How to Winterize Your AC

As the weather cools down and fall is in the air, you’ve left your air conditioning days behind. The crisp weather should be a sign that it’s time to winterize your AC to protect it until next season. It will help your system endure the wear and tear of the cold months while helping your system stay in top working order. The team at Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical put together everything you need to know about winterizing your air conditioning safely and efficiently.

Get Started in September

September is the perfect time to winterize your air conditioner. It’s still warm outside, but you probably will use your air conditioner less and less. We also encourage winterizing in the early fall to avoid cold snaps that could damage your AC or postpone your plans.

Turn Off Your Electricity

Once you’re certain that you won’t need your air conditioner for the remainder of the year, make sure your electricity is completely turned off. Go to your power box and shut off electrical power to the AC. This extra precaution will prevent it from turning on again turning an unusual hot spell, which will create huge problems for the system as soon as the weather cools off when the sun goes down.

Clean and Protect the Outside

Your air conditioner’s outside unit is of the biggest concern for homeowners. After all, it’s exposed to inclement weather in the fall and winter. Remove anything and everything within 18 inches of the unit, including leaves, weeds and similar debris.

You can also clean the fan blades with a regular garden hose while it’s still warm outside. Don’t do this step during winter, or your fan blades could freeze from the water. Once you’re certain there are no more warm snaps and you won’t need the system again until the spring, cover it up with a tarp or a fitted AC cover that can be purchased at any home improvement center in the area.

Periodically Check On Your AC

As winter settles in, check on your air conditioner for signs of damage and to clear debris after a storm, snow, or inclement weather. If you notice any issues or concerned about your air conditioner, heating, or HVAC, give the technicians at Bell a call any time for more serious work on your unit. During late fall and early winter, you may still need your air conditioner in case there is a heat wave and need it to be in top working order.

Schedule Heating Maintenance

Once your air conditioner is safely winterized, it’s time to think about the health of your furnace, heat pump, boiler, or other heating system. We recommend heating maintenance to check your system, look for any issues, change your filters, and ensure everything is ready to keep your home warm and toasty on those cold, Colorado nights.

Call the Air Conditioning and Heating Experts at Bell Plumbing

The start of fall isn’t the time to leave your AC days behind; it’s an opportunity to protect it until next season. Call the team at Bell for all of your heating and cooling needs, from maintenance to repairs and new installations. We’re here to help! Schedule your appointment today for year-round comfort and peace of mind.