Today, 42% of all energy consumption in American homes happens because of heating or cooling indoor air. During wildfire season and sweltering summers, air conditioning is a necessity. However, your air conditioning unit must be properly maintained in order for it to perform its best.
By figuring out how to winterize air conditioner units, you can stop rain and humidity from harming your air conditioner. At Fox Family Heating and Air Conditioning, we work on winterizing AC units in Sacramento, repair faulty AC components, and install new air conditioners. When you’re ready for your air conditioner winter preparation, reach out to our team of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) experts.
Preparing Your Air Conditioner for Winter: A Complete Guide for Sacramento Homeowners
While winters in Sacramento are fairly moderate, they can still cause damage to air conditioning units. By learning how to winterize air conditioner units and pitfalls to avoid, you can ensure your air conditioner is protected from changing weather.
Why Winterizing Your AC Is Essential in Sacramento
While Sacramento isn’t as cold as some parts of the country, the temperatures can still drop significantly. You need the best seasonal AC maintenance to prevent your air conditioner from becoming damaged during the wintertime. If the AC is exposed to the elements, the following problems can occur.
- Debris buildup
- Damage to sensitive components
- Mold and mildew growth
- Pests and rodent nests
Cold weather can cause significant damage. At the very least, it can cause moisture to get into your air conditioning unit. As a result, it is incredibly important to arrange for Sacramento’s winter AC checkup before chilly temperatures set in.
Top Steps To Winterize Your Air Conditioner in Sacramento
Step 1: Clean and Clear the Area Around Your AC
To care for your AC, you should remove any weeds or debris that are around your outdoor unit. These items can end up clogging your AC. Additionally, plant matter can hold moisture and cause rust. To prevent these issues, remove plants and debris for a 2- to 3-foot radius around your air conditioner. Then, wipe down the outdoor unit so that it is free of dust, dirt, and insects.
Step 2: Protect Your Unit With the Right Cover
While an air conditioner cover can protect your AC, it must be properly designed for your unit. A good cover is made of breathable material that allows moisture to get out. Once the AC has been covered up, rain, dirt, and leaves won’t be able to get inside the air conditioner.
Step 3: Adjust and Test Your Thermostat for Winter
As a part of your air conditioner winter preparation, you should adjust and test your thermostat before winter arrives. Also, you should pay attention to common indicators of a malfunctioning thermostat. You may have thermostat issues if your AC switches on frequently or stays on for unusual periods of time. Likewise, hot and cold zones may indicate a thermostat problem.
First, test your thermostat by using a reliable thermometer to check the air temperature in different parts of your home. It should match what the thermostat says.
Then, set your air conditioner to a temperature that is a few degrees colder than the temperature in your home. If the thermostat is working, you should hear the air conditioner turn on right away.
Once you’ve finished testing your thermostat, make sure to turn the air conditioner off so that you can finish winterizing it. When you switch on your heater, you’ll need to be careful about the temperature you set. Most experts recommend having your heater set to 68°F when you’re home and 60°F to 64°F when you’re sleeping or away from home. Just lowering your heat by 7°F to 10°F for eight hours a day can decrease your power bill by 10%.
If you’re having problems, our HVAC technicians can help with your AC winterization in Sacramento. We can clean the sensors, inspect the thermostat, and tell you if you need a replacement.
Step 4: Complete Any Necessary Repairs Before Winter
Through the best AC maintenance in Sacramento, you can get common repair issues fixed. If you notice signs of wear, you can schedule professional repairs with one of our HVAC technicians. The following signs are an indication that you should get your AC repaired before covering it for wintertime.
- Unusual scents
- Weird sounds
- Higher-than-normal energy bills
- Hot and cold zones in your home
- Frequent cycling
Step 5: Insulate Your AC Pipes Against Cold Weather
As a part of your seasonal AC maintenance, you should insulate the pipes that connect your outdoor unit to your home. These copper pipes are responsible for transferring refrigerant from one location to another. They should be wrapped in insulation so that they don’t become damaged during periods of chilly weather.
