As the scorching summer heat starts to fade and the refreshingly cool weather of fall starts to settle in, residents of Chelan and Wenatchee start preparing their homes and yards for the wintertime. For many, that leads to the question of whether they ought to cover their exterior air conditioning unit for the winter.
While it may seem like a smart idea, the truth is there are many reasons why you shouldn’t cover your AC unit in the winter. In addition to not being necessary, covering your outdoor air conditioning equipment can even cause problems.
Here, the professionals at Lakeside Heating & Air 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 Unit Isn’t Damaged by Snow
Exterior AC units are supposed to withstand harsh weather conditions like snow in the wintertime. These machines are built with solid materials and hardware that can handle the outdoor elements without damage. The coils and fins of the unit are specially developed to resist corrosion, and the housing is manufactured to protect the internal elements from moisture and debris.
2. Covering AC Systems can Encourage Mold
One of the reasons you should not 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 creates the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to spread.
Mold and mildew not only have a bad smell, but they can also present health risks, especially for people with respiratory issues or allergies. Plus, the excess 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 clean of debris, allowing for efficient airflow and preventing moisture buildup.
3. A Covered Air Conditioner Can Host 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 crash for the wintry months. For many animals, a covered air conditioner is the perfect winter home.
Birds, mice, chipmunks and even rats often make winter dens inside covered air conditioners. Animals dwelling in a covered air conditioning unit can cause many problems. Rodents can chew through wires, insulation and other parts, causing damage that may require costly repairs. Debris animals bring into the AC to make themselves a warm and comfortable bed can impair airflow and ventilation, lowering the efficiency of the unit and potentially causing it to overheat. In addition, 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 chilly temperatures than a covered unit. That’s better for your AC—and leaves you with less mess to clean up and things to repair when winter is over.
4. Covering Your Air Conditioner Restricts Airflow
Another reason you shouldn’t cover your AC unit in the winter is because a cover blocks airflow through the unit. Proper airflow is essential for the AC system because it facilitates heat exchange and allows the unit to cool efficiently. When airflow is severely limited, the system has to work harder to reach the desired temperature, causing additional energy consumption and strain on the components.
In addition, if you run your air conditioning 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 appropriate airflow could cause the compressor to overheat, leading to its failure or damage. That’s why it is necessary to ensure the outdoor unit is always cleared of any obstructions 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 lots more effective to do a little maintenance for your air conditioning unit than to cover your exterior AC unit.
There are a number of key maintenance projects you should prioritize to ensure maximum function and longevity of your AC unit. First, it’s a good idea to look at your outdoor AC unit regularly and pull out 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 they are free from dirt and dust buildup that would hinder successful heat exchange or airflow.
Routine air conditioning maintenance not only improves efficiency, but it also helps extend the unit’s life span, reduces energy consumption and avoids costly repairs. Rather than using a cover, putting time and effort into routine air conditioning maintenance is a proactive plan of action that can greatly benefit your entire HVAC system in the long run.
