With cold weather coming in Hodgenville, 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 created to resist bad weather, including intense temperatures and relentless precipitation.
Sometimes covers do more harm than good, because they can trap condensation. Additional wetness inside your equipment can cause internal pieces to rust or get moldy.
While installing an air conditioner cover is your own choice, there are two times of year that are great for using a cover for a lengthy period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard rubbish during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can pile up and lower your system’s airflow. Diminished airflow means your air conditioning unit works more and may use more power to cool your residence.
Wanting other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from Phelps Heating & Cooling heating and cooling professionals can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and examine important parts. This often allows us to spot problems before they begin.
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How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover
If you come to the conclusion you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a couple tips on selecting the right cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air circulating, a protective air conditioner cover should only surround the top of your system and several inches on the side.
Total AC covers can trap condensation inside your system, potentially corroding metal pieces. It could also make your system a cozy home for vermin, 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 impede air, which could cause water to build up inside your air conditioner. The best type of material 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 decide to use an air conditioner cover, here are the best times to use 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 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 block leaves, nuts and other debris from getting 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 a blizzard is on the way. 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 bad storm is approaching in Hodgenville. Hail can critically damage your system’s coils, impacting 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, Phelps Heating & Cooling provides aid. Give us a call at 270-358-3167 or schedule an appointment online.