With cold weather on the horizon in Odessa, you may be thinking when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you need to cover it at all.
Your AC unit is a sturdy piece of equipment. It’s created to resist severe weather, including intense temperatures and relentless precipitation.
Sometimes covers cause more problems because they can trap moisture. Additional wetness inside your equipment can cause internal pieces to rust or become moldy.
While using an air conditioner cover is an individual choice, there are two periods that are great for using a cover for a long 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 electricity to cool your residence.
Seeking other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Routine AC maintenance from Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning heating and cooling professionals can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and inspect essential parts. This often allows us to pinpoint problems before they begin.
How to Find Your Air Conditioner Cover
If you determine you want to cover your air conditioner, here are several suggestions on picking the ideal cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air moving, a protective air conditioner cover should only enclose the top of your equipment and a couple of inches on the side.
Complete AC covers can trap water inside your unit, potentially corroding metal components. It could also make your system a cozy home for rodents, 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 stop air, which could cause condensation to build up inside your air conditioner. The best type of clot 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 want 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 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 block 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 heavy snow is approaching. Snow and ice that build up inside your system 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 AC if a strong storm is imminent in Odessa. Hail can seriously damage your system’s coils, impacting 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, Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning gives help. Give us a call at 432-237-0168 or schedule an appointment online.
