As the weather begins to cool in fall, you need to protect your air conditioner against extreme cold.
- Begin by turning off your air conditioner’s external power.
Typically, central air conditioners possess external circuits which control the electric current that powers the main unit. Switch off your unit’s power source and open the closed box at the side of the protective housing close to the unit and find a circuit handle colored red. Once you locate the handle, pull out the circuit, and turn it upside down. Then, reinsert the circuit into the slot and close the lid’s box. This process will prevent electrocution as you work on the HVAC unit and protect the air conditioner from damage. It also prevents the possibility of anyone accidentally turning on the unit during winter. In case you turn on the unit during winter, it will create cold air using water. If this water freezes due to external freezing temperatures, it will damage your entire HVAC unit. It would be best if you also cleaned your AC unit’s outer area. The cover of your AC should be kept clean at all times. Any dirt or debris left on your air conditioner in winter could damage the whole unit. Clean the HVAC system’s condensing coils and fan blades using a high-pressure hose. The high-pressure water will eliminate dirt, bugs, and debris from the unit, leaving it clean and ready for winter. You should also inspect the air conditioning unit for cracks and damages. Fix them if you find any. Lastly, cover the HVAC unit adequately. Do not use plastic covers because they could lead to water build-up within your air conditioner.