As the hot summer sun starts to fade and the relief of fall starts to settle in, residents of Moline start preparing their homes and yards for the winter. For many, that leads to the question of whether they should cover their outside AC for the winter.
While it may seem like a smart idea, the truth is there are several reasons why you shouldn’t cover your AC unit in the winter. In addition to not being something you need to do, covering your outdoor air conditioning equipment can sometimes cause problems.
Here, the specialists at Freed Heating & Air Conditioning 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. Snow won't Hurt Your AC
Outdoor AC units are built to withstand harsh weather conditions like snow in the winter season. These systems 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 designed to protect the internal elements from moisture and debris.
2. Covered AC Systems may Encourage Mold Growth
One of the reasons you shouldn’t cover your air conditioner in the winter is because doing so can trap moisture—which is not at all what you want in your outdoor unit. That’s because trapping moisture inside the unit creates the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to spread.
Mold and mildew not only have an unpleasant aroma, but they can also present health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory issues or allergies. Plus, the excess moisture can corrode the internal components of the AC unit.
As an alternative to covering the unit, instead make sure the unit has proper drainage and keep the area around the unit clean of debris, allowing for efficient airflow and preventing moisture buildup.
3. Covered AC Systems Can Attract Animals
Humans aren’t the only ones who prepare for winter. Animals that live around your home are also hunting for a warm, cozy place to hide out for the cold months. For many creatures, a covered air conditioner is an ideal winter refuge.
Birds, mice, chipmunks and even rats commonly make nests inside covered air conditioners. Animals residing in a covered air conditioning unit can cause numerous problems. Rodents can chew through wires, insulation and other components, 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, lowering the efficiency of the unit and potentially causing it to overheat. Additionally, animal droppings can result in unsanitary conditions and foul odors.
Leaving your air conditioner uncovered helps deter animals, because an uncovered AC provides less shelter from cold weather than a covered unit. That’s better for your air conditioner—and leaves you with less mess to pick up and things to repair in the spring.
4. A Winter Cover for AC Units Restricts Airflow
Another reason not to cover your air conditioner in the winter is because a cover restricts airflow through the unit. Adequate airflow is essential for the AC system because it assists heat exchange and permits the unit to cool efficiently. When airflow is constrained, the system has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, causing additional energy consumption and strain on the components.
In addition, if you use your AC without noticing that the outdoor unit is covered or because you simply forgot, it could result in a range of problems. One issue is that the absence of appropriate airflow could cause the compressor to overheat, resulting in its failure or damage. That’s why it is crucial to ensure the outdoor unit is always cleared of any obstructions and is not covered to maintain the best possible airflow.
5. AC Maintenance Offers More Benefits Than Covering Your Air Conditioner
The bottom line is, it's lots more effective to do a little maintenance for your cooling system than to cover your outside AC unit.
There are several key maintenance tasks you should prioritize to ensure maximum operation and longevity of your AC unit. First, it’s smart to look at your outdoor AC unit regularly and remove any debris such as leaves, small branches and dirt to promote proper airflow. Second, examine and clean the coils, fins and filters to make sure there isn't any dirt and dust buildup that would prevent efficient heat exchange or airflow.
Scheduled air conditioning maintenance not only improves efficiency, but it also helps extend the unit's life span, decreases energy consumption and prevents costly repairs. Rather than using a cover, committing time and effort into routine air conditioning maintenance is a proactive strategy that can greatly benefit your entire HVAC system in the long run.