With cold weather coming in Columbus, 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 tough piece of equipment. It’s designed to take on severe weather, including intense temperatures and heavy precipitation.
Sometimes covers do more harm than good, because they can trap moisture. Too much wetness inside your system can cause internal parts to rust or become moldy.
While using an air conditioner cover is a personal choice, there are two times of year that are ideal for using 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 accumulate and block your system’s airflow. Diminished airflow means your air conditioning unit works harder and may use more electricity to cool your house.
Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Regular AC maintenance from Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling heating and cooling technicians can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and take a close look at important pieces. This often allows us to pinpoint trouble before they begin.
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How to Choose an 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 circulating, a protective air conditioner cover should only enclose the top of your equipment and several inches on the side.
Complete AC covers can trap condensation inside your equipment, potentially rusting metal pieces. It could also make your AC a cozy home 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 stop air, which could cause condensation to build up inside your air conditioner. 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 stop leaves, nuts and other rubbish 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 air conditioner can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and lowering efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to expect a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your AC if a severe storm is imminent in Columbus. Hail can seriously damage your system’s coils, impacting 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, Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling gives help. Give us a call at 614-451-0846 or schedule an appointment online.