The Ultimate Winter AC Tune-up Checklist for Missouri Homeowners

Advice For Homeowners, Air Conditioner Tips, HVAC

Don’t neglect your winter air conditioner maintenance! In this blog, the team at Lee’s Summit Heating & Cooling has compiled the ultimate Winter Tune-Up Checklist to ensure your air conditioner runs effectively and efficiently this year. Regular maintenance can protect and significantly extend the lifespan of your air conditioner, so don’t hesitate! Get familiar with winter AC maintenance today, and read on!

Posted by Payton | February 12, 2024 | Reading Time:

We know you have many tasks on your winter preparation checklist, but one that shouldn’t be overlooked is winterizing your air conditioner.

Missouri winters can be harsh, with temperatures often dipping below freezing. Snow, ice, and freezing rain are common, posing a threat to your cooling system.

That’s why it’s important to make time in your schedule for annual winter maintenance.

Regular maintenance can protect and significantly extend the lifespan of your air conditioner, helping you reduce the risk of damage, rust, leaks and resulting repair. Winter maintenance can also help maintain your unit’s efficiency when summer rolls back around. Which means better cooling performance and lower utility bills.

To help get you started, we’ve compiled the ultimate Winter Tune-up Checklist for your air conditioner. We’ll go over everything from inspection, to thermostat checks, to even scheduling regular tune-ups with the experienced technicians at Lee’s Summit Heating & Cooling.

At Lee’s Summit Heating & Cooling, we offer best-in-class AC tune-ups conducted by professionals who have decades of combined experience. We go out of our way to ensure your satisfaction no matter what. When you need to make sure your AC performs reliably, our professionals are here to help!

Your AC Tune-Up Checklist

Inspection & Cleaning

Before the first frost hits, check your air conditioner for any signs of damage or wear. If you spot any issues, we strongly recommend addressing them before winter really sets in. This could involve professional repairs or simple DIY fixes, depending on the severity.

Once your initial inspection is complete, it’s time to give your air conditioner a thorough cleaning by removing any debris, leaves, and dirt from around the unit. This not only prevents blockages but also reduces the risk of moisture accumulation, which can lead to rust, poor air quality and other issues.

Replace Your Filters

Replacing the filters in your air conditioner is one of the easiest steps you can take to ensure your unit is running its absolute best.

Filters trap and lock dirt, dust and other contaminants before they’re circulated into your air. If these filters are dirty, contaminants begin to build up and restrict the airflow through your unit causing components to over heat and your indoor air quality to diminish.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Insulte any exposed pipes to prevent freezing, with foam or other protective material. This is crucial to prevent pipes from bursting and causing potential damage to your air conditioner or your property from leaks.

If you’re not sure how or what material to use to insulate your unit, give our experienced team a call today! Our technicians will walk you through the best options available.

Check Refrigerant Levels

Double checking your refrigerant levels is important for the efficiency and longevity of your air conditioner. Refrigerant is what absorbs heat from the indoor air, and if it’s low that could be a sign that you have a leak on your hands.

If the refrigerant level is too low, the system cannot cool your home effectively, running harder and longer, and leading to increased utility bills. An AC unit operating with low refrigerant levels may also cycle on and off more frequently, leading to increased wear and tear on its components and more frequent repairs.

Cover the Unit

Once you’ve gone through the above steps, cover your external AC unit with a breathable, waterproof cover. This prevents moisture buildup while protecting the unit from snow, ice, and debris. Ensure the cover is secure so it doesn’t get blown away by winter winds.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat acts as the control center for your air conditioning system. Regular checks ensure efficient operation, prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your AC system, and maintain a comfortable, energy-efficient environment.

If you suspect your thermostat isn’t operating as it should, give one of our qualified cooling technicians a call.

Regular Tune-ups and Maintenance from Lee’s Summit

In addition to your DIY winter maintenance, consider scheduling a comprehensive air conditioner tune-up from the team at Lee’s Summit Heating & Cooling.

Starting as low as $89, our industry-leading tune-up services include:

Cleaning or replacing AC filters
Inspecting and adjusting your thermostat
Checking and tightening electrical connections
Lubricating all moving parts
Inspecting refrigerant lines & levels

Our AC tune-ups are designed to help your equipment last longer and perform better, contact us today to schedule yours!

Lee’s Summit also offers our exclusive Home Comfort Membership to help you get the best deal on air conditioning tune-ups, and save money on your bills each month while enjoying special benefits.

For one low monthly payment you’ll get regular AC inspections, priority service and discounts on HVAC parts and services, plus a 10% discount on overtime rates outside regular business hours. Contact us today to learn more!

Winterizing your air conditioner in Missouri is a simple yet crucial task. By taking these steps, you protect your investment, ensure the efficiency of your unit, and save yourself from potential headaches when the warm weather returns. Remember, a little effort in the winter can lead to a trouble-free summer of cool, comfortable air.

Stay warm, Missouri, we’ll see you when the snow melts!