AC Maintenance After a Long Summer

The kids are back in school and the days are getting shorter. With the cooler weather comes a break for your air conditioner. But before you turn off your cooling system until next year, know the steps you should take to make sure that everything is all set for the long cold months ahead. If you ever have any questions about HVAC maintenance and care, please give the team at Naughton Mechanical a call! We’re glad to help with any issues your heating and cooling system may face. 

Check-Up

When the leaves start to fall, you know it’s time to evaluate your AC! Even though you won’t be using your air conditioner for a few months, you shouldn’t ignore underlying issues. Don’t wait until spring to get these problems taken care of: handle them immediately so you can rest easy during the fall and winter. Call an expert at Naughton Mechanical. We have the knowledge and experience to take care of any issues your HVAC system may face.  

Clean it Out

One of the first things you should do is give your air conditioner a thorough clean. After months of circulating the air, your system has likely built up a lot of dust, dander, pollen and other pollutants inside its filter. Now is the perfect time to clean it all out! Replace your air filter and take a look at the condenser unit. This is the region that needs to be carefully cleaned: be sure to turn it off before handling it. If you don’t feel confident cleaning it yourself, an HVAC professional can help. 

Cover the Outside

Protect your air conditioner from the elements. Be sure to get a quality, waterproof cover that’ll keep falling leaves, frost, and eventually snow from getting inside and damaging your unit. Plywood or other sturdy materials will help protect your system as well. No one wants to leave their air conditioner for months and return to find it clogged with materials! 

Add Insulation

Don’t forget to protect your unit’s pipes and wires! Wrap foam insulation around these parts to minimize damage from freezing. The cold weather can cause the pipes to crack, so you’ll want to pay careful attention to ensuring this doesn’t happen. While you’re doing this task, double-check the pipes to confirm that they are properly attached to the main compartment, and inspect wires for any fraying or wear. Damaged wires and pipes will only cause bigger problems down the road, so take care to identify them immediately.  

Clear Debris

As everything outdoors begins to wither at the beginning of fall, you will likely find a lot of natural debris built up around your AC unit. Take the time to clear out weeds, leaves, dirt and other debris from around the unit. Maintain a wide clearance, and consider adding rocks or mulch around the unit to keep vegetation at bay. This will help prevent disruptions to airflow and other problems.  

Call an HVAC Professional

Whenever you’re inspecting an HVAC system, it helps to have a professional assist you. We can inform you on the best ways to maintain your system and check it out for any repairs. For assistance, call Naughton Mechanical today!