Although your furnace is the appliance that works hard during the winter, forgetting about your air conditioner during this season can cause problems when you need it in the spring. Making a small effort to maintain and protect your air conditioner during the winter can help you to maintain lower utility bills and a comfortable indoor environment all year long. Keep reading for some wintertime air conditioner maintenance tips to help you save money and prepare for spring.

Cover Your Unit
Your air conditioner’s condenser is designed to remain outdoors all year long. It can withstand cold temperatures without significant damage, but it’s still a good idea to cover your unit to protect it from debris and falling ice or snow. While it can be tempting to simply purchase a piece of tarp and strap it around your condenser, improperly covering your unit can lead to moisture buildup inside, which will damage its components. Talk to your HVAC maintenance expert about the type of cover you should use to protect your condenser. The right cover should leave a few inches exposed at the bottom of your unit to discourage accumulation of moisture inside.

Turn Off the Power
When you’re through using your air conditioner in the fall, it’s a good idea to turn off the breaker that leads to the unit. Turning off the power source to your air conditioner can save you money on your utility bills during the winter. It will also ensure that the unit does not turn on to provide cooling on unseasonably warm days or while it is covered. Activating your air conditioner while it is still covered to protect it from ice, snow, and debris can cause damage and strain on the system. Keeping the power off until you have uncovered the unit will prevent any damage of this sort from occurring.

Schedule Your Yearly Maintenance
Winter is actually one of the best times to schedule your air conditioner’s yearly maintenance. Have an HVAC professional inspect, clean, and make any repairs to your unit during the winter months, when your air conditioner isn’t being used and you can schedule an appointment at your leisure. Air conditioning repairs are often cheaper and can be done sooner during the winter, simply because there is less demand. By making sure your air conditioner is in good condition during the winter, you know it will be ready to perform at its best and save you money when you finally turn on your air conditioning in a few months.  

Maintaining your air conditioner during the winter will protect your investment and ensure your home stays cool and comfortable as the temperature rises in the spring. If you’d like to schedule repairs or maintenance for your HVAC system in Detroit or Ann Arbor, visit us on the web to contact a heating and cooling professional. We also invite you to explore our website to learn more about your air conditioner and how we can help you get the most from your home’s heating and cooling systems.