Protecting Your Air Conditioner This Winter: What You Can Do

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Winter can wreak havoc on your home, including your exterior appliances such as your air conditioner. Winter snow can be extremely heavy and can cause a lot of damage. Falling snow from your roof can also cause damage, and if your air conditioner isn't protected properly, it can cause enough damage that you may need to replace your system the following season. Read on for tips to help you protect your air conditioner this winter.

Keep It Covered

Snow and ice can both cause damage (or even injury), and your air conditioner is no exception. You should keep your air conditioner covered with a tarp to keep snow off and to help protect it from other debris such as broken tree branches. A small piece of plywood can also protect your air conditioner from damage, especially damage from falling ice. Ice falling from the edge of a roof above can damage the fins of the unit, dent the top, or even bend the fan blades inside if it isn't kept covered.

Keep The Dog Away

Your dog could get confused during the winter months, especially if everything around them is covered with snow. If your dog is going to the bathroom too close to your air conditioning unit, it could cause damage to the unit or to components such as the condensing coil. If your dog uses the air conditioner as their new favorite potty spot and damages this area, you may be left scratching your head come spring as to why your unit isn't working properly.  Keep your dog away and save yourself some money on unnecessary repairs.

Disconnect The Power

Disconnecting the power to your unit can save you a bit of money on your energy bill, and it can also protect your unit. If the unit gets turned on accidentally during the winter months, it could lead to damage to your compressor. The unit is going to have issues trying to run in cold weather months, and it may damage the unit. Disconnect power at the breaker or at the plug, but be sure to unplug it when not in use.

You may not be thinking of your air conditioner during cold weather months, but you should be. Protect your unit to keep it in good working order throughout these cold weather months, ensuring it works properly come spring and summer, and preventing unnecessary repair bills. If you do run into a problem with your air conditioner, call a professional for help making the repairs. Companies like Allied Mechanical & Electrical, Inc. can offer more information.


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