How to Take of Your Central Air Conditioner This Winter

Winter is the perfect time to give your central air conditioning system the care that it needs. Because you don’t regularly use your AC system this time of year, it’s easy to overlook its needs. However, when you take a few steps to care for your central AC system now, you can get more life out of your system and minimize downtime throughout the year.

Replace the Air Filters

Your air filters remove fine debris from your home’s indoor air This debris does more than make your home dirty and increase allergy symptoms. It also collects on your HVAC system’s components and inside the air ducts, impacting your system’s performance. It can also increase energy bills and even result in a need for repairs. The air filters trap many of these particles, keeping your system and the ducts cleaner for longer. Because the filters lose their effectiveness and can even hinder your HVAC system’s performance when they’re dirty, regularly replacing them is essential.

Clean the Ducts and Vents

Air ducts should be cleaned periodically to remove buildup. The specific cleaning schedule depends on things like how often you clean your house, how frequently you use your HVAC system, and how many people and pets are in your house. While you can perch on a ladder or tall chair to wipe down the overhead air vents, ducts should be professionally cleaned. The flexible duct material can easily be damaged, which can impact HVAC system performance and efficiency. In addition, you can’t reach the full length of the ducts without commercial-grade equipment.

Schedule Professional Maintenance Service

The best time to schedule professional maintenance service for your HVAC system is before the start of the next warm weather season. During a maintenance service, a licensed technician will check the refrigerant level and add refrigerant as necessary. The cooling coils will be clean, and the ducts will be inspected. Through a thorough maintenance service, the system will be cleaned and restored so that it functions properly. This minimizes wear and tear, and it helps your system to work with peak efficiency.

Tend to Repair Needs

You might be aware of repair issues that haven’t been urgent enough to schedule immediate service. Perhaps your HVAC maintenance appointment revealed repair needs. Repair issues tend to grow worse over time. Damaged or worn components can put additional strain on other parts of your system, leading to additional repairs. However, some repairs require your system to be shut down while the work is being done. The winter season is the perfect time to address these needs while minimizing your inconvenience.

While you might use your central air conditioning system less frequently or not at all for long stretches during the winter months, it still requires care and attention. Contact Crocker Refrigeration Heating and Air in Santa Barbara, CA today for residential or commercial air conditioning service.