With cold weather coming in Safford, you may be wondering when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you need to cover it at all.
Your AC unit is a tough piece of equipment. It’s designed to resist inclement} weather, including intense temperatures and heavy precipitation.
Sometimes covers do more harm than good because they can trap water. Additional wetness inside your equipment can cause internal parts to rust or become moldy.
While using an air conditioner cover is your own choice, there are two times of year that are good to use a cover for a lengthy period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard waste during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can pile up and lower your system’s airflow. Decreased airflow means your air conditioning unit works harder and may use more electricity to cool your house.
Wanting other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Routine AC maintenance from B&D Air Conditioning heating and cooling technicians can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your system, and inspect essential components. This often allows us to spot problems before they begin.
How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover
If you determine you want to cover your air conditioner, here are several tips on selecting the ideal cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air flowing, a protective air conditioner cover should only encompass the top of your system and a few inches on the side.
Total AC covers can trap condensation inside your unit, potentially eating away at metal parts. It could also make your AC a cozy place for rodents, 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 water to build up inside your air conditioner. The best type of fabric is one that allows airflow, like canvas or mesh.
Related: How AC Repair & Maintenance Can Actually Save You Money
When to Use an Air Conditioner Cover
If you want 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 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 halt leaves, nuts and other waste from dropping into your system.
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 blizzard is coming. Snow and ice that build up inside your AC can melt and refreeze, damaging condenser coils and reducing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to predict a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your air conditioner if a strong storm is coming in Safford. Hail can seriously damage your system’s coils, altering efficiency.
Related: How Severe Weather Can Lead to AC Repair
We Can Help Your AC System Run Efficiently
Whether you have questions about heating and cooling or need air conditioning service, B&D Air Conditioning offers help. Give us a call at 928-432-6018 or schedule an appointment online.