With cold weather on the horizon in Freehold, you may be questioning when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you should even cover it at all.
Your AC unit is a sturdy piece of equipment. It’s created to resist severe weather, including extreme temperatures and heavy precipitation.
Sometimes covers do more harm than good because they can trap condensation. Additional wetness inside your unit can cause internal pieces to rust or turn moldy.
While using an air conditioner cover is an individual choice, there are two periods that are great for using a cover for a long period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard rubbish during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can build up and lower your system’s airflow. Diminished airflow means your air conditioning unit works more and may use more power to cool your house.
Wanting other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Routine AC maintenance from Perfect Air & Water Services heating and cooling professionals can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and take a close look at critical components. This often allows us to spot trouble before they begin.
Find the Right Air Conditioner Cover
If you come to the conclusion you want to cover your air conditioner, here are several suggestions on choosing the best cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air moving, a protective air conditioner cover should only encompass the top of your unit and several inches on the side.
Complete AC covers can trap condensation inside your system, potentially rusting metal components. It could also make your system a welcoming place for animals, which could eat through wires.
Related: What New Homeowners Need to Know About Their Air Conditioner
Don’t Use Plastic or Vinyl Covers
Plastic or vinyl covers block air, which could cause water to build up inside your air conditioner. The best type of clot is one that allows airflow, like canvas or mesh.
Related: How AC Repair & Maintenance Can Actually Save You Money
When to Use an Air Conditioner Cover
If you choose to use an air conditioner cover, here are the best times to put it on.
Cover Your Air Conditioner During Summer
A lightweight mesh cover during the summer allows your air conditioner to run unrestricted while keeping grass clippings and branches out.
Related: How Do I Know if My Air Conditioner is Running Properly?
Cover Your Air Conditioner During Fall
A breathable canvas cover will block leaves, nuts and other rubbish from dropping into your system.
Related: Tips for Cleaning Your System
Cover Your Air Conditioner Before Severe Weather
You can temporarily cover your air conditioner in the winter when you know heavy snow is coming. Snow and ice that collect inside your system can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and lowering efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to anticipate a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your system if a bad storm is approaching in Freehold. Hail can severely damage your system’s exterior, altering efficiency.
Related: How Severe Weather Can Lead to AC Repair
Why You Don’t Need to Cover Your AC
1. Snow won’t Hurt Your AC
Exterior AC units are built to withstand harsh weather conditions like snow in the winter. These systems are built with solid materials and parts that can handle the outdoor elements without damage. The coils and fins of the unit are engineered to resist corrosion, and the housing is manufactured to protect the internal parts from moisture and debris.
2. Covered AC Systems may Encourage Mold Growth
One of the reasons you shouldn’t cover your AC unit in the cold months is because doing so can trap moisture—which is definitely not what you want in your outdoor unit. That’s because sealing moisture inside the unit generates the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to flourish.
Mold and mildew not only have a bad smell, but they can also present health risks, especially for people with respiratory issues or allergies. Plus, the excess moisture can corrode the internal components of the AC unit.
Rather than covering the unit, instead provide proper drainage and keep the area around the unit clear of debris, allowing for efficient airflow and preventing moisture buildup.
3. Covered AC Systems Can Host Animals
You and your family aren’t the only ones who prepare for winter. Animals that live around your home are also hunting for a warm, cozy place to crash for the wintry months. For many creatures, a covered air conditioner is an awesome winter home.
Birds, mice, chipmunks and even rats frequently make nests inside covered air conditioners. Animals dwelling in a covered air conditioner can cause many problems. Rats can chew through wires, insulation and other components, causing damage that may require costly repairs. Debris animals bring into the AC to make themselves a warm and comfortable nest can block airflow and ventilation, lowering the efficiency of the appliance and potentially causing it to overheat. In addition, animal excrement can result in unsanitary conditions and foul odors.
Leaving your air conditioner uncovered helps discourage creatures, because an uncovered AC provides less shelter from the elements than a covered unit. That’s better for your cooling system—and leaves you with less mess to clean up and things to repair when winter is over.
4. A Winter Cover for AC Units Restricts Airflow
Another reason it’s better that you don’t cover your AC unit in the winter is because a cover blocks airflow through the unit. Adequate airflow is crucial for the AC system because it assists heat exchange and enables the unit to cool efficiently. When airflow is constrained, the system has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, resulting in greater energy consumption and strain on the components.
In addition, if you turn on your air conditioning without realizing that the outdoor unit is covered or because you simply forgot, it could result in a range of problems. One issue is that the lack of appropriate airflow could cause the compressor to overheat, leading to its failure or damage. That’s why it is necessary to ensure the outdoor unit is always cleared of any obstructions and is not covered to maintain maximum airflow.
5. AC Maintenance Works Better Than Covering Your Air Conditioner
The bottom line is, it’s a lot more effective to do a little maintenance for your air conditioner than to cover your outside AC unit.
There are a number of key maintenance activities you should prioritize to ensure optimal operation and longevity of your AC unit. First, it’s a good idea to look at your outdoor AC unit regularly and pull out any debris such as leaves, twigs and dirt to promote proper airflow. Second, examine and clean the coils, fins and filters to make sure there isn’t any dirt and dust buildup that would prevent effective heat exchange or airflow.
Routine air conditioning maintenance not only boosts efficiency, but it also helps extend the unit’s life span, reduces energy consumption and protects against costly repairs. Rather than using a cover, putting time and effort into routine air conditioning maintenance is a proactive approach that can greatly benefit your entire HVAC system in the long run.
We Can Help Keep Your AC Protected
Whether you have questions about heating and cooling or need air conditioning service, Perfect Air & Water Services offers assistance. Give us a call at 848-361-4516 or schedule an appointment online.
