With cold weather on the horizon in Chelan and Wenatchee, you may be questioning when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you have to cover it at all.
Your AC unit is a sturdy piece of equipment. It’s engineered to resist inclement weather, including excessive temperatures and relentless precipitation.
Sometimes covers create more issues because they can trap condensation. Extra wetness inside your unit can cause internal pieces to rust or get moldy.
While installing an air conditioner cover is an individual choice, there are two times of year that are ideal for using a cover for a long period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard rubbish during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can build up and block your system’s airflow. Diminished airflow means your air conditioning unit works harder and may use more power to cool your house.
Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from Lakeside Heating & Air heating and cooling technicians can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your equipment, and examine critical pieces. This often allows us to pinpoint trouble before they begin.
How to Find Your Air Conditioner Cover
If you come to the conclusion you want to cover your air conditioner, here are several ideas on choosing the ideal cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air moving, a protective air conditioner cover should only surround the top of your system and a couple of inches on the side.
Full AC covers can trap water inside your equipment, potentially rusting metal parts. It could also make your AC an inviting place for animals, which could chew 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 unit. The best type of fabric 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 decide 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 unrestricted while keeping grass clippings and sticks out.
Related: How Do I Know if My Air Conditioner is Running Properly?
Cover Your Air Conditioner During Fall
A breathable canvas cover will halt leaves, nuts and other rubbish from falling into your unit.
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 snowstorm is coming. Snow and ice that collect inside your AC can melt and refreeze, damaging condenser coils and lowering efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to anticipate a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your system if a bad storm is approaching in Chelan and Wenatchee. Hail can severely 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, Lakeside Heating & Air provides help. Give us a call at 509-284-4265 or schedule an appointment online.
