With cold weather on the horizon in Manassas, you may be thinking 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 designed to resist severe} weather, including intense temperatures and torrential precipitation.
Sometimes covers create more issues because they can trap moisture. Extra wetness inside your equipment can cause internal parts to rust or turn moldy.
While using an air conditioner cover is a personal choice, there are two periods 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 lower your system’s airflow. Reduced airflow means your air conditioning unit works more and may use more power to cool your house.
Looking for 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 equipment, and examine important components. This often allows us to pinpoint issues before they begin.
How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover
If you determine you want to cover your air conditioner, here are several ideas on choosing the ideal cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air circulating, a protective air conditioner cover should only surround the top of your equipment and a couple of inches on the side.
Full AC covers can trap moisture inside your unit, potentially eating away at metal pieces. It could also make your system a cozy home for vermin, which could eat through 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 unit. The best type of material is one that lets in air, like canvas or mesh.
Related: How AC Repair & Maintenance Can Actually Save You Money
When to Use an Air Conditioner Cover
If you want to use an air conditioner cover, here are the best times to put it on.
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 stop leaves, nuts and other waste from getting 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 blizzard is coming. Snow and ice that build up inside your air conditioner can melt and refreeze, breaking condenser coils and reducing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to anticipate a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your system if a bad storm is imminent in Manassas. Hail can critically damage your system’s fins, affecting 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, Air-Right Energy Design gives aid. Give us a call at 703-260-1148 or schedule an appointment online.
