As the temperatures begin to cool, many of us will stop using our air conditioning system and give it little thought until next summer. Unfortunately, this type of neglect can mean that when the weather heats up, you may find that your air conditioning unit will not work properly. Air conditioner units comprise of many moving parts, and when they sit unused for months at a time, it allows for debris and dust to accumulate inside. This can compromise the lifespan of your equipment and increase the risk of breakdown. Fortunately, with this essential off-season AC maintenance, you can have confidence that your air conditioner works when you need it most. 
Clear Any Debris:
The first step of your off-season maintenance is to clear any debris from in and around the condenser unit. Leaves, fallen branches and other garden debris can add moisture to the unit that could trigger a freeze up in very cold temperatures and encourage the growth of mold. This not only compromises your indoor air quality, but could also damage your system.
Clean the Condenser:
Once you have removed any debris, you should also clean the condenser. Many people use a high-pressure hose or power washer, but this can cause damage to the fins if you are not careful. It is better to use a VERY soft brush to remove any dirt that may have settled in the system. If you do use water for cleaning, be sure to check that the unit is properly dried to prevent freezing up when the colder weather arrives.
Keep the Area Clear:
While you are preparing your yard for winter, you should also take the opportunity to clear the area around the condenser. As shrubs, grass and trees have grown over the summer, you may find that the condenser no longer has adequate space. Ideally, there should be an area of two or three feet on each side of the condenser unit clear of any growth. This reduces the risk of debris accumulation and allows for adequate airflow when the system is in use.
Keep the Condenser Turned Off:
Since you are unlikely to need your air conditioner unit in the winter months, you should prepare to keep the condenser totally turned off. Unplug the condenser main power supply from the wall outlet. Leaving the main supply plugged into the outlet can unnecessarily consume electricity. Additionally, it can also increase the risk of any electronic components being damaged during a thunderstorm or power surge.
These basic maintenance steps are not particularly time consuming, but can help keep your air conditioning condenser and system in great shape. While you may wish to forget about your air conditioning system when the temperatures start to fall, taking a little time to perform off-season maintenance will increase the chances that your system will be ready when the hot summer weather arrives, which in Los Angeles is coming earlier and earlier. If you want to ensure that your system is in tiptop condition for summer, it is worth considering having your system serviced by a professional HVAC contractor. This preventative step will allow for any minor issues to be detected before they can develop into a major one.