your Central AC Unit
Some homeowners leave their central air conditioning condenser unit uncovered and untended at the end of the summer. It houses several essential parts of the central air system, including the compressor, condenser coils and fan, and refrigerant lines. While the outside unit is durable and sturdy enough to stay unprotected during the winter months, it is an expensive piece of machinery to fix and replace. Taking care of it properly can help ensure its longevity and protect it from potential damage caused by ice, snow, animals, and other debris.
Four Steps for Central AC Winterization
- Remove any debris from the condenser unit, including leaves, twigs, grass clippings, animal droppings and nests, and anything else that doesn’t belong in there. Spraying it down with a garden hose can help with a thorough cleaning. Be sure to trim back any bushes and branches that may overhang the unit and can potentially create new debris piles around it.
- Cut off the condenser unit’s power supply. Flipping the switch off will prevent the unit from automatically turning on during a warm winter day which will keep excess water from gathering in the unit. The leftover water can freeze, turn to ice, and damage the unit’s internal components overnight when the temperatures drop.
- To prevent damage to the condenser unit’s external pipes, install some inexpensive, flexible tubular foam or rubber pipe insulation around any exposed pipes to protect against freezing. This foam tubing is usually self-stick and can be cut to fit.
- Cover the condenser unit with a waterproof cover. A simple, waterproof cover can prevent storm debris and ice from catching in the unit’s openings. On average, the AC covers range in cost from $20 to $45. Be sure to secure the cover before any storms.
After a storm, be sure to inspect the cover to make sure the storm didn’t damage it. Clear any snow, ice, and debris off of the cover. Look for any tears and punctures and replace it if necessary. If your central air unit looks as though it were damaged, call the experts at Tragar to inspect and repair it.
Choose Your Best Oil Delivery Option
Tragar Home Services has been Long Island’s most trusted company for central air conditioning maintenance and repair for over 60 years. We provide expert HVAC system upgrades, installations, and repairs. We also offer COD delivery of discount home heating oil to ensure that your family stays warm all winter long. To learn more about our services or schedule an oil delivery, call Tragar Express at (516) 221-2559.
