The option to add solar panels to your system is a wonderful bonus. This unit is relatively large, so it may not blend in seamlessly to existing landscaping. An extremely high level of efficiency and low level of noise make this innovative air conditioner a great choice. The best central air conditioner keeps your home comfortable on even the hottest summer days year after year, using very little energy and making very little noise. All of the best-rated central air units do that, but the Dave Lennox Signature Collection offers much more. This is an advanced, feature-filled central air conditioner with many advantages over a basic unit.After enduring a long summer pumping cold air through your home, your central air conditioning system is finally enjoying a much needed respite this fall. Out of use shouldn't mean out of mind, however – there are some important steps you should take to protect your AC unit over the winter so you know it will be ready to go when the weather warms up again.

Read on to learn what you need to know about keeping your central air conditioning system safe during the cold winter months. Built to Beat the Cold Central air conditioning systems are actually built to be able to survive exposure to tough weather, and some people find that their units work fine even if they don't take any protective measures at all. However, the outdoor components of the system can be damaged by debris, moisture build-up and repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles, so it is wise to take at least some action to keep the equipment safe. The first thing you should do when you shut your central air conditioning system down for the winter is to turn off its power. This will save you some electricity lost to phantom loads – and also prevent you from accidentally turning the unit on during the winter, which could create a big problem if it starts cycling water through the system and that water freezes. On the Dangers of Tarps While the cold itself won't hurt your AC compressor, debris that accumulates over the season can.

Before you stow the system for the winter, clean it up and remove any leaves or other gunk that has built up. air conditioning units in wallFrom there, some people just cover the unit with a piece of plywood to keep icicles, branches, leaves and other things from falling in the top.ice around outside ac unit An air conditioner cover can also be a good idea, particularly for lowering the risk of damage to the metal from repeated freezing and thawing, but it comes with some caveats of its own. how to install portable ac unitIt's a very bad idea to just cover the central air conditioning system with any old tarp and leave it at that. For one thing, moisture can accumulate underneath some coverings. Furthermore, animals might find the tarp to be an attractive shelter and make themselves at home.

The trick with AC covers is to get one that leaves a foot or more open space above the ground so air can still pass in and out – a cover specifically manufactured for your AC model is best. Once you've covered your AC compressor for the winter, it's a good idea to check on it periodically to make sure the cover is still in place and to clear out any debris that has blown underneath. Other than that, you should be all set. If you need help securing your central air conditioning system from harsh winter weather, contact a qualified HVAC technician today.Air conditioning return vent covers should be cleaned at least twice a year. Air conditioner return vent covers, as their name implies, hide the return vents, which pull air into your air conditioner before it is redistributed throughout each room. Homeowners may have the ducts cleaned as part of their cooling system maintenance, but vent covers may be ignored. Dust and other debris that becomes caught in the narrow slats of the vent cover may eventually be forced into your home’s air system.

Dust that makes its way into your air conditioning duct system not only irritates allergies, but it can also cause your cooling system to work harder, making it less energy-efficient. Turn off your air conditioner at the breaker. Vacuum as much dust, cobwebs and debris as possible from the vent cover slats. If your vacuum cleaner has attachments, such as a crevice tool, you may find them useful in this task. Remove the screws that hold the vent cover in place, using a screwdriver, and set them aside. Gently pull the cover away from the wall. Some vent covers are held in by clips. If this is the case, lift or press the clip at the top and pull the vent cover up and out to release it from the holders at its base. Fill your sink or tub with a solution of dish soap and hot water. Immerse the vent cover in the soapy water and leave it to soak for about 20 minutes to loosen stubborn dust and grime. Remove the cover from the water and scrub both sides with a damp cloth. Clean between the slats of the vent cover with a wet foam paintbrush.

Rinse the vent cover thoroughly with clean water and then set it on a clean towel to dry. Set your hairdryer on its cool setting and blow air into the joints and crevices of the vent cover to dry up any moisture that may have pooled in the slats. This helps to prevent rust from forming later. Reinstall the vent cover when it is fully dry. Roll-On® Window Insulation Kit Shrink Film Window Insulation Kit Heavy-Duty Window Insulation Kit Window & Door Seals Vinyl Clad Door Seal Self Adhesive Door Bottom Garage Door Bottom Seal HVAC Duct Sealing Tape All Weather Repair Tape All Purpose Duck Tape® Indoor Window A/C Cover Premium A/C Insulating Seal Window A/C Replacement Filter Outdoor Window A/C Cover Designed to fit around your indoor window A/C unit, this cover creates a weather-tight seal to keep out winter drafts and summer humidity. Air Conditioner Insulating Seal This easy-to-install foam seal closes the gaps between the window A/C unit and window frame, keeping outside air, insects and dust out.