What To Do With Your Air Conditioner When Summer Ends
After a long productive summer, the cooling system deserves to rest while you shift your focus to household heating. Dropping temperatures will let you turn off the air conditioner without discomfort. Make sure that you don’t just switch it off and forget. Instead, close down the air conditioner properly to prolong its lifespan and set it up for another good run next year. Keep reading to explore some effective end of summer AC tips.
What To Do With Your Air Conditioner When Summer Ends
Contents
In this article, we discuss important topics for homeowners who want to take good care of their cooling system.
How to Close Down the Air Conditioner
1. Review Energy Bills
Gather the documents related to your energy consumption in the past few months. Compare these with the bills you got the year before. Were there any major spikes? Are the changes within reason given your usage patterns and appliances? Consult with an HVAC technician if you see an unexplained rise in energy use.
2. Record Issues You Encountered With Your Cooling System
It’s a good idea to write down any AC issues you encounter throughout the summer. If you don’t have a record yet, then start one right now, noting anything that you can still remember. Use these notes to keep the technician informed during annual maintenance visits.
3. Don’t Use An Air Conditioner Cover
As winter approaches, you might be tempted to cover up your outdoor cooling unit for protection. It may seem like a logical move, but it can backfire by trapping moisture and damaging the internal components. Trust that this unit is designed to handle exposure to winter conditions. Just keep the compressor’s surroundings clean and clear of debris.
Common Air Conditioner Problems to Look For
Summer is a stressful time for air conditioning systems. They work hard day after day to keep the house cool, barely stopping to rest. Once fall comes along, it’s a good idea to check whether common air conditioner problems have developed in the last few months. Early diagnosis can lead to immediate solutions.
1. Frozen Air Conditioner Coils
Airborne dirt can land on the air conditioner coils and build up a thick layer of insulation over time. Dirty coils won’t be able to perform efficient heat transfer, and this can lead to frozen surfaces. If you see signs of freezing, ask a technician to intervene.
2. Dirty HVAC Filters
It’s the job of air filters to capture dirt. Unlike the coils, you want dirt to build up on the filters because that means they are doing their job. However, you have to be mindful of their limits. Excessive dirt will restrict airflow, so change the filters every month or so.
3. Clogged Air Conditioner Drains
The vapor that condenses around the cold coils should flow freely down the internal drains. However, dirt can create clogs that keep water inside the unit and cause overflows. If you have a leaking air conditioning system on your hands, then you may have a clogged drain. Call an HVAC contractor to clean your system.
Post-Summer Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips
Make it a habit to conduct air conditioner maintenance after summer. You can do the tasks yourself, but you will probably get better results by hiring a professional. Pros will notice symptoms that amateurs will miss. They can also perform quick HVAC repairs, if needed.
1. Listen To Your Air Conditioning Unit
Turn on the air conditioner purely to listen to the machine. Odd HVAC noises are some of the best signs that a cooling unit is experiencing problems. Smooth operation is characterized by a uniform quiet hum. If you hear any clicking, banging, wheezing, screeching, or other loud sounds coming from your air conditioner, then a deeper investigation will be necessary to find the source.
2. Check the Air Conditioner Connections
The air conditioner’s electrical system deserves attention. Be sure to switch off power to avoid accidents before starting. Better yet, let a trained technician handle this for safety. Techs will check the continuity of connections and the condition of the wires. They will replace damaged portions to prevent fires and other dangers. They can also fix other electrical issues like faulty capacitors and short circuits.
3. Clean the Air Conditioner Coils
Even if the coils are not frozen, be sure to clean them up so that the layer of dirt does not stick to the surface. You should also remove any debris that has made its way into the system. Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up foreign materials along the fins. Outside the unit, trim nearby bushes and weeds to reduce debris.
4. Check the Thermostat
The thermostat controls the air conditioner, so keep this working accurately. Replace the batteries if they are running low. Reprogram the unit from summer settings to fall settings. Every season has its own optimal usage pattern.
5. Get Professional Air Conditioner Maintenance
Don’t panic if all these seem overwhelming. You are not meant to go through all of them alone. You can seek the help of a local HVAC technician who can perform everything on these lists. Techs can also give you practical advice to avoid cooling system issues.
Consider a Cooling System Upgrade
At the end of summer, assess whether it is still worthwhile to keep your old air conditioner. How old is it this year? Most air conditioners have a lifespan of 10 years with proper maintenance. If your unit is within this range and suffering from frequent breakdowns, then it might be a good idea to look for an air conditioner replacement. You can stop worrying about mounting HVAC repair costs. A new cooling system will work flawlessly while providing better features and higher energy efficiency.
Schedule a Heating System Tune-up
The dropping temperatures remind us that winter is fast approaching. After dealing with your air conditioner, shift your focus to the heating system. Schedule a professional furnace or boiler tune-up to get it ready for the coming months. Fix all issues in the fall, so you don’t have to worry about having a broken furnace once it gets really cold. Stock up on fuel in your oil tank as well.
Conclusion
Air conditioners make hot summers bearable. They work hard so that we can be cool and comfortable. Once summer ends, make it a point to check on the cooling system. Keep your air conditioner going for years to come by conducting fall maintenance. Seek help from a certified HVAC technician for a thorough check-up and immediate solutions.
Call McAllister Energy For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
McAllister Energy offers superior heating and cooling services in Camden County, New Jersey. We hire the best-certified technicians who can provide you with excellent HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. Each of our techs has the knowledge and experience to service your HVAC system correctly.
McAllister Energy guarantees the most competitive heating and cooling service costs in the area. Our maintenance services can improve your comfort and increase your energy efficiency while reducing your home heating and cooling costs. If you happen to need an HVAC repair or replacement system, we can recommend the best one for your home while staying within your budget. We back all of our work with a guarantee to ensure your satisfaction. To schedule a service appointment, give McAllister Energy a call today. We offer free, in-home estimates.
You can click here to contact us now or call us at (856) 665-4545 to find out more!