Step 6: Replace Air Filters for Improved Efficiency
The air filter is responsible for removing dirt, dust, and airborne particles from the air. This stops it from clogging your AC, which could cause higher energy bills and broken components. Additionally, a new air filter can improve the air quality in your home. While each manufacturer has different rules for their equipment units, they typically recommend replacing or cleaning your air filter every 30 to 90 days.
Step 7: Schedule a Winterization Maintenance Inspection
One of the most important AC winter care tips is to schedule a maintenance inspection. This should be done before winter arrives so that we can inspect your heating system as well. During the maintenance inspection, we can look for faulty components, repair AC problems, and lubricate mechanical parts.
Step 8: Seal Any Duct Leaks
When you have duct leaks, it can lower your energy efficiency by 20%. As you carry out your air conditioner winter preparation, take some time to look for duct leaks. These often occur around joints, but pinhole leaks can happen anywhere. With our latest equipment, we can find and repair minute leaks so that your HVAC system can function as efficiently as possible.
Common Pitfalls To Avoid When Winterizing Your AC
As you winterize AC units in Sacramento, watch out for common pitfalls. The following AC winter care tips can ensure your AC is protected from cold weather and precipitation until you need it again next year.
Skip Plastic Wrap
Sometimes, people will use cheap plastic wraps or garbage bags to cover their ACs. Because these materials aren’t breathable, they don’t let air flow around the AC. These materials can end up causing mold growth, which is why they should never be used.
Do Not Forget Maintenance
The majority of repair costs can be avoided by simply maintaining your AC. We recommend getting HVAC maintenance twice a year to ensure it is ready for summertime use.
Choosing a Maintenance Plan for Sacramento’s Cold Season
As a part of Sacramento’s air conditioner maintenance tips, it’s important to pick the right maintenance plan. At Fox Family Heating & Air Conditioning, we recommend scheduling a maintenance check in the fall and spring so that we can inspect your HVAC system.
The right maintenance plan depends on your HVAC system, how much wear it receives, and how old it is. Typically, an older system will require more frequent maintenance inspections and repairs.
By getting the AC maintenance Sacramento residents need, you can get your entire HVAC system inspected for problems. We’ll perform routine maintenance activities and check for faulty parts. Then, we will show you how to winterize air conditioner components for winter and recommend the right cover.
To save money on your maintenance costs, we recommend enrolling in our annual maintenance plan. This plan offers a number of key benefits.
- Discounted rates on any replacements or repairs that you need
- Extended warranties for parts and labor
- Priority scheduling when you need a maintenance appointment
- Reminders about upcoming maintenance requirements and scheduled appointments
By working with Fox Family Heating & Air Conditioning, you can enjoy better peace of mind. We take care of AC winterization in Sacramento, so you don’t have to worry about anything.
How Does Sacramento’s Winter Impact My AC’s Maintenance Needs?
In the winter, Sacramento typically has a daily high of 58°F to 63°F. The daily low rarely drops below 31°F. While Sacramento doesn’t experience extreme cold as other areas, there are still other ways that winter weather can damage your AC. Dust, debris, moisture, mold, and rust are all potential issues in Sacramento.
Sacramento Experiences Moisture-Related Damage
On any given winter day, the chance of having a wet day is about 30%. For homeowners, this reflects a real risk of mold, mildew, and rust damage. If your AC isn’t properly covered, rain can get into it. Additionally, a poor cover can end up trapping moisture inside. Because of this, it’s important to use covers that are explicitly designed for your air conditioning unit.
Debris Can Damage AC Units
During the winter, debris, dust, twigs, and leaves can end up getting blown into your air conditioner. In the short term, dust and leaves can end up holding moisture next to your AC and causing rust. When you eventually try to turn your air conditioner on again in the springtime, the debris will clog your AC, reduce its efficiency, and increase the likelihood of a breakdown.
