Having moved from Florida, I wasn't sure how to best take care of my air conditioner in Denver as winter set in. I first considered buying a cover for it--especially when I heard that an idle air conditioner can rob your home of heat in the cold months--but then I learned that the compressor and condensing unit are put in a metal casing that is built to withstand the weather. Consequently, the unit does not need a cover.
Actually, covers can be detrimental because they not only trap water and moisture inside the unit but they also create a home for small animals. Many service professionals report that a good part of the damage they find in the spring is a result of rodents living in the air conditioner and destroying the wiring. If the air conditioning unit is in danger of falling ice, snow, or other debris, it might be a good idea to protect it with a secured piece of metal or plywood. Apart from that, no cover should be used.
While I didn't purchase a cover for my air conditioner, I did learn to turn off the unit in the fall by cutting power at the electrical disconnect or circuit breaker. This shuts down the small crankcase heater inside the air conditioner, which in turn saves energy and makes the unit less attractive to small animals seeking warm sources of shelter. It also prevents unintentional start-ups in the winter--something that could ruin the compressor.
In the spring, any plastic, metal, or plywood covering the unit should obviously be taken off. The coils and the fan should be checked and cleaned if necessary with a hose and soft brush (make sure the power is still shut off first!). Check that the unit is level without any obstructions, like plants, to the air flow. All objects should be at least a foot away from the sides and three feet away from the air discharge.
Before you operate the unit, the temperature should be at least 65 degrees F outside. Turn the power on for a full day (24 hours) before you start the system, allowing the crankcase heater to warm up the unit and separate the oil from the refrigerant. The air conditioner will drain water from the ductwork over the furnace, so make sure the hose is clear and aimed at the drain.
I found that taking the extra step to care for my air conditioner in Denver when it wasn't being used made all the difference when it was.
Author Resource:
Turn to the heating in Denver , cooling and indoor air quality expert at http://www.carriercolorado.com. For more about visit at Lohmiller & Company (http://www.carriercolorado.com/). Art Gib is a freelance writer.Distributed by Content Crooner
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