Why You Shouldn’t Forget About Your AC Unit in the Winter

It’s the time of the year again when the temperature drops drastically, and heaters are turned on in almost every household. As the weather gets colder, we often forget about our beloved air conditioners resting outside on our balconies or rooftops. However, leaving your AC unit unattended during winter can lead to regret when it finally comes alive to cool you down in the summer. As a homeowner, it’s crucial to understand why you shouldn’t forget about your AC unit in the winter.

Save Money in the Long Run

Many homeowners would keep their air conditioners on the “rest mode” or “off” during winter. Although this may seem like a money-saving move, it can lead to a higher repair or replacement cost later on if you don’t properly maintain it. Leaving your AC unit unused can cause dirt, fungus, and debris buildup, which can lead to corrosion and mechanical failures.

Keep Pests at Bay

A waterproof cover is a great option to reduce the weather wear and tear that an AC unit goes through. However, it’s important to know that if the cover is improperly put on or damaged at all, it becomes a pretty cozy winter shelter for pests. Small animals such as squirrels, mice, and birds are attracted to the warmth and dark space provided between the cover walls and the AC unit. When they find refuge in your unit, it can lead to various issues such as clogged vents, chewed wires, and minor exterior damage. That’s why it’s essential to check up on your AC unit periodically throughout the winter to rid it of any pests and prevent damage from compounding all season.

Maintain Optimum Efficiency

For your AC unit to perform at its peak during the hot summer months, it’s essential to keep it in top condition, even during the colder months. Regular residential air conditioning repair and maintenance during winter can help you identify any issues and address them before they impact its performance. This includes checking and replacing filters, cleaning the coils, and ensuring the unit is free from debris. Furthermore, a well-maintained unit is more energy-efficient, which means lower energy bills.

Avoid Power Surges

Winter storms are known to cause power outages or surges, which can affect electronic devices. Your AC unit is no exception! Power surges can cause significant damage to your unit’s internal electrical components, causing them to use more power or fail altogether. Avoid such instances by staying aware of the predicted weather and switching off your AC unit from the circuit breaker or unplugging it and covering it well before winter storms hit.

Better Air Quality

It’s a common misconception that air conditioners don’t need maintenance during winter since they are not being used. However, dirty components in your AC unit can cause the filters to clog, further reducing its efficiency when you do turn it on. The air conditioning unit’s primary function is to clean the air indoors, but the dirty filters can’t effectively do that. Therefore, ensuring your AC unit is clean and mechanically sound is important to improve the air quality of your home.

Your air conditioning unit is an integral part of your home’s comfort, and it’s crucial to take care of it throughout all seasons. Don’t let the snow or cold weather keep you away from proper maintenance, or else you may regret it later. By following these simple steps, you can save money, improve your home’s air quality, avoid power surges, and keep pests away. So, don’t forget your AC unit in winter and give it the maintenance it deserves.