When the forecast calls for freezing temperatures and snow, we get a lot of homeowners in the Indianapolis area wondering if they need to winterize their outdoor AC units. The quick answer is this: You really don’t.
Top 3 Myths for AC Winterization
Most people think they need to winterize their AC unit, but you’re actually better off just doing a quick check around their unit. Remove those piles of leaves, check for any obvious damage, and you’re pretty much good to go until spring.
Tip 1: It’s okay to leave the AC power on.
There are lots of AC winterization tips online that talk about turning the unit’s power off. Usually this isn’t even necessary. You might want to take this step if you already know how to disconnect the power—but don’t worry about it if you’re unsure. The only thing it does is keep your unit from kicking on during those unexpected warm days in winter. For the average homeowner, it’s totally fine to keep the AC power on in winter.
Tip 2: You don’t have to clear the snow around your AC unit.
Sometimes cleaning up your AC unit’s area is more trouble than it’s worth. Too many well-meaning homeowners have actually damaged their unit while trying to protect it. This tends to happen when clearing off snow or ice with a shovel, which can accidentally break wires. The same thing happens when weedeaters get too close to the AC unit in the warmer months.
Of course, it’s important to take this winterization tip with a grain of salt. You obviously don’t want a bush growing right into your AC unit. If plants are crowding your unit, take care when you trim them back. Clearing leaves and smaller twigs is also a smart move. Winter winds can blow them into your unit, and the freezing temperatures, snow, and slush can end up trapping the debris. You want to make sure your unit is free from any materials when you turn it back on in the spring. A quick sweep around the AC unit should be all you need before the big snowfalls hit.
Tip 3: There’s no reason to have an AC cover—unless you like the look.
Using a cover for your AC unit isn’t necessary for winterization, but some people still prefer to use it. At LCS, we’re happy to install covers for customers who request them. Some people just like how the cover looks. Others like to use covers because they help keep leaves and debris out. Just note: Heat pumps should never be covered. Because those types of units work year-round, homes with heat pumps usually keep them running throughout the colder months.
What’s more important is that you just check all around your unit to make sure you don’t see any visible damage. Any cracks and breaks in the unit can worsen when temperatures drop. Fixing those issues now can help ensure that your unit will be in good working order when you’re ready to use it again. That way, you’ll be all set for every season!
If you happen to need any HVAC repairs in the Indianapolis area, the LCS Heating & Cooling experts are here to help! Just call (317) 238-3961 for year-round assistance on all your HVAC repairs, installs, and questions.
LCS Heating and Cooling, LLC is currently accepting applications for the position of: Experienced Service Technician. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years experience troubleshooting, repairing and maintaining HVAC equipment. Candidates must also live in Indianapolis or the immediate surrounding areas.
Job Responsibilities/Skills include but are not limited to:
- Independently follow daily schedule of calls using company software
- Perform annual maintenance tune-ups on residential and light commercial HVAC equipment. Examples include furnaces, air handlers, heat pumps, air conditioners, RTU's, mini-splits and humidifiers.
- Properly diagnose and repair residential and light commercial HVAC equipment (as stated above)
- Accurately complete customer invoices
- Accurately complete daily follow-ups with the office
- Rotate in On-Call Schedule
Other Requirements:
- Able to independently manage time
- Reliable and prompt
- Candidates must have own tools
- Professional, courteous and pleasant with customers and co-workers
- Team Player!
- Must have current driver’s license
Employee Benefits
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacation
- Take Home Vehicle
- Service Phone & Tablet
- Health Insurance
- Retirement
- Tool Account
- Bonus Incentives
Please contact us through Facebook for more information or to apply!
LCS Heating and Cooling, LLC is currently accepting resumes for the position of Customer Service Professional in our office. The HVAC industry can be a fast paced environment so we are looking for individuals who have a high level of organizational skills, enjoy talking to customers and love being part of a team. Prior experience in the HVAC industry is not a requirement. Please apply if you feel you'd be a great fit based on the descriptions listed below:
Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Answering phones
- Answering customer questions
- Scheduling a variety of types of appointments
- Working in a software program
- Communicating with customers and vendors by phone and email
- Follow-up on customer proposals
- Managing spreadsheets
- Attending and participating in team meetings
- Managing installs, permits, rebate paperwork
Other Preferred Skills
- Strong phone skills
- Able to effectively manage email
- Strong organizational skills
- Excellent note-taking and follow-up skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word & Excel)
Other Requirements include, but are not limited to:
- Strong attendance record
- Reliability & Timeliness
- Respect toward co-workers and customers
- Team player
- Clean driving record
- Clean drug test
- Clean background check
LCS Benefits
- Hourly wage based on experience
- Direct Deposit
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacation
- Health insurance
- Retirement
Please submit your resume today to: renee@LCSheatingandcooling.com
Summer here in Indy means heat, humidity, and some good ol’ fashioned sunshine. While we’re quite fond of a strong AC unit, there are plenty of other ways to beat the summer heat around Indianapolis.
