Most people don’t have to use their air conditioner at all during the winter. When spring comes around, the temperature starts creeping up, and before too long it’s time to fire up the AC. But can you just turn your unit back on and expect it to go back to work at optimum efficiency, just like it did last fall?
Many people know that cars and other complex mechanical equipment need to be used periodically to keep them working well and to avoid problems. This poses the question of whether or not air conditioning systems work the same way.
The good news is that for the most part, they do not. Central air conditioning units are built to last for years, and they should keep working without a problem, even after several months of disuse. If the AC was working perfectly fine the last time you used it, it should largely still be OK now. That said, you can take preventative measures such as investing in a cover for your unit that will keep out snow, dirt, and other debris. Once it comes time to turn your AC back on, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind to keep your unit in good shape for months and years to come.
Debris Build-Up
The most significant thing that happens to your air conditioner while it’s not in use is that it gets dirty. Dust and debris will build up over time in the system and may clog it up. Your air quality will be lower, and the system may have to work harder to achieve the same level of cooling. Before you set it to cool, set your AC to fan mode for at least 10 minutes to let it clear out some of the dust.
You can also change your air filters to help your system clean itself out most effectively. If you have an external fan or a compressor unit outside, you’ll want to take some extra time to make sure it’s cleaned out, too.
Clear out any weeds around it and other dirt and twigs that have gotten into the area. Do a visual inspection of your system both inside and outside and look for anything unusual. Any signs of oil might be a sign of a leak, and discolored wires could indicate a bad connection.
Problems Get Worse
The other thing that happens to your air conditioner in the months that it’s left off is that any other preexisting problems may have continued to develop. Electrical problems may be the same or worse. Refrigerant leaks will have continued and left your system totally empty. Any problem that wasn’t addressed will likely not have disappeared.
You should consult a services professional to help you resolve some of these issues before it’s so hot that you’re relying on your AC all the time. The quicker you get help, the quicker you’ll have a fully working system again. Also, it will almost always be cheaper to get the issue fixed at an early stage before it develops into a full-fledged disaster.
Your system shouldn’t break down after being turned off for months, but it may be a little bit dirty and slow to get going at top efficiency. It’s also a good time to check over everything and make sure it’s ready to work properly for the rest of the summer.
Don’t Put Off Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your heating and cooling costs down and avoiding uncomfortable and expensive breakdowns. By simply putting in the time with preventative maintenance, you’re investing now to save in the future and keep your home comfortable and cool.
This is especially important at the end of the season when it’s time to turn off your AC again. That’s the best time to check for leaks and diagnose any other long-term problems. Get your system inspected and let the professional know if it turns off randomly, blows warm air or otherwise acts unusually.