Cooler temperatures are finally here in Nashville and many homes are getting ready to turn off their air conditioners if they have not already. Just turning your thermostat to the off position is not enough to shut down your AC for the season, however, and there are a few additional steps you want to take to make sure that your AC is ready to come back on next summer.
Preparing Your Air Conditioner for Winter
Properly shutting down your AC unit once the hot weather has passed and taking care of a few steps will reduce the chance of any damage over the winter and reduce the need for maintenance in the spring. End of season shut down steps you should follow include:
- Switch Off Your Thermostat – Set your thermostat to the “off” position to power down your air conditioner.
- Cut the Power – Find the breaker switch for your AC outside your home and turn it completely off. This means you will not have to worry about your AC powering on until you are ready for it.
- Clean the Condenser – After summer, your outdoor condenser unit will often have a buildup of dirt, leaves, and other debris on it. To avoid letting this dirt sit throughout the winter, clean it with rags and a garden hose.
- Cover Your AC – It is not necessary to cover your AC in Nashville, but it can help to keep away dirt while your air conditioner is not in use. If you do cover your AC, you should use a cover that permits ventilation to avoid moisture collecting on the underside and causing any damage.
- Schedule Repairs – If you have been noticing issues in the last few weeks or months, this can be a good time to schedule those repairs so that your AC is ready to go in the spring.
- Consider HVAC Servicing – You should already be planning on a furnace tune up in the fall, but it can also be worthwhile to schedule an AC service visit as well. This is a chance for an HVAC technician to inspect your air conditioner and find any problems you may have missed, giving you another opportunity to schedule repairs early.
Lewis Comfort Control provides AC repair in Nashville and can help with all of your end of season AC needs, including repairs, final tuneups, and making sure your AC is ready for the winter. Call today to schedule a visit from an experienced HVAC technician.