In just over a week, summer will turn to fall and the temperatures will start to drop. The cooler weather may be nice for us, but it isn’t so nice for our outdoor electronics, most notably your AC. Not only will you not be using it during the winter, but the outside unit will be exposed to the elements. To safely protect it, you’ll need to perform a complete AC shutdown. It’s a process that requires more than flipping a switch, but Rebmann can help you learn how to do it.
Here’s what you need to do to perform an AC shutdown:
Finish your repairs
You want to make sure your AC doesn’t have any outstanding problems before you retire it for the winter. Call someone to help finish any repairs that your AC needs before starting your AC shutdown. Failing to do so can result in the problem getting worse over the winter and catching you off-guard when you bring it back out.
Turn off your AC unit’s power
Turning off your AC doesn’t refer to whether it’s blowing or not. It’s about whether your AC is getting any power whatsoever. An AC that’s still on may turn on briefly during the winter if there’s a warm spell. This will result in the outside condenser sucking in ice and snow, damaging it. To fully shut down your AC, find the breaker switch for the AC and shut it off. You can usually find it on the side of your house or under a flip-up lid near the condenser. Try not to forget about the breaker switch over the winter. You’ll need to flip it back on when you want to use your AC again.
Clean off the condenser
When you’ve got the power off, you’ll want to clean off the condenser and the area around it. Grab a broom and use it to sweep any debris on or around the condenser, such as leaves and branches. After that, take a hose set to low pressure and clean off the outside cabinet. Next, you should closely examine the condenser to make sure the seals are tight and there isn’t any visible damage. If you see anything, let us know next time one of our professionals helps you. You should also look and see if the filter needs replacing or cleaning.
Cover it up
When the condenser dries off, the final step is to cover it with a waterproof cover. Hardware stores often have them for sale, but a waterproof tarp will work if it completely covers the condenser. Also, make sure you secure the tarp with bungee rope to ensure it won’t blow away.
What makes Rebmann my best choice for protecting my AC this winter?
For three generations Rebmann has provided trusted plumbing, heating, and air conditioning expertise to Long Islanders spanning both Nassau and Suffolk counties. The ongoing Rebmann legacy is committed to providing Long Island’s commercial and residential plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems with superior quality, craftsmanship, and professionalism.
We provide 24-hour on-call emergency and stoppage service while consistently working to create lasting relationships with our clients. We foster our customer relationships through our commitment to preventative maintenance care, repairs, remodeling, and replacement options.
Accredited by the Better Business Bureau, Rebmann holds a Master Plumber’s License and is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Our customers can rest easy knowing that we provide a minimum one-year warranty on all products and services. Call Rebmann today to learn more about what we offer!
