It can be sad to say goodbye. Our air conditioners did an excellent job of keeping us cool, or perhaps they struggled a little bit. Either way, we’re going to need to retire them soon. As temperatures drop, you’ll need a heating solution for your home’s HVAC in Westlake, OH that can get the job done. While our next few blog posts will be talking about heating needs, we’re still going to mention a last few bits of advice about air conditioners before we say goodbye to them.
The truth is that most homeowners don’t retire their air conditioners the right way. When they pull them out at the start of summer the following year, they’re often surprised by problems that were either already there before, or the product of neglect during the winter. So let’s talk about what we can do to better help our cooling systems hibernate while we get ready for fall.
Our Step-by-Step Guide
You don’t have to leave your air conditioner by the wayside for months on end while it snows, rains, and gets muddy. There are ways you can protect it and keep it in good working order for the next summer to roll around. Read our step-by-step guide to keeping your AC in good shape and we promise we’ll help if you need it.
Clean Around the AC
Critters love a neglected outdoor air conditioner cabinet in the fall and winter because it can be a nice place to build a nest and keep warm. Unfortunately for you, they’ll wreak havoc if they get anywhere near your AC system. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep about two feet of cleared space around your system to ensure it doesn’t get clogged up with dirt, debris, sticks, pebbles, and critters.
Cover It Up
The surefire way to make sure your air conditioner’s outdoor cabinet doesn’t become home to critters, aside from cleaning around the system, is to cover it up. This can be done to varying levels. If you’re in the market for serious protection, you can buy an air conditioner cover that’s made specifically for your system. Just make sure it’s measured correctly and it fits your AC.
Or, a good DIY tip is to use a tarp if you don’t want to purchase a cover. It might not be as thorough a protector as a manufactured AC cover, but it’s better than nothing.
Don’t Forget
When was the last time you changed the air filter? Or did you ever get that last-minute repair taken care of? If not, it’s not the end of the world, but you’ll want to remember for next year.
Try writing down what you need to do for next year before you start running your AC. Make a list of any repairs that need to be made, a reminder to change the air filter, and a reminder to schedule maintenance when the time comes. This will make it easier and ensure you don’t forget anything!
Call the team at Westland Heating & Air Conditioning if you need any help with your AC.
