With cold weather on the horizon in Manassas, you may be questioning 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 excessive temperatures and heavy precipitation.
Sometimes covers create more issues because they can trap condensation. Too much wetness inside your unit can cause internal components to rust or get moldy.
While using an air conditioner cover is an individual choice, there are two periods that are good to use a cover for an extended period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard debris during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can build up and lower your system’s airflow. Reduced airflow means your air conditioning unit works more and may use more electricity to cool your residence.
Seeking other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from Air-Right Energy Design heating and cooling technicians can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and inspect critical pieces. This often allows us to identify problems before they begin.
How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover
If you determine you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a couple tips on selecting the right cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air moving, a protective air conditioner cover should only surround the top of your system and a couple of inches on the side.
Total AC covers can trap moisture inside your equipment, potentially eating away at metal components. It could also make your air conditioner a welcoming home 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 water 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 decide 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 twigs out.
Related: How Do I Know if My Air Conditioner is Running Properly?
Cover Your Air Conditioner During Fall
A breathable canvas cover will stop leaves, nuts and other rubbish from falling 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 coming. Snow and ice that collect inside your system can melt and refreeze, damaging condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to anticipate a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your air conditioner if a bad storm is approaching in Manassas. Hail can severely 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, Air-Right Energy Design provides help. Give us a call at 703-260-1148 or schedule an appointment online.
