With cold weather coming in Bloomfield, you may be thinking when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you need to cover it at all.
Your AC unit is a sturdy piece of equipment. It’s designed to resist severe weather, including excessive temperatures and heavy precipitation.
Sometimes covers do more harm than good because they can trap condensation. Additional wetness inside your system can cause internal parts to rust or turn moldy.
While putting on an air conditioner cover is a personal 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 waste during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can build up and lower your system’s airflow. Decreased airflow means your air conditioning unit works harder and may use more energy to cool your residence.
Wanting other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Routine AC maintenance from Stanford Heating & Cooling heating and cooling technicians can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your system, and take a close look at essential components. This often allows us to identify trouble before they begin.
Choosing the Right Air Conditioner Cover
If you decide you want to cover your air conditioner, here are several tips on selecting the right cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air flowing, a protective air conditioner cover should only enclose the top of your system and a couple of inches on the side.
Complete AC covers can trap moisture inside your system, potentially eating away at metal pieces. It could also make your air conditioner a welcoming home for vermin, 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 stop air, which could cause water to build up inside your system. The best type of material is one that lets in air, 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 install 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 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 debris from getting into your unit.
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 approaching. Snow and ice that accumulate inside your AC 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 severe storm is coming in Bloomfield. Hail can seriously damage your system’s fins, affecting 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, Stanford Heating & Cooling provides assistance. Give us a call at 812-825-8695 or schedule an appointment online.
