In colder weather, you might be wondering if it’s time to cover your outdoor A/C system.
An air conditioner unit is a durable piece of equipment.
It can handle terrible weather, including extreme hot and cold temperatures as well as heavy rain. Covers can create more issues than they solve. Wetness inside your unit can cause rust or mold to build up. A cover for your A/C is an individual choice, however, fall and summer are the best times to use one. In those seasons, yard debris, like grass clippings, twigs, and leaves, can accumulate and clog your system. If your airflow is reduced, your A/C system will work harder and use more electricity. These tips will help you to select a proper cover. A protective cover should only cover the top and a few inches on each side because total A/C covers can trap moisture inside your equipment, potentially eating away at metal. Furthermore, it could attract rodents, which can cut wires. Vinyl or plastic covers can block airflow, which may cause moisture to build up inside your unit. A better choice would be a canvas or a mesh cover. During the summer, a lightweight mesh cover allows air conditioning to run freely, while keeping leaves and debris away. Nuts and other debris will not drop into your system with a breathable canvas cover. To prepare for a snowstorm, you can temporarily cover your unit. Ice and snow that collect inside your A/C can melt and then refreeze, damaging the condenser coils. Though you cannot predict a hailstorm, you can cover your A/C temporarily if a severe thunderstorm is expected. Hail can cause severe damage to the air conditioner unit so it’s best to cover it.