How to Properly Shut Down Your AC as Fall and Winter Approach

With summer winding down and the colder seasons on the way, you may want to start thinking about shutting down your AC. It will help protect it from the elements so you don't have a huge mess to clean up next spring. Follow these five steps for getting your AC ready for winter.

1. Make Any Needed Repairs

Don't let HVAC problems linger through the winter when shutting down your AC. If your AC needs to be repaired, call your HVAC contractor so that the problem doesn't get worse.

2. Change the Air Filter

You've been changing your air filter regularly through the summer, right? After shutting down your AC, throw away the dirty filter and replace it with a new one. You don't want all that dirt and gunk in your AC all winter long.

3. Turn Off the AC

You'll need to shut off the AC in two places: The first place is indoors at your thermostat box. Adjust it to the "Off" setting (not "Cool"). Next, locate the box outside near the condenser unit. It's typically on the side of the house in a small electrical box. Turn that switch off when shutting down your AC.

4. Clean the Condenser and Evaporator

The condenser and evaporator coils have probably taken on a lot of dirt and debris over the summer. Pick up a can of coil cleaner at your local home improvement store and spray it on both indoor (evaporator) and outdoor (condenser) coils to clean them. For an easier time, you can choose a self-rinsing cleaner.

5. Cover the Outdoor Unit

Once your outdoor unit is completely dry, cover it up. Use a waterproof tarp and bungee cords to secure it when shutting down your AC. This will keep debris out of the fan through the winter.

6. Schedule Professional HVAC Service

Now that your AC is shut down, it's time to get your furnace ready for the colder months. Call your HVAC contractor to schedule a furnace tuneup so you're ready to go whenever cold weather may strike.

For any questions about shutting down your AC or to schedule service this fall, please contact us at Air Assurance.

What Are the Smartest Ways to Cut Costs on Your Heating or Cooling Bill?

The price of energy remains relatively inexpensive, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be cutting costs on electricity and gas whenever you can. There are so many easy ways to cut costs on energy use, and once you're aware of them, you'll want to put them into practice right away. 

Best Practices for Cutting Energy Costs

1. Change the Filter.
   Changing the HVAC filter allows air to flow through the system unimpeded so that the cooling and heating work more efficiently while cutting costs on energy use. Also, keeping the return air clean cuts down on friction caused by dirt entering the unit's parts, which makes the unit run hotter. Furthermore, when the HVAC labors to heat or cool, parts may wear out faster, necessitating repairs or replacements. 

2. Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat.
   While a programmable thermostat is more complicated than a smart thermostat, you can save money on energy with either type of technology if you set a program and stick to it. Cut back on energy use when you're away from home or sleeping. Even a change of a few degrees will contribute to cutting costs on the energy bill. 

3. Air-Seal Your Home.
   Air-sealing your home isn't that difficult, and the reward in cutting energy costs will be significant. Seal small leaks around door and window frames, baseboards, the attic hatch, and holes in exterior walls where pipes, cables, and wires come through. Use weatherstripping, insulation, and caulk.

4. Replace Inefficient Windows.
   Replace single-pane windows with the efficient, double-pane type.

5. Schedule Preventative Maintenance. 
   Have an HVAC consultant check your equipment regularly to ensure good performance. Ask your consultant to check the ductwork for holes or gaps to prevent air leaks — an important step in cutting costs of energy use. 

The Department of Energy (DOE) has found that heating and cooling accounts for 50% to 75% of energy used in the average American home. For more information on cutting energy costs in your home, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.