Winter is right around the corner, and if you have an air conditioner, then you need to know how to keep it safe during the much colder weather. There are a few things that you should do to get started, and your HVAC service in Everett will certainly back up this list:
The First Step: Shut Down the Unit
Stat by making sure the unit is turned off. For this, you will need to turn off the circuit entirely, but you should start by simply hitting the “off” switch that is found directly on the unit. Once you have flipped the switch, you can proceed to turn it off on the breaker as an extra measure of safety.
Next Up? Washing the Cover
Before winter hits, wash the cover of your unit, as your HVAC service center will tell you. Clean any debris off the unit, including dead sticks, leaves, bugs, and other items. Also remember that any dead sticks or twigs that remain could attract more critters, enticing them to build a nest in your air conditioner.
Cover it Back Up
You can cover it with a tarp, although there are some HVAC specialists who will tell you that this is a great way to attract more rodents. You can, however, lay a tarp and cover it with duct tape to ensure that there are no exposed holes.
Don’t Forget to Get the Pipes Covered
Your air conditioner typically has exposed pipes, especially on the outdoor condenser unit. You can cover these with foam pipe covers which may be purchased at your local home improvement store. This might seem like a small gesture, but it will keep the pipes from freezing and breaking up during the cold season.