What happens to air conditioner in winter?

Did you know that your AC still collects and circulates dust, even when it's not running?

Think your AC's off-season is worry-free? Think again! You might think that as long as the AC is off, it isn’t a concern. But here’s the truth: even when your AC isn’t running, it continues to collect dust, debris, and even mold in the vents, filters, and ducts. These contaminants settle in the system, and when it’s eventually switched back on, they can spread through your home, affecting air quality and causing potential health issues. This is why it's so important to give your air conditioner a proper inspection and maintenance during the colder months. Just as you prepare your home for winter, it's crucial to schedule an AC inspection and take the necessary steps for proper AC maintenance to ensure your system runs smoothly when warmer weather returns. A thorough HVAC winter inspection can help protect your air conditioner from cold conditions, improve indoor air quality, and prevent winter allergies, creating a healthier and more comfortable living environment.

Debunking the myth: AC cleaning is not just for summer

There's a common misconception that AC cleaning is only necessary during the warmer months when the system is working full-time. However, cleaning and maintaining your AC in the off-season is just as critical to ensure that your air quality remains top-notch and that your system is ready to function properly when the heat returns. As your air conditioner sits idle through winter, the dust, dirt, and moisture in the air can settle in the system’s various parts. If left unchecked, this can lead to mold growth, clogged filters, and other issues that reduce the AC’s efficiency and potentially harm your indoor air quality. Inspection and cleaning of the AC system can prevent these problems from building up and ensure that your system is running smoothly when you need it.

5 signs your AC needs attention even when it's not running

1. Reduced indoor air quality: Increased dust, musty smells, or respiratory issues (like coughing or sneezing) can signal clogged filters or mold buildup leading to poor indoor air quality.
2. Strange odors: Musty or stale smells coming from your vents could indicate a clogged filter, allowing mold or bacteria to grow inside.
3. Unusual noises: This could be caused by accumulated debris in the system, dust build-up, and mold that disrupts the airflow or causes parts to work harder than usual.
4. Uneven cooling or airflow: If some rooms are colder than others when you turn your AC back on, it could be due to dust and debris that have settled in the ducts or filters while the system was off, causing blockages or uneven airflow.
5. Increased energy bills: When your AC is off, dust accumulates, and if left unchecked, it can clog filters and ducts, forcing your system to work harder when it’s turned back on. This inefficiency can result in a sudden spike in your energy bills, even if you're using the system less.
   

Why winter AC inspections are so important?

When you neglect your AC system during the winter months, you’re essentially setting yourself up for problems when the warmer weather arrives. A simple winter inspection can help avoid a lot of potential issues, saving you time, money, and stress in the long run. Here’s why:

Preventing health hazards

Dust and mold buildup in your system can affect the air quality in your home. A thorough inspection of your AC system can help identify and remove these contaminants, preventing them from circulating throughout your home. Clean air means a healthier environment for you and your family, free from the risk of mold-related illnesses or dust-triggered allergies.

Enhancing energy efficiency

An AC inspection ensures your system operates efficiently by identifying and addressing issues like clogged filters and ducts. With regular inspections and maintenance, your AC will run smoothly, reducing energy consumption and preventing higher utility bills.

Avoiding costly repairs

Ignoring your AC during the winter can lead to bigger problems when you finally turn it on in the summer. Issues like mold growth, clogged filters, and broken parts can cause your AC to malfunction, leading to costly repairs. An inspection during the off-season can identify any issues early on, allowing you to address them before they become serious and expensive problems.

Extending the life of your AC

Regular maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your AC system. When dust and debris are allowed to accumulate, parts of the system can wear out faster due to the added strain. A simple inspection and cleaning can help keep your system in top condition, prolonging its life and saving you money on replacements.

Winter AC care tips: How to protect your system during the cold season

Now that you understand the importance of winter AC care, let’s look at some simple steps you can take to ensure your system stays in optimal condition throughout the off-season.

Adjust your thermostat settings for winter

Updating your thermostat settings during winter is an important step in optimizing both your comfort and energy efficiency. Since you're using your AC less frequently during the colder months, it's essential to adjust the thermostat to a more energy-efficient setting. If your thermostat is outdated or not programmable, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat, which allows you to easily control and schedule temperatures, ensuring that your system isn't working harder than necessary during the winter months. This simple adjustment helps reduce unnecessary wear on your system, leading to lower energy bills and better long-term performance.

Winter AC inspection

Even if you're not using your air conditioner regularly, a professional inspection can help identify potential issues before they become major problems. Technicians will check the system for any signs of wear, clean the components, and inspect key parts like the coils, refrigerant levels, and the thermostat. By addressing minor issues during the off-season, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns and ensure your AC operates efficiently when you need it most.



AC Cleaning

As winter sets in, many homeowners overlook the importance of AC maintenance, assuming that the cold weather won’t impact their air conditioning system. While the cold itself won’t harm the AC compressor, this buildup can lead to poor airflow and reduced efficiency when the system is eventually turned back on. To ensure your air conditioner is ready for the warmer months ahead, it's essential to clean the AC unit regularly, removing any debris and dust that may have been collected during the winter. 

Your air conditioner is an essential part of maintaining a comfortable and healthy home, and it deserves attention year-round, not just during the hot months. Neglecting your AC system in the winter can lead to dust, mold, and other contaminants building up, which can affect both your system's performance and the quality of the air you breathe. By taking simple steps like scheduling a winter inspection and cleaning your filters, you can prevent costly repairs, improve air quality, and ensure that your AC is ready to work efficiently when the warmer months arrive.

If you’re unsure about the condition of your AC system or need help with a winter inspection, our team of experts is here to assist you. Contact us today for a FREE AC inspection and make sure your home’s air stays fresh and clean all year long!