With cold weather approaching in Ballwin and St. Charles, you may be questioning 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 designed to resist bad weather, including excessive temperatures and torrential precipitation.
Sometimes covers do more harm than good because they can trap moisture. Too much wetness inside your system can cause internal pieces to rust or turn moldy.
While using an air conditioner cover is your own choice, there are two times of year that are ideal for using a cover for a lengthy period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard rubbish during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can accumulate and obstruct your system’s airflow. Decreased airflow means your air conditioning unit works harder and may use more energy to cool your home.
Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Routine AC maintenance from Air Alliance Team heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and inspect essential pieces. This often allows us to pinpoint problems before they begin.
Find the Right Air Conditioner Cover
If you determine you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a few suggestions on choosing the best cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air circulating, a protective air conditioner cover should only enclose the top of your equipment and several inches on the side.
Total AC covers can trap condensation inside your system, potentially rusting metal components. It could also make your system a cozy area for vermin, 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 impede air, which could cause moisture to build up inside your air conditioner. 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 It’s Time to Cover your AC
If you choose 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 smoothly while keeping grass clippings and branches 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 rubbish 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 heavy snow is coming. Snow and ice that collect inside your system can melt and refreeze, breaking condenser coils and lowering efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to predict a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your system if a bad storm is coming in Ballwin and St. Charles. Hail can seriously damage your system’s exterior, 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, Air Alliance Team provides assistance. Give us a call at 636-206-4584 or schedule an appointment online.