With cold weather on the horizon in Litchfield Park, 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 engineered to resist bad weather, including intense temperatures and torrential precipitation.
Sometimes covers cause more problems, because they can trap moisture. Additional wetness inside your unit can cause internal parts to rust or turn moldy.
While putting on an air conditioner cover is an individual choice, there are two periods that are great for using a cover for a lengthy period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard debris during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can accumulate and block your system’s airflow. Reduced airflow means your air conditioning unit works longer and may use more energy to cool your residence.
Seeking other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from Cooler Tymes LLC heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your equipment, and inspect essential components. This often allows us to identify issues before they begin.
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How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover
If you determine you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a few suggestions on choosing the best cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air circulating, a protective air conditioner cover should only encompass the top of your equipment and several inches on the side.
Full AC covers can trap moisture inside your unit, potentially corroding metal pieces. It could also make your AC an inviting home for vermin, which could chew 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 condensation to build up inside your unit. The best type of cloth 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 want to use an air conditioner cover, here are the best times to use it.
Cover Your Air Conditioner During Summer
A lightweight mesh cover during the summer allows your air conditioner to run smoothly while keeping grass clippings and twigs 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 falling into your equipment.
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 a snowstorm is on the way. Snow and ice that collect inside your system can melt and refreeze, damaging condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to predict a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your AC if a bad storm is imminent in Litchfield Park. Hail can seriously damage your system’s coils, altering efficiency.
Related: How Severe Weather Can Lead to AC Repair
We Can Help Your AC System Run Efficiently
Whether you have questions about heating and cooling or need air conditioning service, Cooler Tymes LLC provides assistance. Give us a call at 623-208-6444 or schedule an appointment online.