With cold weather approaching in Northridge, 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 created to resist bad weather, including intense temperatures and relentless precipitation.
Sometimes covers do more harm than good because they can trap water. Too much wetness inside your system can cause internal parts to rust or get moldy.
While installing an air conditioner cover is a personal choice, there are two times of year that are good to use 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 accumulate and block your system’s airflow. Diminished airflow means your air conditioning unit works harder and may use more power to cool your house.
Wanting other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Routine AC maintenance from Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your equipment, and examine important components. This often allows us to pinpoint problems before they begin.
How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover
If you decide you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a couple tips on choosing the ideal cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air moving, a protective air conditioner cover should only encompass the top of your unit and several inches on the side.
Full AC covers can trap moisture inside your unit, potentially eating away at metal components. It could also make your AC a cozy place for animals, 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 block air, which could cause condensation to build up inside your air conditioner. The best type of clot is one that allows airflow, like canvas or mesh.
Related: How AC Repair & Maintenance Can Actually Save You Money
When It’s Time to Cover your AC
If you decide to use an air conditioner cover, here are the best times to put it on.
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 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 halt leaves, nuts and other waste from falling 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 build up inside your AC can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to predict a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your air conditioner if a bad storm is coming in Northridge. Hail can critically damage your system’s coils, altering efficiency.
Related: How Severe Weather Can Lead to AC Repair
We Can Make Sure Your AC Is Always Covered
Whether you have questions about heating and cooling or need air conditioning service, Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating offers assistance. Give us a call at (818) 727-9993 or schedule an appointment online.
