Preparing Your AirCon for Long Unused Periods

Preparing Your AirCon for Long Unused Periods. Air conditioners are essential for keeping homes and offices comfortable during hot and humid months.

However, there are times when your air conditioner may not be used for an extended period—whether due to vacations, or a temporary move.

When an air conditioner sits idle for weeks or months, proper preparation and maintenance are crucial to ensure it remains in good working condition when it’s time to use it again.

Neglecting to prepare your air conditioner for long unused periods can lead to issues such as mechanical wear, damage from moisture, or even pest infestation.

Read on – Preparing Your AirCon for Long Unused Periods

Why Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Long Unused Periods?

Before we delve into the steps for preparing your air conditioner, it’s important to understand why this process is necessary. When an air conditioner is not in use for an extended time, several issues can arise, including:

Moisture buildup: In humid climates, moisture can accumulate within the air conditioning unit, leading to mold and mildew growth.
Mechanical issues: Components such as motors, fans, and compressors can degrade if they are not properly maintained, leading to system inefficiency or even failure.
Pest infestation: Air conditioners, particularly the outdoor unit, can become a refuge for pests such as insects, rodents, or birds.
Corrosion: Lack of use can cause condensation to form on metal parts, leading to rust and corrosion over time.
Debris accumulation: Dirt, leaves, and other debris can accumulate around or inside the outdoor unit, affecting performance when the system is turned back on.

Properly preparing your air conditioner for an extended period of inactivity helps prevent these issues, extends the lifespan of the system, and ensures it functions efficiently when it is needed again.

Steps to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Long Unused Periods

1. Clean or Replace the Air Filters

One of the simplest but most effective aircon maintenance tasks is to clean or replace the air filters.

Dirty filters can restrict airflow, reducing the efficiency of your air conditioner and potentially causing it to overheat.

Before shutting down your air conditioner for an extended period, check the air filters for dust and dirt buildup.

If you have a washable filter, remove it and rinse it thoroughly with water, then let it dry completely before reinstalling it.

If your air conditioner uses disposable filters, replace the old filter with a new one.

2. Clean the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor unit of your air conditioner is exposed to the elements, which can cause it to accumulate dirt, leaves, and other debris.

If left unchecked, this debris can obstruct airflow, leading to overheating and inefficiency when the unit is used again.

To clean the outdoor unit:

Turn off the air conditioner and disconnect the power supply to ensure safety.
Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove any debris from the fins of the condenser coils.
Clear away any leaves, grass, or dirt around the unit to ensure proper airflow.
Hose down the unit with water to remove any remaining dirt, but avoid using high pressure, as it can damage the fins.

3. Check for Refrigerant Leaks

Before turning off your air conditioner for a long period, it’s important to check for any refrigerant leaks.

A leak can reduce the system’s cooling capacity and lead to higher energy bills when the air conditioner is turned back on.

If you notice that your air conditioner has been cooling inefficiently or if there are any visible signs of refrigerant leakage, such as oil stains around the piping, it’s best to have a professional HVAC technician inspect the system before shutting it down.

4. Clean the Evaporator and Condenser Coils

Over time, dirt and debris can build up on the evaporator and condenser coils, reducing the air conditioner’s ability to cool effectively.

Dirty coils can cause the system to overheat, leading to increased wear and tear.

To clean the coils:

Turn off the air conditioner and disconnect the power.
Use a soft brush or coil cleaning spray to gently clean the coils, removing any dust, dirt, or debris that has accumulated.
Be careful not to damage the fins while cleaning, as bent fins can restrict airflow and affect performance.

5. Cover the Outdoor Unit

Covering the outdoor unit can protect it from the elements during long periods of inactivity.

A good-quality air conditioner cover can prevent dirt, leaves, and debris from entering the unit while also protecting it from rain.

However, it’s important to ensure that the cover is breathable to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to rust or mold growth.

Tip: Avoid using plastic covers, as they can trap moisture inside the unit. Instead, use a cover made from durable, weather-resistant fabric designed specifically for air conditioners.

