With cold weather approaching in Pella, you may be wondering when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you should even cover it at all.
Your AC unit is a tough piece of equipment. It’s designed to resist bad weather, including intense temperatures and heavy precipitation.
Sometimes covers do more harm than good because they can trap moisture. Too much wetness inside your equipment can cause internal parts to rust or become moldy.
While using an air conditioner cover is an individual choice, there are two times of year that are ideal for using a cover for a long period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard rubbish during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can accumulate and block your system’s airflow. Reduced airflow means your air conditioning unit works longer and may use more electricity to cool your home.
Wanting other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Routine AC maintenance from Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and examine important components. This often allows us to spot problems before they begin.
Choosing the Right Air Conditioner Cover
If you determine you want to cover your air conditioner, here are several tips on choosing the right cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air moving, a protective air conditioner cover should only enclose the top of your equipment and several inches on the side.
Complete AC covers can trap water inside your equipment, potentially corroding metal components. It could also make your air conditioner a welcoming place for animals, 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 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 install 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 rubbish from falling 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 heavy snow is coming. Snow and ice that accumulate inside your air conditioner can melt and refreeze, damaging condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to expect a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your air conditioner if a bad storm is approaching in Pella. Hail can seriously damage your system’s fins, altering efficiency.
Related: How Severe Weather Can Lead to AC Repair
We Can Make Sure Your AC Is Always Covered
Whether you have questions about heating and cooling or need air conditioning service, Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating offers help. Give us a call at 641-628-3621 or schedule an appointment online.
