With cold weather approaching in Spokane, you may be wondering when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you need to cover it at all.
Your AC unit is a strong piece of equipment. It’s designed to resist severe weather, including intense temperatures and heavy precipitation.
Sometimes covers do more harm than good because they can trap condensation. Additional wetness inside your system can cause internal components to rust or get moldy.
While putting on an air conditioner cover is your own choice, there are two times of year that are good to use 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 pile up and block your system’s airflow. Reduced airflow means your air conditioning unit works longer and may use more power to cool your house.
Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Routine AC maintenance from Bigfoot Mechanical heating and cooling professionals can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your system, and examine important components. This often allows us to spot trouble before they begin.
How to Find Your Air Conditioner Cover
If you come to the conclusion you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a few ideas on picking the right cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air circulating, a protective air conditioner cover should only surround the top of your unit and a few inches on the side.
Total AC covers can trap moisture inside your equipment, potentially eating away at metal pieces. It could also make your AC a welcoming place for animals, 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 impede air, which could cause moisture to build up inside your system. The best type of material 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 smoothly 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 block leaves, nuts and other rubbish 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 heavy snow is on the way. Snow and ice that build up inside your air conditioner can melt and refreeze, breaking condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to predict a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your system if a strong storm is coming in Spokane. Hail can critically damage your system’s coils, altering 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, Bigfoot Mechanical offers aid. Give us a call at 509-392-8770 or schedule an appointment online.
