With cold weather on the horizon in Huntsville, you may be thinking when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you should even cover it at all.
Your AC unit is a strong piece of equipment. It’s engineered to take on bad weather, including excessive temperatures and heavy precipitation.
Sometimes covers do more harm than good, because they can trap condensation. Additional wetness inside your equipment can cause internal parts to rust or turn moldy.
While installing an air conditioner cover is your own choice, there are two periods that are good to use a cover for an extended period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard debris during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can build up and block your system’s airflow. Diminished airflow means your air conditioning unit works longer and may use more energy to cool your residence.
Wanting other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Regular AC maintenance from All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your equipment, and examine critical pieces. This often allows us to spot problems before they begin.
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How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover
If you come to the conclusion you want to cover your air conditioner, here are several tips on selecting the best cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air circulating, a protective air conditioner cover should only encompass the top of your system and several inches on the side.
Total AC covers can trap condensation inside your equipment, potentially rusting metal components. It could also make your AC a welcoming home for vermin, which could sever 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 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 to Use an Air Conditioner Cover
If you choose 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 freely 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 getting 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 a blizzard is approaching. 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 predict a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your system if a bad storm is coming in Huntsville. Hail can severely damage your system’s coils, affecting 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, All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc gives aid. Give us a call at 256-801-4701 or schedule an appointment online.