The cold weather might have you wondering if you should cover your A/C condenser.
The A/C is a durable piece of equipment.
It can handle bad weather, drastic temperatures, and torrential rain. At times, covers can create more problems than they solve. Wetness inside your equipment can cause rust or mold to grow. Fall and summer time are the best seasons to use covers. Yard debris such as grass, twigs, and leaves can build up and clog your system. If your airflow is reduced, your A/C will work harder and use more electricity. Here are a few tips on selecting the right cover. A protective A/C cover should only cover the top and a few inches on each side. Total A/C covers can trap moisture inside your equipment, potentially eating away at metal. Also, it could attract rodents, which can sever the wires. Vinyl or plastic covers can block airflow, which causes moisture to build up. Breathable cloth like canvas or mesh are best. During the summer, a mesh cover allows the A/C to run freely, while keeping grass and shrubs away. Leaves, nuts, and other debris will not drop inside a breathable canvas cover. If you anticipate a snowstorm, you can temporarily cover your A/C. Ice can collect inside your AC and can melt and then refreeze, destroying the condenser coils. Although you cannot predict a hailstorm, you can cover your A/C temporarily if a bad storm is expected. Hail can severely damage the exterior and lower the efficiency of the A/C unit.