With cold weather coming in Eastland, you may be thinking 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 take on inclement weather, including extreme temperatures and heavy precipitation.
Sometimes covers create more issues, because they can trap moisture. Too much wetness inside your equipment can cause internal parts to rust or get moldy.
While installing an air conditioner cover is your own choice, there are two times of year that are good to use a cover for a long period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard debris 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 longer and may use more energy to cool your residence.
Seeking other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Regular AC maintenance from J & J Air Conditioning heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and inspect important pieces. This often allows us to identify trouble before they begin.
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How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover
If you determine you want to cover your air conditioner, here are several ideas on selecting the best cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air flowing, a protective air conditioner cover should only surround the top of your equipment and a few inches on the side.
Total AC covers can trap condensation inside your system, potentially rusting metal components. It could also make your air conditioner an inviting home for rodents, which could sever 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 air conditioner. The best type of material is one that lets in air, 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 use it.
Cover Your Air Conditioner During Summer
A lightweight mesh cover during the summer allows your air conditioner to run smoothly 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 stop 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 on the way. Snow and ice that build up inside your system can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to predict a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your AC if a severe storm is coming in Eastland. Hail can severely damage your system’s fins, 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, J & J Air Conditioning offers help. Give us a call at 254-355-3833 or schedule an appointment online.