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February

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By Angell Aire /

No matter where you live or what kind of home you own, you probably do not think much about your air conditioning system in the winter. You might acknowledge its existence, and you hope it will work well in the summer, but beyond that you probably do not think much about it.

What you may not realize is that the winter months are prime time for air conditioner care and maintenance. The steps you take now, when your AC is not running, could make a big difference later on – when the temperature rises and you need that steady stream of super cooled air. Here are some simple things you can do to care for your air conditioning during the cold winter months.

Schedule an Off-Season AC Checkup

Most people do not think about their AC when it’s not summer, and that means air conditioning technicians are far less busy at this time of year. If you want to get a jump start on the hot weather to come, schedule your annual AC inspection during the fall or spring.

There are many advantages to having your air conditioning system inspected and serviced in the off season, starting with greater staff availability. Since they are less busy, the technicians who visit your home can take their time, possibly uncovering issues that could have caused problems in the summer.

Change the Filters

It is easy to ignore your HVAC filters in the winter months, but the cold season is the perfect time to check the system and make sure everything is as clean as possible. If you have not already done so, take a minute to check the filters in your AC system now – before you forget or put it off.

If the filters in your air conditioning system are soiled or blocked, it is time to replace them.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

If you have been too busy to install a programmable thermostat, why not use the winter months to finally do it? You are trapped inside anyway, so why not use the time to your advantage?

This simple upgrade could improve the efficiency of your air conditioning unit this summer and drive down your home cooling costs. With a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the temperature for your comfort ahead of time – or even remotely, so your home stays comfortable and you avoid unnecessary heating and cooling costs.

Winter may be the coldest time of year, but before you know it the mercury will be rising, with humid days and uncomfortable nights. By caring for your air conditioning system now, you can ensure the summer to come will be a cool and comfortable one – no matter how high the temperature gets. Most people do not think much about their air conditioning in the winter, but going against the grain could be good for your home comfort – and your wallet.