AC Winterization

As the first snowflakes begin to fall, you snuggle up by the fire, and your mind is on the wintery season ahead. The days of sweltering summer heat are long forgotten, replaced by a toasty fire and fully cranked furnace. But before you settle in for your long winter’s nap, you must check off one remaining to-do item to ensure a cool, enjoyable summer ahead: you must winterize your air conditioner.

That’s right, do your future-self a favor by taking care of your AC winterization right now. Whether winterizing your air conditioner just slipped your mind this year or whoops, it’s your fourth year as a homeowner, and you’ve never thought to do it (don’t worry –– your secret is safe with us), there’s an easy solution –– hire a Tasker. Checking off this to-do is as simple as a few clicks!

Change your air filter and clean air vents

One of the most common causes of an HVAC breakdown is accumulated dirt and dust in the filtering system. Check your HVAC air filter every month—defer to your owner’s manual for where filters are located—and wait no longer than 90 days to replace if you see an issue. Keeping backup filters on hand is a smart move, as a dirty filter is an ineffective filter.

Additionally, check and clean air vents throughout your home. The buildup of dust and dirt within your home can also cause ventilation blockages and inefficient airflow.

Consider installing additional insulation.

A well-insulated home is an efficient home. Consider hiring a local HVAC professional to inspect your attic for deteriorating insulation and replace what’s necessary.

While you’re at it, a good DIY activity is to check weather strips on all doors and windows. Cold that enters the house through drafty doors and windows will affect the ground floor first, so make it the first place you look during your home inspection.

Winterize and cover your outdoor AC unit to protect against ice, snow, and debris.

If you live in an area that sees extreme winter conditions, it’s smart to fully winterize your outdoor AC unit before the snow and ice arrive. On a dry fall day, get outside and remove all leaves, twigs, and grass clippings from your outdoor unit—a garden hose can help provide a thorough rinsing, removing animal droppings, bugs, dust, and dirt.

Once the unit has completely dried again, locate the electrical circuit and flip the switch to cut the power supply—that way, you'll prevent accidental automated starts during warm winter days. Finally, cover the HVAC unit with a waterproof cover that can breathe so moisture doesn’t build up over the winter months, and remember to clear snow, ice, and debris as it accumulates in the coming months

Even if you live in a milder climate, your outdoor unit is still susceptible to falling debris, curious animals, and general deterioration due to the elements. Consider adding a protective top, like the Trane WeatherGuard, to keep leaves and other debris out of the unit. Show it some love, and your HVAC system will reward you with reliable service for years to come.