When you’re shivering through the winter months, the last thing you’re thinking about is your air conditioning system. After all, we’re supposed to be focused on our furnace or heat pump, right? Not necessarily.
Before Winter
Prior to the mercury dropping in the thermometer, you should have prepped your air conditioning unit for its hibernation. Winterizing your air conditioner can help it last years longer, maximizing efficiency.
While raking up the leaves, hopefully you kept the leaves from piling up around the outdoor unit. Having a clear area of at least two to three feet helps prevent clogging, rust and further damage. (Hopefully your outdoor unit is on an elevated base for better efficiency and proper drainage.)
Some professionals recommend covering your outdoor unit to protect it from debris, ice and snow that can damage parts.
During Winter
You’ve seen air conditioning unit covers at stores, and while covering the unit is a good idea to protect it from the harsh winter storms, do it carefully. You do not want to cover the entire unit because it creates a vapor barrier. This vapor barrier traps moisture in your condensing unit, which can cause the unit to rust from the inside out.
The home comfort specialists at Best Heating & Cooling recommend that you put a piece of plywood on the top of your unit. Doing so will ensure that any falling leaves and heavy ice or snow won’t damage your machine, yet it still allows for ventilation throughout the system to prevent rust.
But what about rust on the outside? The exterior of our Coleman heat pumps and furnaces are made to withstand Mother Nature. It doesn’t need an extra layer of protection.
After Winter
When the temperatures start to climb, that’s when it’s best to call Best Heating & Cooling to schedule your yearly air conditioning system maintenance appointment. We’ll ensure that your system is cleaned up and ready to go for that first warm day in Salt Lake City, so no major problems pop up when they’re least welcome.