Preparing Your Air Conditioner For the Off Season

As the hot weather dies down in the Roanoke area and we start to get our furnaces ready for the heating season, it’s also a good idea to get your home’s central air conditioner ready for the off season. With a few simple maintenance steps, you can ensure that your AC is ready to go on the first hot day of spring while ensuring that it is protected from damage during the winter months.

Here is a list of tasks you can safely perform yourself on the outdoor section of the air conditioner:

Shut-Off Power to the AC Unit – First, and most importantly, always turn off power to the AC unit before performing any cleaning or maintenance tasks. There are electrical and moving parts that can easily injure you, so always use caution. On the outside of the home near the condenser/compressor, there should be an exterior shut-off box. Also turn off power to the unit at the breaker box.
Clean the AC Unit – Remove the fan cage on top of the condenser/compressor. You will need either a screwdriver or wrench to remove the fasteners. Next, lift the fan grill off the top of the unit and set it aside. Using a wet/dry vacuum or gloved hands, clean away leaves and debris from the interior of the unit.
Clean The Fins – Using a garden hose – NOT a pressure washer – gently spray through the fins from the inside out to blast away any built-up dirt or debris from between them. If the water from the hose is not able to remove dirt that has built up, there are commercial sprays available at most home stores that can safely loosen the dirt so it can be sprayed off. Never use unapproved detergents or solvents to clean the air conditioner.
Straighten The Fins – bent fins can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. One way to straighten fins is with a butter knife. Fin straightening tools are also available. Be careful not to damage the tubing that is embedded within the fins.
Clear the Area Around the Air Conditioner – Cut away tree branches and shrubs in all directions within two feet the unit. Rake away debris and leaves. If the unit will be unused for a period of time, cover the top of the unit to protect it from falling debris.
Cover the Air Conditioner. Enclosing the entire outside unit in a plastic cover can reduce ventilation and cause corrosion. Instead, it’s a good idea to cover just the top of the unit to protect it from debris, ice, and snow. Or, use a mesh-style cover that blocks moisture and debris, but allows air to circulate.
Turn the Power Back On – When you are finished, turn the power back on.