Your AC is a lifesaver during summer months. However, just because your air conditioning unit will not be as important during winter, it doesn't mean that you won't need to prep it for the winter. Here's how you prepare your AC for winter:

Exterior power

Central air conditioning units have exterior circuits controlling power that runs to the unit outside. Turn off the power to the unit by flipping the red circuit handle down. Turning off the exterior power will prevent damage to the unit when trying to clean the unit before being dormant during the winter season. This also prevents the unit from being accidentally turned on during winter. If this happens, your AC unit will use water with freezing temperatures to create the cool air, and the condensation can damage the unit.

AC services

The time before winter is the best time to look for AC services because they tend to be less busy during this season. AC services provider will clean the outside of the unit. Cleaning the unit and its surrounding is important because freezing temperature and snow can trap debris that can quickly damage the unit come summer time. AC services will also clean the fan blades, condensing coils, and underneath of the unit. AC technicians will also check the unit for cracks, damages, and malfunctions. They will seal the cracks to protect the unit from the harsh winter.

Winterizing the Unit

The next step is to winterize your AC unit. Winterizing your AC unit protects it from cold weather, ice, snow, and rust damage. Use foam covers around the exposed pipes to prevent it from freezing and let it stay in place using adhesive tape or duct tape. The foam also insulates the pipes during the winter. Some AC units have specialized plastic or vinyl covers made by their manufacturers. Otherwise, you can also buy and use any large plastic or vinyl cover that fits the unit. To be sure, wrap vinyl ropes or bungee cords to keep the plastic or vinyl covering to keep it secure and prevent it from being blown away by strong winds.

The time before winter is the perfect time to give your AC unit some TLC! Turn off the exterior power to make sure that it rests throughout the winter. Call for air conditioning services to clean the unit and make the needed repairs before winterizing the unit. Cover the unit with vinyl or plastic and its exterior pipes with insulating foam. Do these steps, and your AC unit is ready for the winter.

Contact a company like Art Douglas Plumbing Inc. for more information and assistance.