Before you decide to stay indoors and dial down the thermostat, check out some of these favorite local venues. Our picks for 2016 have something for everyone. Whether you want to explore the great outdoors, find a great shopping deal, or sip on a great local brew, we’ve got the summer itinerary you need to keep cool around town.
Best Outdoor Activities:
Sahm Park & Aquatic Center in Castleton
Probably the easiest way to lower your core body temp is to take a nice dip in the pool. We love Sahm’s Park because it’s convenient to get to and has plenty of space for relaxing. Open swimming, water slides, and other water spray features can help you stay chill on the sunniest of days.
Rusted Moon Outfitters in Broad Ripple
If you want a quieter scene and want to soak up some nature, be sure to check out Rusted Moon Outfitters this summer. They’re the local, one-stop shop for everything outdoors! You can even rent a paddleboard or kayak and then head over to the White River just down the road. If you start working up a sweat while paddling, it’s easy to cool off with a quick splash of water.
Fort Harrison State Park in Lawrence
Maybe shade is what you’re after? The trails at Ft. Ben can help you take cover. We like to take our pups hiking at this state park because their paths are fairly short and easy to follow. (Just don’t forget your doggie bag and a collapsible water bowl for them.)
Best Shopping:
BluePeppermint Boutique in Fishers
Some days are just too hot and stuffy to enjoy the outdoors. When that happens, consider getting out of the house for an afternoon shopping spree. That way, you still get a change of scenery, but you don’t have to sacrifice the AC. Located in a cute green house, BluePeppermint Boutique has a great collection of whimsy-chic clothing and accessories. We always find something fun!
Silver in the City on Mass Ave
There’s even more to love with local shopping at Silver in the City. This gift shop has some uniquely classy jewelry and loads of quirky items for anyone with a good sense of humor. Use your free time in July to get holiday shopping done early—who cares if it’s six months away? You might even find something special for yourself. (Also note: BRU Burger Bar is just around the corner. They've got a nice, big patio and unbelievable burgers!)
Dottie Couture Boutique at Keystone
There’s even more fashion trends at Dottie Couture Boutique to browse. They’re really good about keeping stocked with new styles and shipments, and the prices are great too. With other locations in Fishers and Greenwood, this is an excellent place to put on your list. A new dress for summer can help you cool off. It’s all about dressing for the season, right?
Best Food & Drink:
Sundae’s Homemade Ice Cream on 79th and Fall Creek Road
Sure, getting an ice cream cone is one of the most obvious ways to “beat the heat,” but if you haven’t had Sundae’s yet, you don’t know what you’re missing. Over 30 years of ice cream crafting make them one of Indy’s best-loved venues. (A couple of our favorite flavors are Peanut Butter Pie and Sundaes Trax. Also love the Reese's Mountain Sundae!)
Fire by the Monon in Broad Ripple
Fire by the Monon is just a half block off its namesake trail, so it’s easy to stop in and treat yourself to a drink or some dessert after a warm afternoon stroll. They have plenty of craft beers on tap, but we like to go because they have a great “Monon Mule.” So refreshing! (And even cooler—The owner's wife even makes some of their scrumptious sweet-tooth offerings herself.)
Blind Owl Brewery off 62nd and Binford Boulevard
On mild nights we definitely recommend hanging out at Blind Owl. It’s a family-friendly bar and restaurant with a great patio space for outdoor games. Nothing quite says Indiana summertime like a game of corn hole! There’s also bocce ball, so be sure to bring your game-face.
Alibi’s Bar & Grill at Shadeland Station
After a long day at work, we think of Alibi’s as our local “Cheers” bar. Great company and awesome food—just what you want on a hot day. Plus they’ve got the best cheesy bread and pizza around. Try their BBQ Chicken. They make it with smoked Gouda and the flavor is perfect for both winter and summer. Yum!
What do you think of our 2016 list? Did we include some of your own local Indy favorites? Check these places out and leave us a comment below. We’d love to hear from you!