Winters in Gilbert, Arizona aren’t what most people picture when they think of colder seasons. You’re not dealing with freezing temps or heavy ice buildup, but that doesn’t mean your AC system can be left alone once summer ends. This time of year is perfect for giving your unit some needed attention. It’s had months of non-stop use dealing with desert heat, and even light shifts in temperature can take a toll if it’s ignored.
Whether you’re running a home or a business, taking steps to winterize your AC helps reduce wear and tear, keeps things clean, and prepares your system to work better when the heat comes back. It’s not about heavy-duty winter preparation, but about helping your cooling equipment stay in top shape. A few simple steps now can make a big difference later.
Inspect And Clean The AC Unit
Start by giving your AC unit a full once-over. Take a look at the outdoor system and see if there’s any visible damage from the past season. Bent fins, damaged insulation, or loose panels might not jump out as major problems, but they can lead to more serious issues. Plants, leaves, and dirt also tend to collect near the base of the unit. Clearing this debris is an easy step to help ensure nothing blocks airflow.
Cleaning the unit is more than just brushing it off. After working through the high heat of summer, the coils often pick up layers of dirt that affect performance. Places with high pollen or nearby construction can make this worse. Dirty coils restrict airflow, making the unit work harder and use more energy. Gently rinsing them and brushing off any buildup can go a long way.
Signs your AC system may need deeper cleaning include:
– Musty smells from the vents
– A louder-than-normal startup noise
– The fan running harder than usual
Even though it might be tempting, don’t open parts of the unit yourself. It’s easy to damage internal components without realizing it. Leave disassembly and deep cleaning to a technician who has the tools and knows what to look for. A basic surface cleaning and visual check can help you avoid a mid-summer breakdown when you turn the system back on.
Check And Change Filters
AC filters are the system’s first line of defense. They trap dust, allergens, and any debris that might travel through your ductwork. After a long cooling season, they’re usually due for a change. Filters that stay in too long get clogged and slow down airflow. That makes the system push harder to maintain comfort, which means more energy used and more strain on parts.
Heading into the cooler months is the right time to check and swap out filters. Even if they don’t look terrible, they’ve handled a high workload through the summer. Putting in fresh filters before winter starts helps protect your system and improve air quality indoors.
When changing your filters, here are three quick things to keep in mind:
1. Use the correct size. The old filter should have that info printed on the frame.
2. Make sure you’re using the same type, not just one that fits in the slot.
3. Always insert it with the airflow arrows pointing in the right direction.
Filters should really be checked every one to two months, but it’s especially important during seasonal changes. Keeping clean filters in place reduces wear on the motor and blower and improves indoor comfort whether you’re using heat or cooling.
Protect The Outdoor Unit
Even with mild winters in Gilbert, it’s still smart to protect your outdoor AC unit. The goal here isn’t to insulate it like you’re prepping for frost, but to keep it clean, dry, and free from damage during the cooler season.
Start by clearing away fall yard waste like sticks or dead grass. These can block airflow or even cause moisture buildup at the base of the unit. Left unchecked for months, this can speed up corrosion or attract insects and critters looking for a place to hide.
Next, consider using a cover to shield the top against falling debris. Make sure it’s breathable and never wrap the unit entirely in plastic or a sealed bag. A lack of airflow invites trapped moisture, which can lead to rust. A good cover sits on top like a lid and allows any excess moisture to escape.
While you’re at it, double-check the space around the system. Maintain two to three feet of clearance on all sides so nothing restricts air circulation. That buffer also discourages small animals from nesting near wiring.
If the unit is already under a covered patio or roof overhang, you may have some built-in protection. But it’s still worth keeping the area clean and making sure nothing can fall or drip directly onto the system during winter.
Schedule A Professional Maintenance Check
Even if you regularly change your filters and keep the unit clean, there are still parts of your AC system that should only be inspected by a trained professional. Booking a seasonal check with a trusted technician ensures hidden problems don’t go unnoticed and that everything is working as it should.
During a typical maintenance visit, a technician will:
– Test and calibrate the thermostat
– Inspect electrical components and tighten loose connections
– Check the fan motor and blades
– Look for refrigerant line leaks or low levels
– Examine internal parts for signs of breakdown
Deep internal cleaning is something most homeowners can’t or shouldn’t do themselves. Technicians have the proper tools to reach areas that are otherwise off-limits. A good cleaning helps keep energy use under control and lowers the chances of a major part wearing out early.
Treat it a little like getting your car looked over between long drives. It costs less to have things checked early than it does to deal with a surprise breakdown when summer returns. And when the temperature spikes again, it’ll feel good knowing your system is ready to cool without delay.
Making Sure Your System Is Ready for Gilbert Winters
Just because winter is mild in Gilbert doesn’t mean your AC system doesn’t feel the change. Taking small steps now means fewer problems when the heat flips back on faster than expected.
Brush off the dust, clear the space, inspect what you can, and schedule a professional check before the season wraps up. Taking care of your AC at the end of the year can prevent problems when spring and summer arrive. Changing filters, cleaning external parts, and making sure the system is protected outdoors are all simple tasks that go a long way.
Your AC may rest a bit during the winter, but that downtime is the best chance to give it attention. Keep it clean, covered, and inspected now, so when things heat up again, it’s more than ready to keep your space cool.
If you’re looking to improve comfort and avoid bigger issues down the line, scheduling a Gilbert AC repair at the right time can make a big difference. JLM Air Conditioning and Heating is here to keep your system clean, efficient, and running the way it should all year long.
