A plumber in Pittsburgh knows a lot if that plumber also happens to be a Heating & Air Conditioning expert too! As such, the experts at Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning would like to offer some timely tips on winterizing your air conditioning unit. When the cold winds begin to blow and your air conditioner goes into hibernation for the season, it's easy to neglect it. But the fact is you need to take some basic precautions to protect your unit in the winter months if want to avoid costly maintenance and repairs come the following summer.
The most important thing to remember is that your air conditioning unit needs to be protected from dirt, debris and corrosion when it's not in use. It's surprising how many people don't take this simple precaution considering how expensive AC units are. A cover is an absolute necessity. During the winter months leaves, twigs, trash and small animals can invade your unit if it's not well covered. Moisture will creep in to cause corrosion to the coils which can result in having to hire a professional to power wash them.
When selecting a cover for your unit, make sure it fits snugly and covers it completely to provide maximum protection from the elements, and to keep it from blowing away. The manufacturer probably offers one custom made for your unit. It's well worth the extra investment. A good cover should provide ventilation but at the same time act as a barrier to moisture and debris.
It's a good idea to clean your air conditioning unit as best you can before putting it away for the winter, removing any obvious dirt and debris and perhaps hosing it down. Make sure you turn off the power to your air conditioner by switching the breaker switch to the off position, and shut off the water going into the unit. This will ensure that the air conditioning isn't turned on accidentally while covered, which could cause serious damage to your unit.
Your AC unit needs care all year round, not just during the summer months. For more professional advice on how to maintain your air conditioning and heating, or if you need the services of a plumber Pittsburgh, contact Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today.