Do you know that it is important to winterize your HVAC unit? If you ensure your unit is ready for the winter, you can reduce wintery drafts and ensure the life of your unit.

“Start by sealing off your air conditioning vents,” says owner of Atlanta Heating and Air Conditioning Phil Montgomery. “This can eliminate drafts from entering your home. If you can keep the cold air out, the can ensure your furnace works as efficiently as possible.”

 

The more efficient your furnace is able to be, the more you can save on your energy bills each month, too.

But winterizing won’t just save you money, it can also lengthen the life of your unit, as well. There are some components to air conditioners that simply don’t respond well to cold weather. Add ice to the mix and you might have a unit that doesn’t work properly when the cold is gone and temperatures begin rising. Winterizing means your unit will be protected from cold temperatures and precipitation.

So how do you winterize your unit? It’s best to begin before temperatures fall too much, and here are some steps to follow:

• Wash the exterior unit with a garden hose to remove dirt, leaves and other debris. If plants or other vegetation have grown up around the unit, trim those back.
• Use a broom to brush off any remaining debris from the dry unit.
• Purchase a heavy duty tarp and cover the exterior unit to protect it from precipitation, which can allow rust to set in.

A unit that has been properly winterized can prevent future HVAC problems. If you haven’t ever protected your unit during the winter before, there is no time like the present to begin. By using a tarp to keep the unit covered, you can prevent water and ice from entering, thereby preventing rust, clogs and other damaging issues.

To save additional money this winter, you can also cut your power supply to your air conditioning unit. This can ensure that you never accidentally use your AC over the winter, and can also prevent your unit from using up small amounts of electricity when it’s not needed. While you won’t see a huge savings, you may notice a couple of dollars saved on each bill this winter.

If you have questions about winterizing your HVAC unit, call the experts at Atlanta Heating and Air Conditioning. Taking proper precautions can lengthen the life of your unit and ensure it works properly when you need it most.