Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Your Air Conditioner During the Off-Season

1. WHY YOU SHOULDN’T IGNORE YOUR AIR CONDITIONER DURING THE OFF-SEASON Expert heating & air conditioning contractors in Maryland & Washington DC. Learn more 202-386-6300 / 301-219-3000 www.rileyheatandair.com 9900 Sudan PlUpper, Marlboro, MD 20772

2. With the cold outside and the warmth of indoor heating taking over, many homeowners in Maryland are likely to switch off their air conditioners and wait until next summer. Nevertheless, just turning it off and forgetting it may cost a lot in terms of repairs, efficiency, and even irreversible damage. It is not just a recommendation that your HVAC system should be cared for during the off-season, but an investment in the life of your system, its energy efficiency, and the level of comfort indoors. The Importance of Off-Season HVAC Care Air conditioning is a complicated machine. It is exposed to weather conditions that may result in deterioration even when not in use. Internal components may get dirty, moisture may enter, and the temperature may be under zero degrees, so coils, refrigerant lines, and electrical connections may all be affected. Homeowners can make sure that the next cooling cycle does not cause any damage to the systems or increased chances of system failure through a seasonal HVAC checklist. There are a number of benefits associated with proactive off-season maintenance: Avoids the corrosion and formation of debris around the outside units. Increases the life of equipment through minimizing unwarranted wear. Ensures that the quality of indoor air is maintained by treating filters and ducts before the pollutants build up. Saves on energy by turning the system back on in spring. Eliminates expensive emergency repairs, which are normally as a result of negligence. Expert Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors in Maryland & Washington DC

3. Off-Season HVAC Maintenance Routine 1. Clean or Replace AC Filters Among the easiest yet the most significant AC winter preparation tips is the recommendation to care about your air filters. Dust, pollen, and hair of pets that are in the air are trapped on the filters throughout the summer. When not cleaned, they may block or obstruct the airflow, making your system labor even after being turned on again. Worse, piled trash may free and flow into your ducts and worsen the quality of indoor air in the long run. Experts suggest monthly filter checking and the replacement of filters at least once every three months, depending on the usage and the environment at home. In the case of washable filters, they should be cleaned with a weak solution of vinegar and water, and left to dry before they can be put back in place. 2. Inspect and Clean Condenser Coils The outdoor condenser unit is mainly susceptible to cold and wet winters in Maryland. With time, coils may become covered in dirt, leaves, and debris that prevent the airflow and make the system less efficient. It may possibly result in overheating of the system or premature compressor failure when the system is reinstated. Check the evaporator coils and condenser coils of your air conditioner, then turn them off before shutting down your air conditioner. Use a spongy brush or a hose of low-pressure water to remove dust and dirt. Expert Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors in Maryland & Washington DC

4. Use of pressure washers is discouraged since the pressure is so high that it can bend the aluminum fins. Cleaning should be performed by noting any potential traces of harm or corrosion, such as dented fins, cracks, or oil spots, which may indicate a refrigerant leak. 3. Check and Seal Ductwork You also may lose air, have moisture infiltration and inefficiency of energy when you are not on the air conditioner and have leaks or openings in your ductwork. Another preventive approach that can be done is duct sealing to prevent the loss of conditioned air to the exterior environment and the intake of contaminants into the system during the off-season. Experts suggest applying mastic sealant or metal-adhesive tape to close exposed joints and seams. Never use conventional duct tape, which will wear out with time. Well-sealed ductwork ensures the integrity of the system, helps in improving air circulation, and increases the overall comfort of the indoors. It also stops the spread of dust and allergens, which favors cleaner indoor air quality when your HVAC system is started again. 4. Cover and Protect the Outdoor AC Unit Covering your outdoor AC unit with snow, ice, and debris is also another vital measure in keeping it warm in winter. Your model can be covered by a breathable, waterproof AC cover that will keep your car safe throughout the year, and that will not leave moisture trapped inside. Expert Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors in Maryland & Washington DC

5. Do not completely wrap the unit in plastic or airtight materials, as this will lead to condensation and the rusting process. Prior to covering, remove any leaves, branches, or debris at the bottom of the condenser. Keep a minimum of two feet of open area surrounding it to help it get more air, and rodents or other pests will not breed inside. 5. Schedule Professional Maintenance and Inspection Although do-it-yourself maintenance includes simple cleaning and protection, it is the most certain method to make sure that your AC is weather-ready when it is winter. Riley Heat & Air is an air conditioning and heating service provider that offers AC maintenance programs to Maryland homeowners. Their qualified technicians are involved in thorough assessments that entail: Checking levels of refrigerant and checking leakages. Inspecting the electrical control boards and wiring. Cleaning the coils of condensers and the internal parts of evaporators. Checking of airflow and duct integrity. Making sure that the condensate drain is not clogged. A professional service call should be scheduled during the off-season so that you can be certain your AC system will operate efficiently once the first heatwave arrives. Besides, there are usually more flexible and cheaper initial maintenance schedules as compared to emergency fixes during mid-summer. Expert Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors in Maryland & Washington DC

6. Conclusion Leaving your air conditioner unattended when they are not in use is an expensive mistake that most maintenance, such as filter cleaning, coil checking, duct sealing, and professional maintenance, will ensure your system is reliable, efficient, and up to date with the next heatwave in Maryland. homeowners commit. Regular With Riley Heat & Air, homeowners can be confident that their off- season air conditioner maintenance is done with accuracy and skill. 202-386-6300 / 301-219-3000 www.rileyheatandair.com rileyheat@yahoo.com 9900 Sudan PlUpper, Marlboro, MD 20772 906 I St NW, Washington,DC 20268, United States Expert Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors in Maryland & Washington DC