With cold weather on the horizon in Moline, 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 strong piece of equipment. It’s designed to resist bad weather, including excessive temperatures and relentless precipitation.
Sometimes covers cause more problems because they can trap condensation. Too much wetness inside your equipment can cause internal pieces to rust or turn moldy.
While using an air conditioner cover is an individual choice, there are two times of year that are ideal for using a cover for a lengthy period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard rubbish during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can accumulate and obstruct your system’s airflow. Diminished airflow means your air conditioning unit works harder and may use more power to cool your residence.
Wanting other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from Freed Heating & Air Conditioning heating and cooling professionals can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your system, and inspect essential components. This often allows us to pinpoint problems before they begin.
Find the Right Air Conditioner Cover
If you determine you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a couple tips on selecting the best cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air flowing, a protective air conditioner cover should only encompass the top of your unit and a few inches on the side.
Complete AC covers can trap water inside your unit, potentially corroding metal components. It could also make your air conditioner a welcoming home for animals, 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’s breathable, like canvas or mesh.
Related: How AC Repair & Maintenance Can Actually Save You Money
When You Should Cover Your Air Conditioner
If you choose 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 freely 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 collect inside your air conditioner can melt and refreeze, damaging condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to expect a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your system if a strong storm is coming in Moline. Hail can seriously damage your system’s fins, 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, Freed Heating & Air Conditioning offers assistance. Give us a call at 309-323-9584 or schedule an appointment online.