Winter is a great time to be in Florida – just ask the thousands of visitors who come here every year from November through January! The cool, fresh air is a relaxing change of pace from the hot summer, and your residential air conditioning probably spends much of the time turned off.
Your AC may be settling in for a well-deserved rest – call it winter hibernation – but that doesn’t mean you should forget all about it. Even in a mild Sunshine State winter, there are some steps you can take to make sure your air conditioning unit is in tip-top shape when you need it again.
Don’t forget these winter pointers for your AC:
1. Cover Up Exterior Air Conditioning Units
You don’t have to worry about snow and slush, but there’s still plenty of things that can get into your AC when it’s not in use. Leaves and other lawn debris are among the top culprits here. By keeping your unused AC covered, you protect it from maintenance hiccups. Proactive lawn care and even setting up shrubs around the perimeter of the AC can help, too.
2. Check the Seals on Your Window AC Units
Window air conditioning units are common in Florida. You can find them in larger homes as well many prefabricated structures. No matter where and how you use them, though, a tight seal on the window is essential to energy efficiency. Inspect the seal and make sure it’s in full contact with the metal case of your AC. Beware of moisture damage and warping.
3. Do Your AC Maintenance Basics
What are the basics? The most important things the average home user can take care of in the winter include changing the air filters and making sure there’s sufficient refrigerant in the system. Your air filters are responsible for ensuring good circulation and air quality within your home, while your air conditioner will blow warm and eventually stop running if refrigerant is low.
4. Call an Air Conditioning Expert
To extend your air conditioner’s working life, it’s a good idea to go beyond the basics. A trained professional can check for problems with air conditioner coils, coil fins, condensate drains, and other internal components. Just like you, your AC needs an annual checkup to keep running at its best, and the low-usage period in the winter is the best time to get around to it.
At any time of the year, East Coast Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted partner for keeping your AC humming. To find out more or schedule your maintenance, contact us today.
Don’t forget these winter pointers for your AC:
1. Cover Up Exterior Air Conditioning Units
You don’t have to worry about snow and slush, but there’s still plenty of things that can get into your AC when it’s not in use. Leaves and other lawn debris are among the top culprits here. By keeping your unused AC covered, you protect it from maintenance hiccups. Proactive lawn care and even setting up shrubs around the perimeter of the AC can help, too.
2. Check the Seals on Your Window AC Units
Window air conditioning units are common in Florida. You can find them in larger homes as well many prefabricated structures. No matter where and how you use them, though, a tight seal on the window is essential to energy efficiency. Inspect the seal and make sure it’s in full contact with the metal case of your AC. Beware of moisture damage and warping.
3. Do Your AC Maintenance Basics
What are the basics? The most important things the average home user can take care of in the winter include changing the air filters and making sure there’s sufficient refrigerant in the system. Your air filters are responsible for ensuring good circulation and air quality within your home, while your air conditioner will blow warm and eventually stop running if refrigerant is low.
4. Call an Air Conditioning Expert
To extend your air conditioner’s working life, it’s a good idea to go beyond the basics. A trained professional can check for problems with air conditioner coils, coil fins, condensate drains, and other internal components. Just like you, your AC needs an annual checkup to keep running at its best, and the low-usage period in the winter is the best time to get around to it.
At any time of the year, East Coast Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted partner for keeping your AC humming. To find out more or schedule your maintenance, contact us today.
