As the seasons change, different systems are needed. Though in the Las Vegas Desert we rely on the air conditioner longer than other places in the country, it will eventually not be needed for our cool weather. While helping protect against winter elements and moisture damage winterization helps prepare your air conditioner for next cooling season. In Greater Las Vegas, as the cool weather arrives in late October, it is probably time to switch off your air conditioner. Shutting it down correctly will help ensure it works properly next summer. Today, we at Hal Mechanical would like to further discuss prepping your air conditioner for winter.
How Do I Winterize My Air Conditioner?
Your air conditioner can be negatively impacted by winter conditions, even a short-lived winter Las Vegans are used to. While prolonging the lifespan of your equipment, you can prevent any number of minor and major repairs next spring by investing your time now. These issues can lead to corrosion, rust, pest infestation and nesting, as well as damage from debris.
Steps to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Cold Winter Weather
Below are the basic steps to prepare your air conditioning unit for the off-season.
1) Clean the exterior AC condenser unit. The unit outside is known as the condenser unit. Before you get started cleaning the unit, make sure it is completely powered off. If you have a shop vac, you can use the power unit to vacuum debris from the exterior fins using a soft brush attachment.
2) Straighten AC fan fins. Using gentle pressure from a butter knife you can cautiously straighten any bent fins.
3) Before carefully lifting out the fan without bending or disconnecting the wires, unscrew the top grill and set it aside. With a damp cloth, remove any debris from the interior of the unit and gently wipe surfaces.
4) Using moderate pressure, spray fins from the inside out with a garden hose. When complete, reinsert the fan, reattach the cover, and restore power.
Winterizing AC Units
Assess the AC Compressor. To listen for any unusual noises such as buzzing, clunking, or grinding, which are signs you may need repair, stand nearby as the air conditioning unit is running.
Change or Clean the Air Filter. In order to protect system components and improve the quality of your indoor air a clean air filter helps.
Clear the Surrounding Area. Trim trees, bushes, or foliage, leaving a three-foot clearance on all sides and above as you want to clear long grass and debris from the perimeter of the outdoor unit.
Cover. Ensuring the fit isn’t too tight, place a specially designed AC cover over the unit, after its final use, to allow for ventilation which can prevent rust build up and nesting by small animals. Rest a sheet of plywood cut to fit the top of the unit plus an additional two feet of overhang on all sides, and secure with a heavy brick or rock to keep it in place for an alternative.
Schedule a Professional HVAC Inspection
Ideally, an air conditioning tune-up should be scheduled and conducted just before the season begins and at the end of the season, scheduling an inspection service can help ensure any wear and tear is caught and the unit is cared for before serious issues develop. For your air conditioning services in the Las Vegas, NV area, call in the experts of Hal Mechanical and let our qualified technicians assist you.
