With cold weather coming in York, you may be thinking 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 inclement weather, including excessive temperatures and heavy precipitation.
Sometimes covers create more issues because they can trap moisture. Additional wetness inside your system can cause internal components to rust or become moldy.
While using an air conditioner cover is a personal choice, there are two seasons that are good to use 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 pile up and lower your system’s airflow. Diminished airflow means your air conditioning unit works more and may use more energy to cool your house.
Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from Strine's heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your system, and examine critical components. This often allows us to pinpoint trouble before they begin.
How to Find Your Air Conditioner Cover
If you decide you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a couple suggestions on picking the best cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air flowing, a protective air conditioner cover should only enclose the top of your equipment and several inches on the side.
Total AC covers can trap water inside your system, potentially corroding metal pieces. It could also make your air conditioner a welcoming home for rodents, which could chew 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 moisture to build up inside your system. The best type of clot 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 decide 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 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 block leaves, nuts and other waste from dropping 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 a blizzard is approaching. Snow and ice that collect inside your air conditioner can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to expect a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your air conditioner if a strong storm is imminent in York. Hail can severely damage your system’s fins, affecting 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, Strine's provides aid. Give us a call at 717-383-4479 or schedule an appointment online.