With winter just around the corner, most people are focusing their attention on their heating system. Air conditioners are ignored in the process. This is a mistake. Air conditioners can be prepared for the cold months as well. Outdoor units are vulnerable to damage when they are not taken care of. Moisture can build up and trigger corrosion. Animals may also get inside and take shelter. The good news is that preparation requires very little time and effort. All of the materials necessary for this task are found inside most homes.
Contents
Clear The Surroundings
Attention should be given to the immediate surroundings. The unit’s entire perimeter should be free of debris for up to 3 feet away, if possible. A two-foot clearance will do as well. Collect all of the branches, sticks, leaves, and other forms of clutter around the vicinity. Cut the overgrowth of nearby bushes so that it doesn’t become a problem. Keep the area clean so that the risk of rust and clogs is minimized. Pests will have less of an incentive to come. Keep things spic and span since insects and other animals are attracted to the smell of decomposing matter.
Cover The Top With Wood
The top of the unit is susceptible to damage as snow may build up on the surface. You might find this area corroded once the snow clears up in the spring. There is no need to worry, however, because protecting it couldn’t be any easier. Just find a piece of plywood or a similar material. Cut it so that it covers the length and width of the air conditioner. This doesn’t have to be precise so do not fret if your board is a bit small. Find a heavy object like a brick or a large stone. Place this above the wood to keep it in place.
A Word Of Caution
There are some who cover the entire body of the air conditioner including the sides. They use large tarps and ropes in an effort to seal things up. This is not necessary since these cooling systems are designed for outdoor use. They can shrug off the elements fairly well, especially after the steps above have been completed. In fact, full-body coverage can be detrimental since moisture will get trapped. The machine can get corroded from the inside. Covering the top and keeping the surroundings clean is all you really need to do.
Preparing Your AC After Winter
Spring will bring back fine weather after months of snow. The temperature will rise again and soon the AC will be needed to fight the heat. Before reactivation, it is best to get the unit checked by a professional. Any damage will be fixed right away. Technicians will also make sure that the system is operating at maximum efficiency. Make AC maintenance and an annual air conditioning tune-up a regular habit.
AC Maintenance Newton NJ
Homeowners still need to be attentive to their air conditioner as the winter months arrive. Follow the above steps to make your system last. It also guarantees that it is not affected by moisture and other circumstances that come with the arrival of winter. You don’t have to worry about it too much during the wintertime, but after a long, hard winter, it will need to get tuned up again.
Our Nate-certified HVAC specialists are trained to maintain your system so that it runs optimally. Be sure to contact us for an A/C tune-up . It is important to get your cooling system tuned up in the spring, right before the summer heat arrives. Our AC service plan will make your system keep your home comfortable while ensuring that it runs efficiently.
With fall right around the corner, its time to get your heating system serviced. Our heating system maintenance plans will ensure that your system runs at peak performance. These include our unique service plans and heating system tune-ups. Princeton Fuel offers affordable and trustworthy HVAC work for your home. We are among the few providers of air conditioning inspections in NJ to hold a Carrier Presidents Award Dealer distinction.
We service Andover NJ 07821, Augusta NJ 07822, Lafayette NJ 07848, Middleville NJ 07855, Newton NJ 07860, Swartswood NJ 07877, and surrounding areas.