Prepare your air conditioner for the colder months in Mansfield, Ohio

Winterizing your central air conditioning unit can keep it safe from animal or other damage during the cold season. It can also make it easier to get cold air flowing through your home the first time that you turn it on in the spring or summer. What are some steps that you should take to prepare your AC for the winter months?

Clean Your Unit

The first step is to clear any debris away from the condenser unit. Be on the lookout for any sticks, plants or grass that may be growing either inside of it or within two to three feet. This reduces the odds that animals will find it an inviting place to live during the winter. It may also help to protect against rust or other physical damage.

Cover It With Plywood or Another Sturdy Material

Covering the unit with plywood or a similar material ensures that snow or other debris will not be able to get inside of the unit. It also provides enough air to circulate through to prevent ice or condensation from becoming an issue. Although you may have the urge to seal it with plastic or another insulating material, you should avoid this urge at all costs. Not allowing moisture to escape the unit could cause significant damage and reduce the unit’s useful life.

Have It Serviced By a Professional

In addition to cleaning and covering the unit, it may be a good idea to have it serviced by a professional. This ensures that any mechanical issues can be caught and fixed before they become worse. It may also prevent you from spending time and money swapping out parts or otherwise trying to diagnose an issue by yourself to no avail.

Your air conditioner was built to withstand the elements with little maintenance from homeowners. Therefore, your main objective is to keep snow, ice or any animals that may stick around during the winter out of it. If you can do that, there is a good chance that your air conditioner will be ready to go the first time you need it the following spring and summer.