How to Winterize Air Conditioners

Certain steps, known as winterization, should be taken every year to prepare your New Jersey home for the winter. This process is best done before the cold weather hits in full force. When you prepare your HVAC unit for the cold weather, you not only reduce cold winter’s drafts, but also boost the longevity of your air conditioner. Our HVAC professionals have put together a list of 9 steps to winterize air conditioners (remember, it’s best to start this process before the first snowfall).

Benefits of Winterizing Your HVAC Unit

Although most ACs can withstand cold, winterizing your HVAC equipment will improve the longevity. There are a few components that actually do not respond well to the cold, especially if and when ice collects on those components. Ensure that your air conditioning unit is protected from the cold, snow and wintery precipitation so it will continue to function at its peak performance once July rolls back around and prevent the risk of future complications.

9 Steps to Winterizing Your Air Conditioner

A well-maintained AC unit will thank you next summer, but you must take a few steps to prepare it for the chill including:

1. Remove leaves and other debris that might be on top of your air conditioner. This improves the look of your home and helps to protect your system from degradation or breakage. Debris can clog the unit, promote rust and hide damage.
2. Wash the exterior unit with a garden hose to remove any excess dirt.
3. Trim back plants that have grown around the unit.
4. Replace clogged or dirty filters with new ones.
5. Cover your AC unit with a waterproof material to protect it from the winter elements. Secure it with bungee cords and monitor it throughout the winter to make sure it remains secure.
6. Clear off any snow or ice that may accumulate on the unit throughout the winter months.
7. Seal up the vents to keep cold air out. Doing so and you will improve the efficiency of your furnace (saving you money on your utility bills).
8. Power down to reduce electricity costs. By cutting the power supply to your AC, you can also prevent the chances of dripping small amounts of electricity from the circuits throughout the winter months.
9. Regular maintenance will save you money on energy bills and extend its lifespan (saving money on early replacement costs).

Save Big with Proper Equipment Maintenance

Keeping your HVAC equipment properly serviced can save you hundreds of dollars a year. Our service technicians knows the ins and outs of the business and regularly winterize air conditioners; we are available 24/7 for emergency heating services. From annual tune-ups to complete replacement, Princeton’s team of HVAC professionals are ready to help. Give us a call at 800.253.9001 today.