Winterizing your HVAC System in the Fall

With November approaching, comfort will depend on heating rather than cooling very soon. Your AC unit will last longer if you continue to perform routine maintenance on it, before the cold season hits. Here are some tips to keep your AC running as efficiently as possible throughout the autumn and winter.

1. How to Run Your HVAC Unit
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During the autumn, temperatures can range widely from warm and hot during the daytime, to cold and freezing during the nighttime. This means that you'll have to adjust the temperature throughout the day accordingly.

Now you don't want to run the AC and the heat at the same time (unless your AC has that option). Some ACs have industrial safeguards, but if yours doesn't, and you run both of them together at the same time, you can fry your wiring.

If you want to run both at once, then this is possible with a mini-split system. Check with your AC company if you aren't sure what kind of AC system you have.

So, if you can't run both at once, then how should you run your AC during autumn weather?
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Generally speaking, you'll want to run cooling on warmer days and switch to heating at night before the temp reaches below freezing. 

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2. Consult Your HVAC Unit's Documentation

Instructions for winterizing your AC system should have come with your manufacturer's original documentation. You'll need to follow these instructions to ready your AC and its various components for winter.

If you lack the original documentation, you can probably find it online or by contacting the manufacturer directly.

In addition to HVAC winterization tips, your AC professional can handle the routine maintenance for your condenser that you may not have the time or ability to do yourself.

3. Turn Off The Power When Cleaning

When you winterize your AC components, be sure to cut the power. Electricity running through your system can expose you to electric shock when you clean the AC.

Your owner's manual for the AC should describe where the power switch is on your unit.

4. Clean and Shield the Condenser

The outdoor condenser must be protected. You can buy a cover for the condenser unit or construct one yourself.

You might wonder why this is necessary. After all, condensers can handle rainfall just fine. Snowfall, on the other hand, can freeze the condenser from the inside and out. This will warp the coils and other components.

Speaking of coils, your outdoor condenser coils might have gunk and dust from last summer built upon them. You'll want to clean this off and look for damage on the coils as well.

5. Cover The Condenser Pipes

The last step to winterizing your HVAC unit is to add foam-insulating covers to the pipes going from the condenser to your residence. Keep the cover secure by using tape or clamps.

This autumn and winter, be sure to check often for fallen branches or debris on the condenser. Do your best to keep water and snow off of and away from the condenser covering.

If you need professional help in readying your HVAC unit for winter, contact us today.