Wind Damage Can Occur
While extreme winds are more common in Southern California, atmospheric rivers and extreme winds can occur in Sacramento on occasion. From December to February, the average wind speed varies from 6.2 to 6.5 miles per hour. Thanks to these winds, you need to be extra cautious about how you winterize AC units in Sacramento.
Unfortunately, these moderate and high winds can end up damaging the exterior of your HVAC system. It can also gradually loosen parts over time. Additionally, these winds can stir up dust and dirt. This can lead to AC blockages, impacting airflow in your HVAC system. If anyone in your household suffers from allergies, the added dust and allergens stirred up can worsen symptoms.
Why You Should Sign Up for an AC Maintenance Plan
Fortunately, your AC doesn’t have to be negatively impacted by winds, rain, and cold temperatures. With the right air conditioner winter preparation, you can ensure your AC is ready for all types of weather. As a part of the best AC winter care tips, you should invest in an AC maintenance plan.
Better Convenience
By getting an AC maintenance plan, you can enjoy a higher level of convenience. You don’t have to worry about when your next appointment is needed. We’ll handle everything. Our team will call when it’s time to schedule an appointment. Then, we’ll send you a reminder before the appointment day arrives.
Fewer Breakdowns and Repairs
Investing in a Sacramento maintenance plan is important because routine maintenance prevents the majority of repairs from becoming necessary. Instead of dealing with an unexpected breakdown in the middle of summer, you can enjoy having a comfortable, cool home.
Improved Performance
When your AC isn’t maintained properly, it will struggle to perform at its optimum level. Clogged filters, faulty evaporator coils, and low refrigerant can worsen your energy efficiency. Over the course of the year, this can greatly impact the amount you spend on energy costs. The average home spends $1,900 a year on energy costs, and half of that amount is from your HVAC system.
Longer Lifespans
Finally, routine maintenance plans are important because they increase the longevity of your air conditioner. A typical air conditioner lasts 10 to 20 years. However, your AC will only reach its maximum longevity if it receives proper maintenance and timely repairs.
Why You Should Hire a Certified Technician for AC Service
When it comes to the best Sacramento air conditioner maintenance tips, one of the best recommendations is to work with a certified HVAC technician. Air conditioning units can easily cost thousands of dollars to replace, so you don’t want to trust your HVAC system to just anyone. By hiring a certified technician, you can enjoy some of the following benefits.
- Warranty Protection: Many AC manufacturers require you to hire a professional technician. If you don’t, it can end up voiding your warranty.
- Expertise: Sacramento’s winter AC checkup requires HVAC expertise and experience in the local area. A certified technician knows what Sacramento’s winters are like, so they can protect your home. Additionally, they know how to spot a faulty component before it turns into a major repair issue.
- Quality of Work: By turning to an expert, you can enjoy a better quality of craftsmanship. At Fox Family Heating & Air Conditioning, we do work the right way the first time. As a result, you can be confident in the quality of our services.
- Efficiency and Speed: We know that you have a busy life, which is why we work efficiently and quickly.
- State-of-the-art technology: When you work with an experienced technician, you can enjoy all of the latest technology and equipment.
- Reliability: When we say that we will show up for an appointment, we do. Our technicians are experienced professionals, so they know how important punctuality is. Your time has value, so we do everything we can to make our services as efficient as possible.
- Peace of Mind: Ultimately, one of the biggest reasons to work with a professional HVAC technician is for the heightened peace of mind. Our team knows what Sacramento’s winter AC checkup requires, so you can relax and receive world-class services.
The Advantages of Winterizing Your AC
Deciding to winterize AC units in Sacramento isn’t just a good idea. Proper winterization can lead to lower repair costs, better energy efficiency, and increased longevity.
