With cold weather approaching in Pella, you may be thinking when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you should even cover it at all.
Your AC unit is a strong piece of equipment. It’s designed to resist bad} weather, including excessive temperatures and relentless precipitation.
Sometimes covers do more harm than good because they can trap moisture. Extra wetness inside your system can cause internal pieces to rust or become moldy.
While installing an air conditioner cover is your own choice, there are two periods that are good to use a cover for a long period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard waste during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can accumulate and lower your system’s airflow. Decreased airflow means your air conditioning unit works more and may use more electricity to cool your home.
Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Routine AC maintenance from Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating heating and cooling technicians can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your system, and take a close look at critical components. This often allows us to identify trouble before they begin.
How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover
If you come to the conclusion you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a couple suggestions on choosing the right cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air moving, 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 water inside your equipment, potentially rusting metal parts. It could also make your system a welcoming home for rodents, 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 stop air, which could cause condensation to build up inside your unit. 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 decide to use an air conditioner cover, here are the best times to put it on.
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 halt leaves, nuts and other debris 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 a blizzard is coming. Snow and ice that build up inside your air conditioner can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to anticipate a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your AC if a severe storm is approaching in Pella. Hail can seriously damage your system’s coils, 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, Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating gives help. Give us a call at 641-628-3621 or schedule an appointment online.
