Whether it is a window unit or a central system, air conditioning is an essential amenity for almost any modern home. While you may use this device on a daily basis during the summer months, you may not be aware of the various problems that can arise or the steps that you should be taking to protect your air conditioner against common forms of damage.

Do Air Conditioners Require Any Preventative Care For The Winters?

Winter months can be long dormant periods for your air conditioning system, and it can be easy to forget about or give little thought to these systems during this time of the year. However, the winter weather can be particularly wearing on an air conditioner. More precisely, snow and ice can contribute to prolonged moisture exposure, which can cause the system to corrode. You will want to brush any snow off of your unit or place a protective cover over it during the winter to prevent this damage.

Can Rain Damage The Air Conditioning Unit?

Due to the fact that air conditioning units are designed to be outside, homeowners will often assume that the rain does not pose any type of threat to these systems. However, it can be possible for rain to pool around the base of the system, and depending on the amount of rain, these pools could get high enough to allow water to enter the interior of the air conditioner. When this occurs, the internal components of the system are more likely to develop severe rust fairly quickly and the electrical system can be ruined. Installing gutters near the air conditioning unit can help to provide rain water with a channel for leaving the area.

Will Setting The Thermostat Lower Improve Energy Efficiency?

There is a common fallacy that turning the temperature on the thermostat lower will improve the efficiency of the system by causing the air conditioning system to produce colder air. However, air conditioners are designed to produce cold air within a very limited temperature range. As a result, setting the thermostat lower is unlikely to improve the performance of the system. Rather, this may actually reduce energy efficiency as the system will run longer.

Extreme heat can be a problem that will quickly render a home uncomfortable during the spring and summer. Understanding that your air conditioner will need some proactive measures to avoid damage and other problems will help you to get the most out of these systems. More precisely, knowing that you should remove snow and ice from the unit during the winter, avoid allowing water to pool around the base and that lowering the thermostat does not alter the temperature of the air coming from the system will help you to get the best performance possible from your system when warm temperatures first arrive. For more information, contact companies like http://www.alliedme.com.