With cold weather coming in Pflugerville, you may be thinking when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you need to cover it at all.
Your AC unit is a sturdy piece of equipment. It’s designed to take on bad weather, including excessive temperatures and relentless precipitation.
Sometimes covers cause more problems, because they can trap moisture. Too much wetness inside your unit can cause internal parts to rust or get moldy.
While using an air conditioner cover is your own choice, there are two periods that are ideal for using a cover for a lengthy period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard debris during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can accumulate and obstruct 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 Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your equipment, and inspect important parts. This often allows us to pinpoint issues 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 tips on picking the best cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air flowing, a protective air conditioner cover should only encompass the top of your equipment and a couple of inches on the side.
Complete AC covers can trap condensation inside your system, potentially rusting metal parts. It could also make your AC an inviting area for animals, which could eat through wires.
Related: What New Homeowners Need to Know About Their Air Conditioner
Don’t Use Plastic or Vinyl Covers
Plastic or vinyl covers block air, which could cause water to build up inside your unit. The best type of cloth is one that’s breathable, 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 freely while keeping grass clippings and branches 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 rubbish from dropping 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 heavy snow is coming. Snow and ice that build up inside your air conditioner can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and reducing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to predict a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your AC if a strong storm is approaching in Pflugerville. Hail can severely damage your system’s exterior, 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, Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning offers assistance. Give us a call at 512-355-1482 or schedule an appointment online.