From snow and ice to freezing rain and blustery winds, winter can be downright brutal at times. It’s enough to make you forget about those dog days of summer when you longed for a bit a reprieve from the heat and humidity.

Well, summer will be back soon enough and, once it arrives, will your AC system still be up to the challenge? Here’s how to be sure it will.

Made to Handle the Weather

Your air conditioner was built to withstand the elements, including harsh winter weather. However, there are some things you can do that will help it last even longer while avoiding unwanted repairs. One of the most important things you can do, no matter the season, is check on it periodically. Debris can build up around the unit and damage or corrode components. And as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Winter AC Dos and Don’ts

What can you do to look after your air conditioner this and every winter?

Don’t use an air conditioner cover. It may sound helpful in theory, but a cover can do more harm than good by allowing moisture to build up and damage the inside of the unit. Small animals can also try to shelter from the cold underneath the cover.
Do shut off the power to the unit, if possible, to avoid it turning on during a warm spell during the spring or fall – that is, unless you want it to.
Do remove any debris stuck in or around the unit such as grass clipping, leaves, trash, etc.
Do cover the unit with a sheet of plywood. This serves as a protective cover to prevent moisture and debris from accumulating on the inside. Use bricks or other weights on the four corners to keep it in place.
Do remove snow and ice throughout the winter. After each storm, brush off the top and around the unit. Then, resecure the plywood if it shifted or fell.
Do have your air conditioning system inspected annually by a licensed pro once warmer weather rolls around to keep it in tip top shape and operating at max efficiency.

There’s no such thing as an enjoyable summer without a well-functioning AC system. So, to help keep it that way, contact Optimum Air to give your heating and cooling systems the attention they deserve through our annual preventive maintenance service.