As much as you have enjoyed the warm summer months, you have to prepare for the cold season. There is no stopping it. That’s why you should think about winterizing your HVAC system to keep it safe against snow and ice. This process prevents your air conditioner from damage caused by rust and keeps critters from making it their home.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning, your reliable HVAC company in Eden Prairie MN, has been helping homeowners like you safeguard their comfort systems, ensuring optimal performance. We have the right people to take care of your winterization needs, so you won’t have to worry about your HVAC system being idle for months.
Purpose
Winter in Minnesota can be quite unforgiving, and your air conditioner will need some attention to make sure you can use it when the temperatures begin to rise again. The idea is to prep your system in early fall, just before you enclose your home and run your heating unit.
How To’s
Unplug your air conditioner.
Since your AC won’t be running for months, then there is no need for it to remain connected to a power source. If your AC stays plugged in even if it is not being used, the phantom load effect allows it to draw small amounts of energy. If it remains connected over several months, this can equate to a fair amount of energy. To keep you from paying added utility costs, disconnect your AC unit.
To do this, simply locate the electrical unit, which is typically a plastic or metal lid. Remove the cover and flip the switch to the OFF position. Doing so will prevent the system from turning on during a warm winter day.
Clean the outside unit.
A clean, tidy HVAC area is always good for your AC. So, remove leaves, twigs, and grass clippings and keep an area of about 2 feet surrounding the unit clean. A garden hose should help remove foreign objects from your AC unit.
Protect the unit against freezing.
A frozen air conditioner is going to be a problem. So, take a few steps to keep this from happening. Install tubular foam or pipe insulation to protect your outdoor unit. Cut the foam appropriately, allowing it to fit by length and diameter. You can look for self-adhesive pipe insulation for easy set-up.
Cover the AC unit.
For added protection, cover the outdoor unit with a waterproof air conditioner cover. If you don’t want to spend extra money, you can use home items, such as plywood with a brick on top of it, bungee cords, and vinyl tie-downs.
Professional HVAC Winterization and its Benefits
When a qualified professional inspects and prepares your AC for winter, you will stay on top of repairs. He can detect small malfunctions and replace parts before they completely fail and cause more serious problems. Also, winterization gives you peace of mind, knowing that your system runs efficiently and smoothly when you need it in summer.
Not only does HVAC winterization help you in terms of equipment maintenance, but it also presents a great opportunity to clean your surroundings. Since cleaning your outdoor unit involves removing fallen leaves and other debris, you are improving the look of your home while protecting your system from deterioration.
Because your air conditioner will be sitting idle over the next few months, winterizing ensures you’re taking steps toward preventing potential HVAC issues. By keeping water and debris out of the AC unit, you’re decreasing the chances of clogging, rust, and damage. Moreover, covering your cooling system protects it from ice damage and keeps it insulated from wind and snow.
Another benefit of HVAC winterization is that it helps extend the life of your system. While an AC is not intended to be with you for a lifetime, winterizing it does help extend its usefulness. HVAC systems are built to endure cold, but some parts don’t do well in lower temperatures. Winterization ensures that your unit is kept safe from winter precipitation and that its components are protected. This simple step results in a longer equipment lifespan.
Want to Winterize Your AC? Call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
Protect your AC from damage and malfunction. Give us a call and we will do what is necessary to keep it safe and ready for action next summer. We are your trusted Chanhassen AC company.