With cold weather approaching in Arlington, 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 tough piece of equipment. It’s engineered to resist bad weather, including intense temperatures and heavy precipitation.
Sometimes covers do more harm than good because they can trap water. Extra wetness inside your system can cause internal components to rust or become moldy.
While installing an air conditioner cover is a personal choice, there are two times of year that are great for using a cover for a lengthy period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard waste during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can pile up and block your system’s airflow. Reduced airflow means your air conditioning unit works harder and may use more electricity to cool your home.
Wanting other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Routine AC maintenance from Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning heating and cooling professionals can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and take a close look at important pieces. This often allows us to identify trouble before they begin.
How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover
If you come to the conclusion you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a couple ideas on choosing the best cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air moving, a protective air conditioner cover should only enclose the top of your unit and a couple of inches on the side.
Total AC covers can trap water inside your system, potentially rusting metal parts. It could also make your air conditioner a cozy place for rodents, which could sever 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 system. The best type of material is one that’s breathable, like canvas or mesh.
Related: How AC Repair & Maintenance Can Actually Save You Money
When to Use an Air Conditioner Cover
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 unrestricted 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 waste from getting into your system.
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 accumulate inside your AC can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and lowering efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to predict a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your AC if a severe storm is imminent in Arlington. Hail can seriously damage your system’s coils, altering 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, Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning gives help. Give us a call at 360-255-5857 or schedule an appointment online.