How Winter Affects Your AC System (And What to Do About It)

When the colder months arrive, air conditioning isn’t usually top of mind, but taking a little time in autumn to prepare for winter can help you avoid problems and ensure your system is ready to go when you need it.

In this post, we’ll explore how air conditioning can keep you warm in winter and offer tips on how to maximise the efficiency of your system throughout the year.

Understanding Your Air Conditioning System

Modern air conditioning systems are equipped with heat pump technology, which allows them to reverse the direction of refrigerant flow. The air conditioning system that cools your home in the summer can also keep it warm during the winter. In heating mode, the air conditioner extracts heat from the outside air (even when it’s cold) and transfers it indoors, providing an energy-efficient way to heat your home.

A big advantage of using your air conditioning system for heating, compared to traditional electric heaters or gas-fired central heating systems, is that heat pumps use significantly less energy to produce the same amount of heat.

For every kWh of electricity used, they can produce three to four kWh of heat, which makes heat pumps far more efficient than conventional electric heaters, which only provide one kWh of heat per kWh of electricity used. If you’re looking to lower your energy bills during the winter, using your air conditioning system in heating mode is a smart way to do so.

Why Winter Preparation Matters

Air conditioning units work hard during the summer months, and by the time autumn arrives, filters may be clogged, components could be worn, and outdoor units might be surrounded by leaves and other debris. Leaving your system untouched all winter can lead to:

• Reduced efficiency when you switch it back on
• Musty smells caused by bacteria on the filter and fan
• Increased energy use and higher bills
• Risk of failure when you need cooling again next year

If your air conditioning is also a source of heating, a lack of preparation could leave you without reliable heating when you need it most.

Step 1: Clean or Replace Filters

Airflow is key to an air conditioning system operating correctly, and dirty filters are one of the most common causes of poor performance.

• Remove and clean filters – most filters just need a brush, but they can be washed in warm water and mild detergent if needed (make sure they are dry before refitting them).
• Replace disposable filters if they are clogged.

Step 2: Inspect the Outdoor Unit

All outdoor air conditioning units are built to withstand any weather conditions, so you don’t need to worry about the unit’s integrity. However, it doesn’t hurt to carry out a few simple checks:

• Clear away leaves, branches, and anything else that can build up around the unit.
• Make sure nothing is obstructing the back or front of the unit, restricting airflow.
• Check that drainage holes are not blocked.

If your property is prone to falling leaves, this check will need to be carried out more than once during autumn, or you could consider a protective cover for the condenser to help keep it clear.

Step 3: Get Ready for Winter

With modern air conditioning providing both heating and cooling, now’s the time to switch over and make sure the system is ready for those colder days.

• Switch to heating mode and run the system to make sure it’s working.
• Listen for any unusual noises at both the indoor and outdoor units.
• Ensure warm air flows consistently across the unit.

To maximise the efficiency of your air conditioning system during winter, it’s important to set the thermostat at an optimal temperature, usually between 18–21 degrees.

Plan ahead — if it’s going to be very cold, turn the air conditioning system on earlier and lower the fan speed, allowing the system to heat the room at a normal pace. Setting the thermostat to the highest temperature on the highest fan speed is not an efficient way to run the system.

Book Your Service Today

We always recommend regular servicing of your air conditioning unit to keep the system in perfect working order. A2E Services offers air conditioning servicing and maintenance for all types of air conditioning units in residential and commercial properties. You should never attempt to fix any malfunction yourself, especially if you suspect leaking refrigerant or an electrical issue.

Don’t wait until summer to discover a problem — get your air conditioner serviced today and enjoy peace of mind knowing it’s ready to use all year round.

Call on 01604 372182 or use our Contact Us form!