As the hot summer sunshine starts to fade and the relief of fall starts to settle in, residents of Greater Richmond start preparing their homes and yards for the the upcoming cold weather. For many, that leads to the question of whether they ought to cover their outside air conditioning unit for the winter.
While it may seem like a good idea, the reality is there are a number of reasons why you shouldn’t cover your AC unit in the winter. Along with not being something you need to do, covering your outdoor air conditioning equipment can sometimes cause problems.
Here, the experts at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling share five reasons why covering your AC doesn’t need to be on your fall to-do list and what you should do instead.
1. Your AC can Handle Snow
Outside AC units are supposed to withstand harsh weather conditions like snow in the winter season. These machines are built with durable materials and hardware that can handle the outdoor elements without damage. The coils and fins of the unit are constructed to resist corrosion, and the housing is manufactured to protect the internal components from moisture and debris.
2. Covering Your Air Conditioner Can Cause Mold
One of the reasons you should not cover your AC unit in the wintertime is because doing so can trap moisture—which is the opposite of what you want in your outdoor unit. That’s because sealing moisture inside the unit generates the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to thrive.
Mold and mildew not only have an undesirable smell, but they can also pose health risks, especially for people with respiratory issues or allergies. Plus, the trapped moisture can corrode the internal components of the AC unit.
Instead of covering the unit, instead provide proper drainage and keep the area around the unit clear of debris, allowing for efficient airflow and preventing moisture buildup.
3. Covered AC Systems Can Attract Animals
Humans aren’t the only ones who get ready for winter. Animals that live around your home are also hunting for a warm, cozy place to crash for the wintry months. For many critters, a covered air conditioner is the perfect winter dwelling.
Birds, mice, chipmunks and even rats often make nests inside covered air conditioners. Animals residing in a covered air conditioner can cause numerous problems. Rodents can chew through wires, insulation and other connections, causing damage that may require pricey repairs. Debris animals bring into the AC to construct a warm and comfortable nest can obstruct airflow and ventilation, reducing the efficiency of the appliance and potentially causing it to overheat. Additionally, animal waste can result in unsanitary conditions and foul odors.
Leaving your air conditioner uncovered helps discourage creatures, because an uncovered AC gives them less shelter from chilly temperatures than a covered unit. That’s better for your AC—and leaves you with less mess to pick up and things to repair when winter is over.
4. An AC Cover Restricts Airflow
Another reason you shouldn’t cover your air conditioner in the winter is because a cover limits airflow through the unit. Adequate airflow is vital for the AC system because it helps with heat exchange and permits the unit to cool properly. When airflow is severely limited, the system has to work harder to achieve the desired temperature, resulting in increased energy consumption and strain on the components.
In addition, if you turn on your AC without noticing that the exterior unit is covered or because you simply forgot, it could result in a range of problems. One issue is that the lack of appropriate airflow could cause the compressor to overheat, resulting in its failure or damage. That’s why it is vital to ensure the outdoor unit is always cleared of any obstructions and is not covered to maintain optimal airflow.
5. AC Maintenance Offers More Benefits Than Covering Your Air Conditioner
The bottom line is, it’s a lot more effective to do a little maintenance for your cooling system than to cover your outside AC unit.
There are a number of key maintenance projects you should prioritize to ensure maximum performance and longevity of your AC unit. First, it’s wise to check your outdoor AC unit regularly and remove any debris such as leaves, small branches and dirt to maintain proper airflow. Second, examine and clean the coils, fins and filters to make sure you don’t see any dirt and dust buildup that would hinder efficient heat exchange or airflow.
Routine air conditioning maintenance not only boosts efficiency, but it also helps extend the unit’s life span, reduces energy consumption and protects against costly repairs. Rather than using a cover, committing time and effort into routine air conditioning maintenance is a proactive approach that can significantly benefit your entire HVAC system in the long run.