Portland might not experience the extreme cold of other regions, but its chilly, wet weather can still take a toll on your HVAC system. By performing air conditioner winter preparation during the fall, you can prevent damage to your air conditioner.
Preparing Your Air Conditioner for Winter: A Complete Guide for Portland Homeowners
Thankfully, Portland doesn’t have exceptionally cold winters. While frigid temperatures aren’t a major issue, the wet, humid weather can end up damaging air conditioning units. Because of this, it’s important to learn how to winterize air conditioner units before wintertime arrives.
Why Winterizing Your AC Is Essential in Portland
When wintertime rolls around, local residents can expect temperatures to drop. December is typically the coldest month of the year. During this month, temperatures drop to average lows of 35ºF. The average high is just 46ºF.
Because of the weather changes, you need to take some time to do AC winterization in Portland. If your air conditioner isn’t properly protected from the elements, you can develop a range of different problems.
For example, a lack of an AC cover can cause debris to build up. The added debris, snow, and rain can cause mold and mildew to grow. Additionally, the moisture can lead to rust. Besides damaging sensitive components, moisture, and debris can increase the likelihood of a pest infestation.
With a few AC winter care tips, you can ensure your HVAC system is prepared for the coldest months of the year.
Top Steps To Winterize Your Air Conditioner in Portland
With the right AC maintenance in Portland, you can prepare your air conditioner for winter. The most important thing to do is protect your AC from the elements. By cleaning around the AC, adding a cover, and changing the filter, you can ensure your air conditioner is ready for cold weather.
Step 1: Clean and Clear the Area Around Your AC
Before you turn off your air conditioner for the winter, perform some seasonal AC maintenance around the unit. First, clean off the outside of the AC. Gently brush off any dust and debris. If you need to, you can use a hose and a gentle spray of water to clean off the fins. Afterward, the AC must completely dry out before you put the AC cover on.
After you have cleaned the unit, remove debris and plant matter from around the AC. This is a good chance to weed or spray for weeds. Ideally, there should be 2 to 3 feet of empty space around the AC so that dust and plants don’t get into your HVAC system.
Step 2: Protect Your Unit With the Right Cover
When learning how to winterize air conditioner units, spend some time researching AC covers. The right cover can keep dust, dirt, leaves, and other contaminants off of your air conditioning unit.
However, you can’t simply use any cover or bag. Air conditioners still need airflow to prevent trapped moisture from causing mold and mildew, so you need a breathable cover that is designed specifically for winterizing air conditioning units.
Step 3: Adjust and Test Your Thermostat for Winter
After you’ve cleaned and covered up your AC, you don’t want it unintentionally turning on again during a warm winter day. To prevent this from happening, you should adjust your thermostat settings. Set the thermostat from cooling to heating mode to prevent the AC from turning on accidentally.
As a part of your air conditioner winter preparation, you should perform a simple test to see if your thermostat is working properly. Use a standard thermometer to measure the air temperature near your HVAC sensors to see if the thermostat is functioning correctly. You can reset the thermostat or dust off the sensors to troubleshoot issues. If these steps don’t work, you need to reach out to Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for professional inspections and repair assistance.
Step 4: Complete Any Necessary Repairs Before Winter
Sometimes, homeowners will notice issues with their HVAC system during its day-to-day operations. Because they’re busy, they put off scheduling a maintenance appointment to get the issue properly looked at. When you winterize AC units in Portland, take some time to recall any unusual noises, smells, or behavior. Then, reach out to our HVAC company for AC repairs.
Timely AC maintenance and repairs increase the longevity of your AC. Since your AC is being turned off for the winter, this is a convenient chance to deal with delayed repairs and minor issues. By handling minor problems early on, you can prevent lasting damage and expensive HVAC repairs.
Step 5: Insulate Your AC Pipes Against Freezing
Your outdoor unit is connected to the rest of your home through copper refrigerant lines. These copper lines need to be insulated against the cold. If they aren’t insulated properly, they can end up getting damaged during cold snaps. You can talk to one of our HVAC professionals about the best insulation options for your refrigerant lines.
Step 6: Replace Air Filters for Improved Efficiency
The air filter protects your HVAC system from getting dirty. It also cleans the air your loved ones breathe, improving your respiratory health. People spend around 90% of their time indoors, so you need to have a clean filter and a well-maintained HVAC system.
Normally, manufacturers recommend that air filters get changed every 30 to 90 days. However, you may need to change your filter more often if you use your HVAC system more intensely than the average home. When you winterize AC units in Portland, take a moment to clean or replace your filter.
Step 7: Inspect Your Ductwork
The next step in your AC winter care tips is to seal your ductwork. In an average home, 20% of the air homeowners pay money to heat or cool gets lost through leaks, gaps, and bad ductwork connections. Fortunately, this issue can be easily remedied by simply checking the ducts for gaps and sealing them up.
At Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we have advanced equipment and technology for inspecting ducts. With this technology, we can find minute holes. Once we’ve discovered the location of pinholes and gaps, we can quickly seal them up so that your home can use less energy.
Step 8: Schedule a Winterization Maintenance Inspection
During your air conditioner winter preparation, you should schedule an inspection of your unit. We recommend having a fall and spring inspection of your HVAC system. During the fall inspection, we’ll make sure your AC is winterized and your heater is ready for winter.
Seasonal AC maintenance inspections are an important way to protect your air conditioner. In fact, routine maintenance can reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns. For example, replacing your air filter regularly means your evaporator won’t become dirty or frozen. Sealing duct leaks prevents wear because your AC doesn’t have to work as hard.
During our inspection, we will check your refrigerant levels. An HVAC technician will look for faulty components and signs of wear. Then, we’ll clean and lubricate your AC parts as needed.
Choosing a Maintenance Plan for Portland’s Cold Season
At Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, our goal is to make your air conditioner winter preparation as easy as possible. With this in mind, we offer service plans to all of our customers. Through our service plans, you can enjoy 365-day peace of mind. No matter how cold or hot the weather is, we’ll come out to maintain and repair your HVAC system.
Your home’s maintenance needs will depend largely on the type of HVAC system you have. An older system will generally need more frequent AC maintenance. Additionally, you should get your AC inspected more often if it breaks down frequently.
Our maintenance plan takes the stress and hassle out of seasonal AC maintenance. By signing up for our maintenance plan, you can enjoy some of the following benefits.
- Special offers on repairs and parts
- Peak performance guarantees
- NATE-certified technicians
- Better peace of mind
- Flexible scheduling options
With AC maintenance in Portland, residents can enjoy having a more comfortable home. By boosting your system’s performance, we can reduce your energy costs. Plus, a well-maintained AC is less likely to need expensive repairs and replacements in the future.
How Does Portland’s Winter Impact My AC’s Maintenance Needs?
While December is the coldest month of the year, January and February also have average lows of 36°F. Portland can also get quite rainy, making it less sunny than its neighbors.
Together, all of these factors mean that you need to schedule Portland’s winter AC checkup before the weather changes. If you don’t perform the right air conditioner winter preparation, your AC may end up getting damaged by the elements.
High Rainfall Can Cause Rust and Mold
From December to February, you can expect average monthly rainfall to vary between 6.3 inches and 9.4 inches. This high average rainfall means that your AC could develop mold, mildew, or rust if it is allowed to sit all winter. Ideally, you should install an AC cover that prevents rain and snow from getting into your air conditioner.
Cold Temperatures Can Lead to Freezing
While Portland isn’t as cold as other parts of the country, temperatures can still get below freezing. This can end up damaging your AC components and refrigerant lines. Because of this, it is always a good idea to insulate your refrigerant lines before cold weather sets in.
Mitigating Humidity’s Impact on Your AC
Portland has an average relative humidity of 69.7%. A healthy humidity range is considered between 30% and 50%, so your HVAC system has to work harder to combat the humidity levels.
More importantly, the high humidity means you’ll need to protect your AC from moisture damage. When choosing your AC cover, look for a cover that is designed with breathable fabric so that moisture doesn’t become trapped next to your air conditioner’s components.
Why You Should Sign Up for an AC Maintenance Plan
Getting an AC maintenance plan helps with AC winterization in Portland. It can also help you improve your energy costs, decrease the likelihood of repairs, and enhance your system’s performance. By getting an AC maintenance plan, you can enjoy the following benefits.
Convenient Scheduling
You already have to schedule doctor’s visits, oil changes, and other important matters. Remembering to schedule your air conditioner winter preparation is an unnecessary hassle. When you sign up for a membership plan, you don’t have to worry about planning for your next maintenance check. Our team will handle appointment reminders and scheduling, so you can relax.
Fewer Repairs
Routine maintenance plays a major role in preventing expensive repairs. By investing in a maintenance plan, you can prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Better Longevity
An AC that breaks down less and requires fewer repairs will generally last longer. A good AC can last for up to 20 years if it is properly cared for, but air conditioners can fall apart in as little as 10 years or less without proper maintenance. Because of this, it’s important to perform routine maintenance tasks on your own and schedule professional HVAC maintenance appointments.
Increased Comfort and Performance
When your AC is well-maintained, it works better. For instance, a clogged air filter can lower your energy efficiency and lead to a frozen evaporator coil. By changing the filter and performing other routine maintenance tasks, you can immediately boost your AC’s performance. Thanks to the improved performance, you can enjoy more consistent temperatures and a more comfortable interior environment.
Greater Energy Efficiency
Simply changing out a dirty air filter can boost your energy efficiency by 5% to 15%. The average household spends $1,900 on energy costs. Since half of this amount is made up of heating and cooling costs, your AC maintenance can make a big difference in your monthly energy bills.
