With cold weather coming in Greater Richmond, you may be wondering when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you have to cover it at all.
Your AC unit is a tough piece of equipment. It’s designed to resist severe weather, including extreme temperatures and heavy precipitation.
Sometimes covers do more harm than good because they can trap water. Too much wetness inside your unit can cause internal parts to rust or get moldy.
While using an air conditioner cover is your own choice, there are two seasons that are ideal for using a cover for an extended period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard waste during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can pile up and obstruct your system’s airflow. Decreased airflow means your air conditioning unit works longer and may use more energy to cool your residence.
Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Routine AC maintenance from Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling heating and cooling professionals can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your equipment, and examine critical pieces. This often allows us to pinpoint problems before they begin.
How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover
If you determine you want to cover your air conditioner, here are several tips on selecting the right cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air moving, a protective air conditioner cover should only encompass the top of your equipment and a couple of inches on the side.
Total AC covers can trap water inside your system, potentially eating away at metal components. It could also make your AC an inviting place 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 impede air, which could cause condensation to build up inside your system. The best type of fabric is one that’s breathable, like canvas or mesh.
Related: How AC Repair & Maintenance Can Actually Save You Money
When It’s Time to Cover your AC
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 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 equipment.
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 accumulate inside your air conditioner can melt and refreeze, damaging condenser coils and reducing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to predict a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your air conditioner if a bad storm is coming in Greater Richmond. Hail can critically damage your system’s coils, affecting efficiency.
Related: How Severe Weather Can Lead to AC Repair
We Can Help Keep Your AC Protected
Whether you have questions about heating and cooling or need air conditioning service, Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling provides assistance. Give us a call at 804-302-6657 or schedule an appointment online.