As the hot summer sun starts to fade and the relief of fall starts to settle in, residents of Reinholds start preparing their homes and yards for the wintertime. For many, that leads to the question of whether they ought to cover their outside air conditioning unit for the winter.
While it may seem like a good idea, the reality is there are multiple reasons why you shouldn’t cover your AC unit in the winter. Along with not being something you need to do, covering your outdoor air conditioning equipment can even cause problems.
Here, the specialists at County Line Mechanical LLC share five reasons why covering your air conditioning equipment doesn’t need to be on your fall to-do list and what you should do instead.
1. Your AC can Handle Snow
Exterior AC units are supposed to withstand harsh weather conditions like snow in the winter season. These units are built with durable materials and parts that can handle the outdoor elements without damage. The coils and fins of the unit are engineered to resist corrosion, and the housing is crafted 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 outdoor air conditioning equipment in the wintertime is because doing so can trap moisture—which is the opposite of what you want in your outdoor unit. That’s because trapping moisture inside the unit generates the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to flourish.
Mold and mildew not only have an unpleasant aroma, but they can also present health risks, especially for household residents with respiratory issues or allergies. Also, the unwanted moisture can corrode the internal components of the AC unit.
Rather than covering the unit, instead ensure proper drainage and keep the area around the unit clear of debris, allowing for efficient airflow and preventing moisture buildup.
3. Your Covered Air Conditioning Unit Can Host Animals
Human beings aren’t the only ones who prepare for winter. Animals that live around your home are also searching for a warm, cozy place to crash for the wintry months. For many critters, a covered air conditioner is the perfect winter home.
Birds, mice, chipmunks and even rats commonly make nests inside covered air conditioners. Animals living in a covered air conditioner can cause many problems. Rodents can chew through wires, insulation and other components, causing damage that may require costly repairs. Debris animals bring into the AC to construct a warm and comfortable place to get out of the cold weather can impair airflow and ventilation, lowering the efficiency of the unit and potentially causing it to overheat. Additionally, animal waste can result in unsanitary conditions and bad odors.
Leaving your air conditioner uncovered helps deter creatures, because an uncovered AC provides less shelter from chilly temperatures than a covered unit. That’s better for your cooling system—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 you shouldn’t cover your AC unit in the winter is because a cover blocks airflow through the unit. Suitable airflow is vital for the AC system because it helps with heat exchange and permits the unit to cool effectively. When airflow is severely limited, the system has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to increased energy consumption and strain on the components.
In addition, if you run your air conditioner without knowing that the outdoor unit is covered or because you simply forgot, it could result in a range of problems. One issue is that the shortage of proper airflow could cause the compressor to overheat, resulting in its failure or damage. That’s why it is crucial to ensure the outdoor unit has no blockages and is not covered to maintain optimal airflow.
5. AC Maintenance Is More Effective Than Covering Your Air Conditioner
The bottom line is, it’s much more effective to do a little maintenance for your cooling system than to cover your outside AC unit.
There are numerous key maintenance tasks you should prioritize to ensure maximum operation and longevity of your AC unit. First, it’s wise to check your outdoor AC unit regularly and remove any debris such as leaves, twigs and dirt to allow proper airflow. Second, inspect and clean the coils, fins and filters to make sure they are free from dirt and dust buildup that would prevent successful heat exchange or airflow.
Regular air conditioning maintenance not only boosts efficiency, but it also helps extend the unit’s life span, lowers energy consumption and prevents costly repairs. Rather than using a cover, committing time and effort into routine air conditioning maintenance is a proactive approach that can significantly benefit your entire HVAC system in the long run.