With cold weather on the horizon in Manassas, 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 tough piece of equipment. It’s created to resist bad weather, including intense temperatures and relentless precipitation.
Sometimes covers cause more problems because they can trap water. Extra wetness inside your equipment can cause internal components to rust or get moldy.
While installing an air conditioner cover is your own choice, there are two seasons that are great for using a cover for a long 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 more and may use more power to cool your home.
Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from Fire & Ice HVAC heating and cooling professionals can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and examine essential pieces. This often allows us to pinpoint trouble before they begin.
How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover
If you decide you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a couple tips on choosing the ideal cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air circulating, a protective air conditioner cover should only encompass the top of your system and a couple of inches on the side.
Total AC covers can trap water inside your system, potentially corroding metal parts. It could also make your system an inviting area for rodents, which could eat through wires.
Related: What New Homeowners Need to Know About Their Air Conditioner
Don’t Use Plastic or Vinyl Covers
Plastic or vinyl covers impede air, which could cause condensation to build up inside your unit. The best type of fabric is one that allows airflow, 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 use 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 halt leaves, nuts and other waste from falling 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 snowstorm is approaching. Snow and ice that collect inside your AC can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and lowering efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to anticipate a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your system if a strong storm is coming in Manassas. Hail can seriously damage your system’s coils, altering efficiency.
Related: How Severe Weather Can Lead to AC Repair
We Can Make Sure Your AC Is Always Covered
Whether you have questions about heating and cooling or need air conditioning service, Fire & Ice HVAC provides help. Give us a call at 703-595-4157 or schedule an appointment online.