With cold weather on the horizon in South Beloit and Belvidere, you may be questioning 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 engineered to take on bad weather, including intense temperatures and heavy precipitation.
Sometimes covers do more harm than good, because they can trap condensation. Extra wetness inside your unit can cause internal components to rust or become moldy.
While using an air conditioner cover is a personal choice, there are two periods that are great for using a cover for an extended period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard debris during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can build up and obstruct your system’s airflow. Diminished 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 Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your equipment, and inspect critical 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 tips on choosing the best cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air circulating, a protective air conditioner cover should only enclose the top of your system and a couple of inches on the side.
Full AC covers can trap moisture inside your system, potentially rusting metal parts. It could also make your air conditioner a welcoming home 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 block air, which could cause water to build up inside your system. 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 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 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 falling 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 accumulate inside your system can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and reducing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to anticipate a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your system if a bad storm is coming in South Beloit and Belvidere. 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, Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc provides aid. Give us a call at 877-389-2465 or schedule an appointment online.