Don’t Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the sudden chill of autumn begins to float through the air, you know winter isn’t far behind. Now’s the time to take a few moments to prep your AC for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer wanes shields it against extreme winter weather that could decrease its life. A few easy steps are all it takes to prime your air conditioner for optimum efficiency come spring.

Deep Clean Your Air Conditioner

As the seasons change, your outdoor air conditioning system can be filled with debris like fallen leaves and pine cones. This is the ideal time to put on your work gloves, remove this debris and gently wash out the outdoor condensing unit. Ensure the outside temperature is comfortably above freezing before putting water into the unit. Then, take out any stubborn leaves or twigs that remain stuck in the nooks and crannies and complete a final sweep around the unit. This helps prevent winter winds from whisking debris back into or underneath your AC unit.

Maintain the AC Unit

If you missed scheduling seasonal air conditioning maintenance last spring, it’s still not too late! Arrange to have a professional technician conduct an AC tune-up before it is too cold out. This tune-up and inspection includes measuring the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, checking and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving parts and testing the system safety controls, among other tasks. Scheduled air conditioner maintenance increases efficiency, extends your unit’s life span and can find minor issues before they escalate into expensive problems.

Disconnect Your Air Conditioner

When you’re confident you have used your AC for the last time this season, look for the condensing unit’s exterior power switch. Open the protective covering, flip the switch off and put the lid back down. This effortless move protects you from accidentally running the air conditioner during the winter months. Accidentally turning on the air conditioner when the condensing unit is covered with ice might create permanent damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Turning off yourAC after the cooling season requires more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also an opportunity to examine the outdoor unit’s condition. Check for cracks, blemishes, rust or other visible issues. Take an extra moment to check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything seems in order. If you identify any issues, call a professional to service the air conditioner before the issue gets worse. This prompt measure helps you avoid unpleasant surprises when you power up your AC after its long winter hibernation.

Guard Your Air Conditioner Against Falling Ice

While some homeowners shield their outdoor air conditioning units with a tarp or a commercially available AC cover, this strategy often creates more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, stopping evaporation and fostering rust or mold development. Rats might even view your covered AC unit as a lovely spot to build a winter den, and also gnaw through critical wiring and leave you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.

Even though a covering might not be the best idea, protecting your AC from falling icicles is still critical to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to shield the top of the air conditioner with plywood weighed down with a heavy block or large rock to make sure the wind doesn’t blow the wood off. Leaving the air conditioning unit’s sides exposed to the winter snows should not cause any problems.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your outdoor AC unit is properly winterized, you can’t simply forget about your AC until you need it next spring. To make certain it stays in good shape, glance at your AC about every week or so. Adjust the plywood if required and get rid of any leaves or pine needles embedded in the condensing unit. Normal winter care helps protect against any nasty scenarios come spring.

Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Fort Lauderdale

Preparing your air conditioner for icy and snowy weather may not be the most exciting task, but the benefits are considerable. Not only does it reduce the chances of pricey repairs and delays when you are looking to enjoy the air conditioning next spring, but it also encourages your unit’s efficiency and longevity.

For trustworthy, experienced assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team provides top-notch service to help our customers prevent HVAC challenges all year-round. With Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning by your side, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of understanding your home comfort is in professional hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today by calling 954-736-4314. Remember, taking care of your air conditioner today is the best way to enjoy a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!

Savings For You

See All Offers Here >
Offer

10% OFF FOR ACTIVE DUTY OR VETERANS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

10% OFF Any Product or Service*
For all Active-Duty, Retired, and Veteran Military Personnel 

  • It’s our way of thanking you for your courage, dedication, and sacrifice to protect our freedom
  • All worked performed by licensed experts, and backed by a written, 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Service Experts is proud to be affiliated with Military Makeover and Hiring Our Heroes

print
Offer

THREE LIMITED-TIME WAYS TO SAVE WITH AN ADVANTAGE PROGRAM BUNDLE

  • Bundle two HVAC systems through the Advantage Program and save $20 a month!
  • Bundle an HVAC and a Water Heater or Water Treatment System through the Advantage Program and save $15 a month!
  • Bundle a Water Heater a Water Treatment System or Indoor Air Quality through the Advantage Program and save $10 a month!

print

© 2025 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.

Chat with a Service Experts Professional