When we transition from the hot summer months into the colder and shorter days of fall, many of us are spending more time at home. As your concerns shift to preparing your home for the upcoming winter season, your AC unit will likely be on your mind. Many homeowners are still unsure whether they need to cover their AC units during the winter months. Here, we’ll give you everything you need to know to decide.
Why Would You Need an AC Unit Cover?
Your outdoor condenser unit has a compressor pump, condenser coil, and blower components that are responsible for circulating and removing heat from the refrigerant and dispersing it outdoors. Because these units are specifically designed to withstand the outdoor elements, you may wonder why you need an AC cover. The whole point of an AC cover is to prevent unwanted items from entering your air conditioning unit. For example, it’s very common for leaves and twigs to blow around during the fall months.
Some of these items can end up inside your unit if it doesn’t have a proper cover on it. This debris can interfere with the AC’s functioning when summer rolls around again. A cover over the top could be helpful for the fall, but it is usually best to remove it once all the leaves have fallen.
Whether you cover the unit or not, we strongly recommend spring maintenance before turning it on again in late spring or summer. This service will remove any leaves, twigs, dirt, or other debris that may have fallen in. A spring tune-up also guarantees that the unit will work as efficiently as possible and helps extend the life of the system.
What Type of AC Cover is Best?
When you think about protecting your outdoor AC unit from things like leaves that can blow into it, you may picture a cover that completely covers up the unit. While this would be effective for preventing flying debris from entering the unit, encasing the whole AC unit can create serious problems.
Without adequate airflow through the unit, any moisture inside will be stuck due to the cover. This moisture will lead to corrosion of your unit’s components, which will drastically shorten its overall lifespan. Furthermore, encasing the whole unit could encourage critters to crawl into it to have a home free from the wind.
Instead of encasing the whole unit, the best AC cover will cover only the top section of the unit. Choosing a mesh-like material will allow for adequate airflow in and out of the unit while still being able to stop debris from going inside it. All it takes is measuring your outdoor condenser unit and purchasing an AC cover.
Using Outdoor Wind Blockers
Instead of covering the unit, one of the best things you can do to help prevent unwanted debris from entering your outdoor condenser unit is to install wind blockers. These could be evergreen shrubbery, a fence, or a wall. Anything that can prevent debris from going directly into the unit is ideal.
Additionally, a physical barrier also helps protect the unit from pets. If a dog likes to rub against the unit, fur can get inside and compromise airflow. A barrier also prevents pets from urinating on the unit, which would contribute to corrosion.
However, it’s important to remember that for your AC unit to function optimally, it needs at least three feet of open space around it. This means if you use shrubbery as your wind blocker, you’ll want to regularly trim it back to ensure that it’s not impeding your unit’s airflow.
Keep Up With Yard Maintenance and Tree Trimming
One of the best things you can do for the overall health of your outdoor air conditioning unit is to keep up with regular yard maintenance. During the fall season, rake up your leaves and dispose of them instead of letting them blow around your lawn.
Furthermore, trim any trees close to your AC unit to prevent leaves and twigs from falling into it. These simple outdoor maintenance tasks can significantly reduce the risk of unwanted debris getting stuck inside your outdoor AC unit.
Instances Where You Never Want to Cover Your Unit
While an AC unit cover can be great for keeping debris out of your unit, it should never be on when operating it. It can get into the 70s or higher in winter in Mesa. If you often use your air conditioning system throughout the winter, you’re better off omitting the cover altogether. Turning on your air conditioning system when the cover is on can cause excess strain, possibly damaging the unit. Of course, if you use a heat pump for air conditioning, you should never use a cover because a heat pump also heats your home.
Tips on Choosing the Right Cover for Your Unit
If you believe that an AC cover is a necessary investment for your home, there are a few things that you want to keep in mind when choosing the right one for your home. First, be mindful of the material that you choose. It not only needs to be breathable but also weather-resistant. You’ll want a cover with UV resistance that is durable to prevent rips. Some of the best materials to buy are polyester and vinyl.
Outdoor AC units come in all different dimensions, so it’s imperative you choose a cover that fits snugly over your unit. If the cover is too loose, it’s likely to blow in the wind and allow debris into your unit. However, if the cover is too tight, it may not fit over the unit, or it may put too much stress on the metal and end up bending it. Take the time to physically measure your unit to ensure you get a cover that fits its dimensions.
How to Install Your New AC Unit Cover
Before you install your new AC unit cover, you should remove any debris, such as leaves or twigs, that is up against the unit. When you put the cover over your unit, make sure it has a secure fit and your fasteners are properly tightened. You shouldn’t be able to lift the cover after it’s in its final position. If you can, the wind can blow unwanted items into it.
Reliable AC Maintenance Service
At Honest Air Conditioning, we have an A+ rating with the BBB. As our name implies, we value honesty, integrity, and transparency in all we do. We make sure our technicians are thoroughly trained and experienced before we send them out. We provide reliable AC installation, repair, and AC maintenance service for the Mesa, AZ area. We can also install, repair, and maintain your heating system or heat pump and can install systems to improve your indoor air quality. We offer service plans and regularly run specials to help you save money. Call us today to book your next service consultation.