3 Tips to Prep Your Air Conditioner for Winter

In comparison to the rest of the country, the Houston, Texas, area doesn’t get all that cold, rarely dropping lower than 40 degrees. In regards to your home, winter provides a much-needed break to your air conditioner, which has probably worked overtime for the past six months. Once the weather has cooled, it’s important to protect your air conditioner so it’s ready to roll in the spring. Here are a few tips to help prep your air conditioner for the winter.

Give It a Cleaning

The exterior portion of your air conditioner, known as the compressor, gets battered by the elements all year. Because it’s exposed to the weather and nature, it becomes filled with branches, leaves, bugs, animal droppings, and other substances. Before you put your air conditioner down for the winter, make sure you take a hose and a brush to remove the debris. By cleaning the unit, you help prevent clogs, rust, animal damage, and perhaps repairs.

Cover the Compressor

Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned the unit, it’s time to prevent any further contamination by covering it. If you’ve had problems with debris in the past, you may want to consider a form-fitting plastic or vinyl cover. For the thrifty homeowner, a piece of plywood over the top secured by a cinder block should do the trick.  Make sure you never turn the unit on when it is covered.

Get an Inspection

Preventive maintenance is one of the best ways to protect your HVAC system from costly repairs down the road. Before winter, it’s highly recommended that you get a furnace tuneup, so you may also want to have us check your air conditioner. By identifying problems early, we can cut your maintenance bill and keep your air conditioner in tip-top condition as it weathers out the winter.

Although you won’t use your air conditioner for the duration of winter, remember the essential role it plays in your comfort during the rest of the year. When winter is finally over, don’t forget to give Davis Air Conditioning and Heating a call to get your air conditioner ready for the ensuing warmer months. You can contact us at 888-710-5530.

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