With cold weather on the horizon in Pacheco, 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 sturdy piece of equipment. It’s engineered to resist bad weather, including intense temperatures and torrential precipitation.
Sometimes covers cause more problems, because they can trap condensation. Too much wetness inside your equipment can cause internal components to rust or get moldy.
While using an air conditioner cover is your own choice, there are two seasons that are good to use a cover for a long period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard debris during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can accumulate and block your system’s airflow. Decreased airflow means your air conditioning unit works more and may use more electricity to cool your house.
Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from Clean Air HVAC heating and cooling professionals can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and inspect critical pieces. This often allows us to identify problems before they begin.
Schedule service now
How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover
If you determine you want to cover your air conditioner, here are several ideas on choosing 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 few inches on the side.
Complete AC covers can trap moisture inside your unit, potentially eating away at metal components. It could also make your system an inviting area for vermin, 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 moisture to build up inside your system. The best type of material is one that allows airflow, 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 unrestricted 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 halt leaves, nuts and other rubbish from dropping 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 a blizzard is approaching. Snow and ice that collect inside your system can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and lowering efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to expect a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your air conditioner if a bad storm is imminent in Pacheco. Hail can severely 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, Clean Air HVAC provides assistance. Give us a call at 925-233-6238 or schedule an appointment online.