During the winter months your AC sits idle, waiting on summer to come back around. During the winter months, things can go wrong with the AC sitting idle, which is why you need to do fall and spring HVAC maintenance. To ensure your AC makes it through the winter without any serious problems, you will want to know what can go wrong and how to prevent these problems. Here are some of the things that go wrong with air conditioners when they sit idle through the winter months:
1. Mold and Mildew That Grows When Moisture Is Trapped in the AC
Over the winter months, moisture can get inside the AC unit and cause problems. Many homeowners choose to cover the unit, but do not leave a gap for ventilation. This causes the air to be caught inside the AC unit, where it can lead to mold and mildew due to the moisture that gets trapped underneath the cover. To avoid this problem, always leave a gap at the bottom of the cover, or only cover the top of the unit to prevent debris from falling in the unit.
2. Freeze Damage from Water That Gets Left in Condensate Drain Lines
There is also another problem that can be caused by water with your AC system. The AC has condensate drain lines, which allow moisture to drain when condensation forms. These lines need to be cleaned and properly drained before the first winter freeze. If the condensation drain lines are clogged with debris and have water in them, this may cause them to be damaged if the water freezes over the winter months. When you weatherize your AC for the winter, make sure to check all the condensation drain lines and blow them out with air to ensure there is no water left in them.
3. Debris Damage and Warn Parts That Require Repairs Before Using Your AC
Some of the problems that you may have with your AC may be completely out of your control. During the fall and winters, storms may cause debris to damage the unit. There are also parts that may be worn and need to be replaced when you have your AC serviced during the spring. An HVAC technician will be able to help with repairs to damage and replacing any worn out parts before you need your AC next spring.
These are some of the things that can go wrong over the winter months if you do not take proper care of your AC. Contact an HVAC service to help with repairs and maintenance to ensure your air conditioner makes it through another winter.
Contact a business like Laroc Refrigeration-Metal Division for more details.
