As winter makes its rounds, it’s easy to forget about your home’s air conditioning in Edmonton. But even when on standby during the colder months, your AC still benefits from a little attention. Many homeowners assume that zero maintenance is required in the off-season. But in reality, a few maintenance tasks now can make your unit run more efficiently, saving you money and stress when summer eventually returns.
Join us here at Weiss-Johnson as we highlight some insider tips for maintaining your air conditioning in Edmonton. Let’s cool things down and dive into the details below!
#1: Turn Off Your Unit
Hibernation isn’t only for bears; your AC can also benefit from a winter vacation. Once you’re finished cooling off your home for the year, make sure to turn off your unit fully. A shut-off AC unit not only saves on your utility bill if it accidentally turns on, but also protects it from running during the cold and damaging the compressor.
Simply locate the switch on your breaker panel and turn it off. Then, find the switch near the AC unit itself and do the same thing.
Important: If your AC is part of a communicating system, keep the power on. Turning off the power may trigger errors, so please double-check your system type before cutting power.
#2: Skip the AC Cover
It’s a common misconception that it’s necessary to cover your outdoor unit during winter. But the truth is, covering your unit can often do more harm than good. Covers can create the perfect environment for moisture for months at a time. But worse, if the AC unit is turned on before the cover is removed, serious internal damage can occur.
Instead, keep your Edmonton air conditioning unit uncovered and clear away the accumulated ice and snow regularly throughout the winter.
#3: Watch for Shifting Ground
Let’s face it: Edmonton is no stranger to freeze-thaw cycles. From the cooling fall months to the end of spring, our city frequently sees periods of temperature turbulence—even within hours! These cycles have a reaching impact on everything from a home’s walls, roofs, and (surprise, surprise!) your AC unit.
When it comes to air conditioning maintenance in Edmonton, don’t overlook your unit’s ground level. Many outdoor units are installed on a concrete pad, which sits above ground. But during freeze/thaw cycles, this ground tends to shift as it freezes, expands, and ultimately shifts. Every now and then, check your outdoor unit to make sure it’s stable and upright.
#4: Replace Your Air Filter
Your AC isn’t only responsible for keeping your home cool. It also helps maintain your home’s air quality with fresh, circulating air. After a hot summer, your HVAC system’s air filter is likely overdue for a change. Dust, pollen, dirt, and other contaminants from the summer months can ultimately result in lower filtering efficiency.
If your Edmonton home has centralized air conditioning, your furnace and AC likely share the same air filter, making a seasonal replacement especially crucial.
#5: Book Your Annual Tune-Up Early
The best way to schedule maintenance is proactively, before everyone rushes to do the same. Prioritizing annual AC tune-ups can mean the difference between your unit lasting 10 years or 20. Professional technicians have the tools and expertise to catch small issues early and fix them before they become larger.
Tune-up tasks for air conditioning in Edmonton include:
- Air filter replacement
- Thermostat calibrations
- Condenser coils cleaning
- Flushing of drain lines
Get a Head Start on AC Maintenance Early
Contact us today to get a head start on maintaining your home’s Edmonton air conditioning this winter season. With nearly 50 years of experience helping Edmonton homeowners, Weiss-Johnson is your reliable partner for all your HVAC needs.
