We all know what to expect during winters in Raleigh, NC and Chesapeake, VA:

The temperature dips to frightening lows. Steam billows from your breath. Your skin goes from sunbathed to dry and itchy.

Winter is a time for sweaters, hats, gloves and, ah yes, your heater. So why then would we want to talk about your air conditioner in the winter.

Your air conditioner?

That seems a bit strange, doesn’t it? Just imagine your air conditioner turning on in the middle of a winter storm. Seems a bit frightful and counterproductive, doesn’t it?

But just because you might not use your AC in the winter doesn’t mean you should ignore it. In fact, seeing that you don’t use your AC in the winter is exactly why you can’t afford to ignore it. Here’s why:

Winter Makes Your Ac Dirty

Winters in North Carolina and Virginia mean lots of moisture. When your AC system is inoperable for several weeks or months at a time, this moisture can begin to build up inside your system.

In addition, rust, small animals (searching for warmth) and debris can really begin to take their toll.

During the winter months, you should periodically look at your AC system and clear away all branches, leaves, nests from inside and around your unit. We recommend you also use a hose from time to time to eliminate dirt buildup after a big winter storm.

Take Your Ac Winter Care To The Next Level

Taking the do-it-yourself approach to AC winter care is helpful in protecting your system, but there’s so much more that you can do.

Regular maintenance of your AC – as provided by an expert heating and cooling specialist – will help you enjoy:

• Fewer breakdowns
• Extended equipment life
• Increased energy efficiency
• Cleaner indoor air

How Comfort First Ensures Your Ac Isn’t Damaged During The Winter

Cleaning out branches and debris is just one step toward ensuring your AC remains optimal and perfectly functioning.

But at Comfort First, we perform a comprehensive 21-point checklist that all but guarantees that when the temperature rises again in Raleigh and Chesapeake, our neighbors will enjoy the comfort they deserve, thanks to their ACs.

Our 21-point checklist includes:

• Clean condenser coils
• Clean accessible evaporator coils
• Test starting capabilities
• Calibrate thermostats
• Measure temperature rise
• Monitor refrigerant pressures
• Check motor amps
• Check compressor amps
• Check electrical connections
• Inspect / clean contactors
• Blow out condensate drains
• Oil fan motors, if applicable
• Lubricate moving parts, if applicable
• Inspect blower wheel for proper balance and airflow
• Clean and optimize burners
• Test / adjust safety controls / limits
• Flue safety inspection
• Combustion safety inspection
• Clean ignition assembly
• Check gas pressure
• Visually inspect ductwork

In the spring time, after winter has subsided, Comfort First will also perform a precision tune-up, to get your system back up to working order.

This level of care, performed throughout the year, will help to prolong your AC’s lifespan (and keep your energy bills low), thus helping you to save money in the long run.

Contact Comfort First today to learn more about how we can help you care for your AC all year long (yes, even during the winter!).