6. Turn Off the Power Supply

For safety and to prevent unnecessary energy consumption, it’s important to turn off the power supply to the air conditioning unit if it won’t be used for an extended period.

This also prevents accidental startup during maintenance or cleaning.

Locate the circuit breaker for your air conditioner and switch it off. Alternatively, you can disconnect the power directly at the outdoor unit.

This step ensures that no electrical components are running while the system is idle, reducing the risk of electrical faults.

7. Inspect and Clear the Drain Lines

The condensate drain line is responsible for removing moisture from the system. If the drain line becomes clogged with dirt or algae, it can lead to water leaks and damage to the unit.

To prevent this, check the drain line for any blockages and clear it using a wet/dry vacuum or a pipe cleaner.

Some homeowners also pour a small amount of vinegar down the drain line to help dissolve any buildup of mold or algae.

8. Adjust the Thermostat Settings

If you plan to be away for an extended period but don’t want to completely shut down your air conditioner, consider adjusting the thermostat settings.

Set the temperature higher than usual to reduce the system’s workload while still maintaining a basic level of climate control in your home.

For those with programmable thermostats, you can set a schedule that reduces cooling when the house is empty and returns to normal operation when you plan to return.

9. Schedule Professional Maintenance

While many of the steps above can be done by homeowners, it’s always a good idea to schedule professional maintenance before leaving your air conditioner unused for a long time.

A trained HVAC technician can thoroughly inspect your system for any issues, clean components that may be difficult to reach, and perform preventive maintenance to ensure the system remains in good condition.

Professional aircon maintenance can also include checking refrigerant levels, lubricating moving parts, and inspecting electrical connections, all of which are essential for keeping your air conditioner running smoothly.

Restarting Your Air Conditioner After Long Inactivity

Once the period of inactivity is over and you’re ready to start using your air conditioner again, follow these steps to ensure it operates efficiently:

1. Remove the Outdoor Unit Cover

Before turning the air conditioner back on, remove the cover from the outdoor unit. Ensure there is no debris inside the unit and that the surrounding area is clear.

2. Reconnect the Power

Turn the power supply back on by flipping the circuit breaker or reconnecting the power to the outdoor unit. This step will restore power to the air conditioner and allow it to function normally.

3. Check the Thermostat Settings

Reset your thermostat to your desired temperature setting. If you had set the thermostat to a higher temperature while away, adjust it to a more comfortable level for daily use.

4. Listen for Unusual Noises

When you first restart the air conditioner, listen for any unusual noises, such as grinding or hissing sounds, which could indicate mechanical issues or refrigerant leaks.

If you hear anything out of the ordinary, turn off the system and call a professional technician to inspect the unit.

5. Monitor Performance

Pay attention to the system’s cooling performance during the first few hours of operation.

If you notice reduced airflow, uneven cooling, or inefficient performance, it may be time to schedule professional service to ensure the system is functioning correctly after its period of inactivity.

FAQs About Preparing an Air Conditioner for Long Unused Periods

1. Is it necessary to cover the outdoor unit of an air conditioner during long periods of inactivity?

Yes, covering the outdoor unit can help protect it from dirt, debris, and weather elements. However, use a breathable cover to prevent moisture from being trapped inside, which can lead to rust and mold growth.

2. Should I completely turn off my air conditioner if I’m away for a long time?

If you won’t be using the air conditioner for an extended period, it’s a good idea to turn off the power at the circuit breaker to prevent accidental startup and reduce energy consumption.

3. How often should I clean the air filters before leaving the air conditioner unused?

Air filters should be cleaned or replaced before shutting down the air conditioner for an extended period. This ensures that no dust or debris clogs the system during inactivity.

4. Can I restart the air conditioner immediately after a long period of inactivity?

Yes, but it’s important to inspect the system and clear any debris, remove the cover, reconnect the power, and ensure that the unit is functioning correctly. If there are any issues, contact a professional technician before using the system.

5. How long can an air conditioner sit unused before it needs professional maintenance?

It’s recommended to schedule professional maintenance before any long period of inactivity (a few months or more).

Professional checks help ensure that the system is clean, well-maintained, and free from potential issues before you restart it.