How to Winterize Your AC Unit

All summer long, your air conditioner works hard to keep your house cool. So needless to say, you’ll do anything it takes to keep it running well in the summer. But once winter comes, many homeowners are all too quick to set their unit to “off” and go about their days. But if you want your unit to work well year-after-year it’s important that you treat it well all year long. The best way to keep your AC safe from Old Man Winter is by winterizing and covering it properly.

Cut the power to your AC unit. 

First things first, you need to turn off the exterior power to your unit. This will prevent it from electrocuting anyone working on the unit or accidentally being turned on in the winter. If you have:

• Central air: cut power to the exterior circuits that control the power to the entire unit. It’s usually as simple as pulling out the red circuit handle in the circuit box. 
• Window units: Window units can simply be unplugged, or removed from the window entirely and stored in a dry space, like an attic or basement. 

Clean your unit — inside and out. 

Freezing temperatures can trap debris in your unit and damage it. With a damp rag and cleaning solution, wipe down the surface of the unit. Then, use a high powered hose to clean the fan blades and condensing coils.

Inspect the ground around your AC. 

Even in the summer, you always want the outside area around your home to be clear of any reaching tree limbs or leaves. Trim any branches that are touching (or will soon be touching) your unit and sweep the ground below so that wind won’t push fallen debris back into your now clean unit.

Cover your AC unit. 

To cover or not to cover, that is the question. Some technicians suggest everyone cover their unit, so as to protect it from whirling debris and cold air. However, others believe that covering your unit will trap moisture and cause mold to grow. We think the best option is to combine them and make the best of both worlds. The first cool day of fall, cover your unit but be sure to leave at least 12 inches of exposed coil so that air can continue to circulate. Every month or two, remove the cover, clean your unit, and leave it uncovered for one day.

If you notice mold anywhere in your house this winter, give the experts at GreenPro Cleaning & Solution a call! We offer professional cleaning and mold removal services to homes across Long Island. If you live in Nassau County or Suffolk County, call us to get started with a free estimate at (631) 940-8100.