Why You Should Hire a Certified Technician for AC Service
After learning the best Portland air conditioner maintenance tips, the next step is putting them into action. When signing up for an HVAC maintenance plan, it’s important to always work with a certified HVAC technician. Your HVAC system costs thousands of dollars to install and replace, so you shouldn’t trust just anyone with your maintenance needs.
- Craftsmanship: You don’t want to worry about whether a repair is going to break down right away. By turning to Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for all of your maintenance needs, you can be confident in the quality of your services.
- Refrigerant Requirements: Federal law requires technicians to be certified before they can handle refrigerants. Because of this, you’ll need to hire a certified technician if you want to check or recharge your refrigerant levels.
- Warranties: Your HVAC warranty likely requires a professional to perform repairs and maintenance. If you don’t get these tasks handled by a certified technician, it can void your warranty. Plus, our team provides warranties for our labor and parts, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected problems in the future.
- High-Tech Equipment: When you partner with a certified technician, you can expect state-of-the-art equipment and technology.
- Punctuality: Our certified technicians are known for being exceptionally reliable. We are always punctual for our appointments.
- Speed: When you’re dealing with an HVAC disaster, you don’t want to be put on a waiting list. Our team knows how important your repairs and maintenance work are. Because of this, we work quickly and efficiently so that you have the minimum amount of downtime.
- Peace of Mind: Ultimately, one of the most important reasons why you should use certified technicians is for peace of mind. When we perform your maintenance and AC winterization in Portland, you don’t have to worry about the end results. We know what Portland’s winters require, so you can enjoy a heightened peace of mind.
What To Do When Your Air Conditioner Breaks Down
When your AC breaks down, you don’t have to panic. The following steps are a few simple tips you can use to try to get your AC to function properly again.
- Check the Breakers: One of the first things you can do is inspect your breaker panel. If a breaker switch trips, it will shut off power to your AC. Flipping the switch will resume the power supply. However, you should reach out to a professional if switch trips again right away because this indicates a more serious problem.
- Replace the Filter: If the air filter becomes dirty or clogged, it can reduce airflow in your AC. It can also lead to a frozen evaporator coil and other repair issues. If your AC performance has declined recently, you may need to clean or change your air filter.
- Adjust Thermostat Settings: Sometimes, a family member will change your thermostat settings without telling you. If your AC doesn’t seem to be switching on right away, you can check the thermostat settings to make sure the mode and temperature are correct. Then, adjust your AC to the appropriate settings.
- Call for Help: If the previous troubleshooting tips don’t help, it’s time to reach out to a professional. Our experienced HVAC technicians can quickly schedule a maintenance visit and inspection. Once we’ve determined the source of your problem, we can recommend the best repairs for your air conditioning unit.
Summertime AC breakdowns are incredibly inconvenient. When the weather is hot, you don’t want to go without AC for long. Because of this, we strongly recommend getting your AC maintenance and repairs completed during the off-season. A professional inspection can help you spot necessary repairs, so you don’t have to deal with summertime breakdowns.
What Does Our Air Conditioner Maintenance Include?
During the initial maintenance inspection, we’ll perform the following services.
- Check Refrigerant Lines: We’ll inspect your refrigerant lines for pinhole leaks. After repairing any leaks, we can recharge the lines so that you’re ready for next summer.
- Adjust Thermostat Settings: Our HVAC technicians can inspect your thermostat and make sure it’s calibrated properly. Afterward, we’ll make any necessary repairs or adjustments.
- Inspect Condenser Coils, Condensing Units, and Air Handlers: Next, we’ll inspect major components, like the condenser coils, air handler, and condensing unit. Then, we’ll clean your condenser coils.
- Tighten Connections: Over time, electrical connections can become loose. We’ll tighten them and inspect for frayed wires.
- Change Air Filters: Ideally, your air filters should be cleaned or changed every 30 to 90 days.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: To avoid friction and wear on your AC components, our HVAC technician will lubricate all moving parts.
- Test the AC: Finally, our HVAC technician will test your AC to make sure the maintenance and repairs are effective.
By getting help to winterize AC units in Portland, you can ensure your AC is protected from changes in the weather. Our team can inspect your AC, perform necessary repairs, and make sure it is ready for wintertime to arrive.
Get Expert Help Winterizing Your AC in Portland and Surrounding Areas
Cleaning your AC, installing a cover, and adjusting your thermostat are just a few air conditioner winter preparation activities you should do before colder weather arrives. At Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we can show you how to winterize air conditioner components.
We can schedule a maintenance inspection to clean and lubricate your AC before cold weather sets in. With the best AC maintenance, you can spot problems and prevent future repairs.
Ensure your AC is winter-ready and avoid costly repairs by contacting Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today. Schedule your inspection through our easy online form!