With cold weather approaching in Litchfield Park, you may be wondering 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 inclement weather, including extreme 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 installing an air conditioner cover is an individual choice, there are two times of year that are great for using a cover for a lengthy 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 longer and may use more power to cool your home.
Wanting other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Routine AC maintenance from Cooler Tymes LLC heating and cooling professionals can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your equipment, and take a close look at important parts. This often allows us to pinpoint issues before they begin.
Choosing the Right Air Conditioner Cover
If you decide you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a couple tips on selecting the best cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air moving, a protective air conditioner cover should only surround the top of your equipment and several inches on the side.
Total AC covers can trap condensation inside your system, potentially eating away at metal parts. It could also make your AC an inviting home for rodents, 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 impede air, which could cause water to build up inside your air conditioner. The best type of material is one that’s breathable, like canvas or mesh.
Related: How AC Repair & Maintenance Can Actually Save You Money
When It’s Time to Cover your AC
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 unrestricted while keeping grass clippings and sticks out.
Related: How Do I Know if My Air Conditioner is Running Properly?
Cover Your Air Conditioner During Fall
A breathable canvas cover will halt leaves, nuts and other rubbish from dropping 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 blizzard is approaching. Snow and ice that build up inside your system can melt and refreeze, damaging condenser coils and reducing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to anticipate a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your system if a strong storm is approaching in Litchfield Park. Hail can critically damage your system’s fins, impacting efficiency.
Related: How Severe Weather Can Lead to AC Repair
We Can Help Keep Your AC Protected
Whether you have questions about heating and cooling or need air conditioning service, Cooler Tymes LLC offers help. Give us a call at 623-208-6444 or schedule an appointment online.