With cold weather coming in Huffman, you may be thinking about 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 resist bad weather, including extreme temperatures and relentless precipitation.
Sometimes covers do more harm than good because they can trap condensation. Extra wetness inside your unit can cause internal parts to rust or get moldy.
While using an air conditioner cover is your own choice, two periods are good to use a cover for a long period—fall and summer.
That’s because yard debris 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 energy to cool your residence.
Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Regular AC maintenance from Air Houston Mechanical LLC experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your equipment and inspect essential pieces. This often allows us to identify trouble before they begin.
How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover
If you determine you want to cover your air conditioner, here are several suggestions for choosing the ideal cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air flowing, a protective air conditioner cover should only surround the top of your equipment and a couple of inches on the side.
Complete AC covers can trap water inside your unit, potentially eating away at metal pieces. It could also make your system a welcoming home for rodents, which could eat through wires.
Related: What New Homeowners Need to Know About Their Air Conditioners
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 fabric is one that lets in air, like canvas or mesh.
Related: How AC Repair & Maintenance Can 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 freely while keeping grass clippings and sticks 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 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 on the way. Snow and ice that build up inside your system can melt and refreeze, damaging condenser coils and reducing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to expect a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your AC if a bad storm is imminent in Huffman. Hail can critically damage your system’s coils, altering 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, Air Houston Mechanical LLC offers help. Give us a call at (832) 501-3419 or schedule an appointment online.
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