Being concerned about your air conditioner is a good thing. Only when you care for it does it deliver on all the expectations; otherwise, sadly, its performance tends to slide. Many times we get calls from worried homeowners whether there is a chance their AC will degrade if it is not used for a couple of months. Therefore, today we shall try and put all your doubts to rest with our post of what happens if an air conditioner is not used for 3 – 4 months.
Majority Air Conditioners Are Fine If Not Used For A Few Months
Let us begin by putting you at ease. Today’s air conditioners are built for endurance. They can run long hours every day, sometimes even days, without any break. Now, coming to those months when you don’t need the AC. Thankfully, modern ACs are also built for durability. They are built to run for years. So, care is taken to ensure that nothing happens to the AC when you don’t use it during the cold winter months or when you are away from home for a long time. At your end, you need to take a few precautions to maintain the status quo.
Precautions To Take When AC Is Not Used For Few Months
Just like when your car sits idle in the garage for some months and still calls for care, so does your air conditioner. If you practice these precautions when your AC is not in use, there is no reason why you should face any problem.
1. Keep The Air Conditioner Clean – Dust and grime tend to accumulate on objects. These unwanted particles even flow inside the appliances if there are any openings and settle on different components. The problem with dust is that it forms a layer and steadily turns into a build-up that interferes with the AC’s smooth functioning. Hence, even if your AC is not in use, ensure that you still clean, and dust it regularly. It will keep the unit clean and no accumulations will happen. You need to be more careful and diligent with the cleanliness of the outdoor unit. There should not be any piles of grass and leaf or any other scraps around the unit. The bushes and trees around it should be regularly trimmed so that they do not pose any threat to the system’s safety. You keep your house clean. Remember, the AC is also a part of your house, and hence, it should be kept clean.
2. Follow The Maintenance Schedule – The maintenance plan of your AC takes into account the period when it will not be in use. Do not make the mistake of assuming the technician has not considered that period. Delaying the maintenance is asking for trouble, and sticking to it as closely as possible will give you the best chance of getting the most out of your investment. Maintenance is necessary because it ensures everything is as it should be and working optimally. Moreover, maintenance is the best time to catch any budding problems which have not yet turned into an ugly, expensive reality. For this reason, all homeowners are advised to see to it that they schedule the AC maintenance before switching on the AC after a long gap.
3. Run Only The Fan When Switching Off The AC For A Long Time – When the air conditioner works, air flows through the system. Sometimes, the air is laden with dust and other particles. These particles settle inside the AC and make it dirty. When you are switching off the air conditioner for at least a few months, run only the fan without any cooling for an hour; this will help clear out the system. Critical is to know that a machine that is shut down correctly will not develop any problem when it sits idle.
4. Run Only The Fan When You Switch It On After A Gap – Following close on the heels of the above point is the correct way of switching on the AC after a long gap. Again, run the fan for a good 20 to 30 minutes. During this time, do not switch on cooling. Running the fan will burn off all the accumulated dust inside the system. You may even smell something burning, but that is just the dirt. The smell will automatically go away in 10 to 15 mins. Once all the dust has burned and there are no lingering smells, you can switch on the cooling and enjoy the benefits of your air conditioner once again.
If The AC Had A Problem Prior To Its Shutting
If there existed a problem in the AC before you shut it, the chances are pretty high that the problem has escalated. For example, if there were a refrigerant leak in your system. By the time 3 to 4 months are past, there would be no refrigerant left at all. Hence, if you are aware of any problem in the unit, we advise you get it rectified immediately, even if you do not plan to use the AC for some months.
The Conclusion
If you take precautions and shut down the AC properly, there is no reason why there would be any problem when you restart it. Also, before restarting, complete its preventive maintenance. This way, even if some problem had started building, one will be able to catch it in time. Finally, please do not ignore any existing problems because they will escalate in an idle system.
Aztil Air Conditioning provides heating and cooling system repairs, maintenance, and installation in West Palm Beach, Florida. Our company has been offering comprehensive HVAC services since 1981. Our technicians are fully equipped and have the necessary experience and expertise to work with all brands. We provide affordable and top-quality services always, and our large and happy clientele in the area will vouch for it. We are open 24/7 and 365 days a year, even on weekends and holidays. To book an appointment, contact us at +1-888-729-8452.
