With cold weather coming in Michigan City, you may be wondering when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you have to cover it at all.
Your AC unit is a sturdy piece of equipment. It’s engineered to resist bad} weather, including excessive temperatures and heavy precipitation.
Sometimes covers do more harm than good because they can trap water. Additional wetness inside your unit can cause internal pieces to rust or turn moldy.
While using an air conditioner cover is a personal choice, there are two times of year that are good to use a cover for an extended period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard waste during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can pile up and obstruct your system’s airflow. Diminished airflow means your air conditioning unit works more and may use more electricity to cool your home.
Seeking other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Routine AC maintenance from Paniccia Heating & Cooling heating and cooling professionals can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your system, and examine essential pieces. This often allows us to identify trouble before they begin.
How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover
If you determine you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a few suggestions on picking the right 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 water inside your equipment, potentially rusting metal pieces. It could also make your AC an inviting area for vermin, 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 moisture to build up inside your unit. The best type of clot 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 choose 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 freely 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 falling into your unit.
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 AC can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and lowering efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to anticipate a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your air conditioner if a strong storm is approaching in Michigan City. Hail can severely damage your system’s exterior, affecting 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, Paniccia Heating & Cooling offers assistance. Give us a call at 219-872-2198 or schedule an appointment online.