Boost Your Air Quality
A well-maintained AC can efficiently filter the air. Because this can improve the air quality in your home, your family can enjoy having fewer allergens and respiratory illnesses.
Increase Your AC’s Longevity
To ensure your AC lasts as long as possible, you need to take care of it. A good AC can last for 20 years.
Avoid Costly Repairs
One of the major reasons why HVAC maintenance is important is because it helps you avoid costly repairs. AC maintenance allows you to catch minor issues before they spiral out of control, which saves you money.
Improve Your Energy Efficiency
When your air conditioner is working properly, it uses less power. In turn, this can reduce the amount of money you spend on your monthly energy bill.
Ensure Comfort
By caring for your air conditioner, you can be confident that it will be ready to use when you need it in the future. Proper maintenance prevents unexpected breakdowns and emergency repairs, so your family can enjoy a cool, comfortable summer.
What To Do When Your Air Conditioner Breaks Down
If your air conditioner breaks down, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. For more difficult problems, you will need to get help from a professional HVAC technician. While you can perform air conditioner maintenance tips on your own, you need to leave more challenging problems to an expert.
- Change the Filter: One of the first things you can do is change your air filter. A dirty air filter reduces your AC’s efficiency, limits airflow, and can cause a frozen evaporator coil.
- Check the Settings: Sometimes, your thermostat will get switched to the wrong heating or cooling mode. Check to make sure your thermostat is set properly.
- Inspect Your Breakers: An AC can stop working if a breaker switches off. Check the breakers and turn the switches back on. If the switch immediately trips again, call an HVAC technician because there’s likely an underlying electrical problem that needs to be checked out.
If none of these steps help, it is time to call a professional. To make AC repairs easier, pay attention to any unusual symptoms that happened right before the AC stopped working. For example, note unusual sounds or smells.
While you wait for an HVAC technician to arrive, there are a few things you can do to stay cool. Shut your blinds to block outside heat from entering your home and turn on any fans. Drinking cold liquids or taking a cool shower can also help you beat the heat.
Once our HVAC technician arrives, they can quickly help you repair your AC. Then, we can discuss the best maintenance options to reduce the likelihood of future repairs.
What Is Air Conditioner Maintenance and What Does It Include?
When you call Fox Family Heating & Air Conditioning for Sacramento AC maintenance, we’ll quickly schedule an appointment to handle the following maintenance tasks.
- Thermostat Adjustments: First, we’ll check your thermostat to see that it is working properly. Then, we’ll make adjustments as needed.
- Air Filters: Our technician will quickly clean or replace your air filter.
- Electrical Connections: Electrical connections can become loose over time. During the maintenance appointment, we’ll inspect the connections and make sure they are tightened properly.
- Refrigerant Levels: Low refrigerant can cause added strain on your AC, so we will inspect and recharge refrigerant levels.
- Condenser Coils: We’ll quickly clean the condenser coils so that they can work as efficiently as possible.
- Air Handler: Our team will inspect the air handler and condenser unit to make sure they’re working properly.
- Lubrication: During the maintenance appointment, we will lubricate moving parts. This prevents wear by decreasing friction between the parts.
- Testing: Once we’ve finished the maintenance check, we will test the performance of your entire system. Then, we can make adjustments as needed.
When you work with a professional, you can enjoy better peace of mind. We handle all of the HVAC maintenance and repairs, so you can relax and enjoy a comfortable home throughout the year.
Get Expert Help Winterizing Your AC in Sacramento and Surrounding Areas
Finding out how to winterize air conditioner units can help you save money in the long run, improve your air quality, and prevent unexpected repairs. Proper air conditioner winter preparation can also extend your HVAC system’s longevity.
Fox Family Heating and Air Conditioning can manage all of your AC maintenance and repair needs. When you need to winterize AC units in Sacramento, our team of HVAC technicians is only a phone call away. Through our talented HVAC team, you can get all of the AC services you need.
Find out more information about AC winterization by filling out our online form today.