So winters are knocking on the door. NYC is likely to get its first inch of snow in December. While winters mark the starting of fun, festivities, and, of course, apple picking, it is the time to pack up summer gear and turn to their heating furnaces.

But amidst all the preparations and excitement, most of us are likely to forget about air conditioners. Sure, ACs generally take a backseat during winters. Therefore, it is to forget about AC when your all comfort depends on the efficiency of your heating unit.

But what if your AC doesn’t work when the summers arrive?

That’s why AC maintenance is important to keep your system up and running for the next summer. Here’s how you can

Check and Change the Air Filter:

It is easy to keep in mind that you should change the filter of your AC during summers. But during winters, this is easy to forget if you are only using your AC now and then. 

HVAC air filters are required to be changed every one to two months if the systems are used regularly. Changing your air filters at the recommended intervals helps prevent dust and debris from accumulating in your home’s air. 

Switch Off Unit:

First thing first, make sure to shut off the circuit of your HVAC unit. Generally, a unit has a metal lid by the outdoor system having an on/off switch. Turn that switch off to shut down the HVAC. 

Why this is important?

This is because sometimes in places like NYC the AC can sense the warm temperature and can start. Although this could increase comfort, water could enter the coils and freeze if the temperature drops again, leading to rust and corrosion within the unit. 

 Wash the Cover:

Choose a warm day to perform this step to make sure the unit will dry completely. Use a wet cloth and get any dust, bird droppings, and dust off to the HVAC unit. Also, clear off any sticks, dead bugs, leaves, and debris around the bottom of the unit either. 

Leaves and dead sticks will invite small animals to build the nest in your unit. 

Cover the Unit:

Once the unit is dry, make sure to cover it. A tarp or furnace cover can be used. However, the fabric covers can be used by rodents to settle down for the winter. 

Depending on your HVAC system, make sure to ask a manufacturer for their recommendation to cover a unit. But it is still essential to cover the top. A slab of plywood or brick can be used to keep the cover in place. 

No matter what you use to cover the unit, make sure to remove it when you turn the AC back on in the summer. 

Cover the Exposed Pipes:

The next step is to cover exposed pipes with foam pipe covers that are generally available at any home improvement store. Slip these covers over the pipes and keep them in place with duct tape. In places like NYC, the temperature can hit below the freezing point quickly. This cover will act as insulation to prevent the pipes from breaking and freezing. 

Perform a Furnace Tune-up:

As you move from AC to heating, get your unit tuned up by a heating technician. They can winterize your outdoor unit and increase the efficiency of your furnace. 

Make Sure to Check the Outdoor Unit:

Once your HVAC system is winterized, make sure to perform a visual inspection every month during the winter to remove any debris or small animals inside. 

So these are the tips to maintain your AC during winters so that it can run efficiently without causing any problem from the moment you turn it on in summers. Or you can call a professional HVAC technician in NYC.