With cold weather approaching in Wyandotte, you may be wondering 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 created to resist bad weather, including excessive temperatures and relentless precipitation.
Sometimes covers cause more problems because they can trap water. Additional wetness inside your equipment can cause internal components to rust or become moldy.
While putting on an air conditioner cover is your own choice, there are two times of year that are ideal 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 accumulate and obstruct your system’s airflow. Reduced airflow means your air conditioning unit works longer and may use more power to cool your residence.
Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning heating and cooling technicians can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and examine important parts. This often allows us to pinpoint problems before they begin.
How to Find Your Air Conditioner Cover
If you determine you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a few ideas on picking the ideal cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air moving, a protective air conditioner cover should only surround the top of your equipment and a couple of inches on the side.
Full AC covers can trap moisture inside your unit, potentially corroding metal parts. It could also make your AC an inviting place 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 impede air, which could cause moisture to build up inside your unit. 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 You Should Cover Your Air Conditioner
If you decide 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 dropping 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 air conditioner can melt and refreeze, damaging condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to anticipate a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your air conditioner if a strong storm is imminent in Wyandotte. Hail can seriously damage your system’s coils, 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, Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning offers help. Give us a call at 734-284-1224 or schedule an appointment online.
