As the hot summer sun starts to fade and the cooler temperatures of fall starts to settle in, residents of West Valley City start preparing their homes and yards for the winter. For many, that leads to the question of whether they need to cover their outside air conditioning unit for the winter.
While it may seem like a great idea, the reality is there are a number of reasons why you shouldn’t cover your AC unit in the winter. In addition to not being necessary, covering your outdoor air conditioning equipment can actually cause problems.
Here, the experts at Select Comfort Systems share five reasons why covering your air conditioning equipment doesn’t need to be on your fall to-do list and what you should do instead.
1. Your AC can Handle Snow
Exterior AC units are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions like snow in the winter. These systems are built with sturdy materials and components that can handle the outdoor elements without damage. The coils and fins of the unit are constructed to resist corrosion, and the housing is manufactured to protect the internal components from moisture and debris.
2. Covering Your Air Conditioner Can Cause Mold
One of the reasons you should avoid covering your AC unit in the cold months is because doing so can trap moisture—which is the opposite of what you want in your outdoor unit. That’s because trapping moisture inside the unit produces the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to thrive.
Mold and mildew not only have an unpleasant aroma, but they can also create health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory issues or allergies. Plus, the trapped moisture can corrode the internal components of the AC unit.
Instead of covering the unit, instead make sure the unit has proper drainage and keep the area around the unit cleared of debris, allowing for efficient airflow and preventing moisture buildup.
3. Covered AC Systems Can Host Animals
You and your family aren’t the only ones who make plans for winter. Animals that live around your home are also hunting for a warm, cozy place to hide out for the winter months. For many animals, a covered air conditioner is an ideal winter dwelling.
Birds, mice, chipmunks and even rats frequently make nests inside covered air conditioners. Animals residing in a covered air conditioning unit can cause numerous problems. Mice can chew through wires, insulation and other components, causing damage that may require expensive repairs. Debris animals bring into the AC to create a warm and comfortable place to get out of the cold weather can obstruct airflow and ventilation, reducing the efficiency of the AC and potentially causing it to overheat. Additionally, animal excrement can result in unsanitary conditions and potent odors.
Leaving your air conditioner uncovered helps discourage creatures, because an uncovered AC offers less shelter from the elements than a covered unit. That’s better for your cooling system—and leaves you with less mess to throw away and things to repair when winter is over.
4. Covering Your Air Conditioner Restricts Airflow
Another reason it’s better that you don’t cover your AC unit in the winter is because a cover restricts airflow through the unit. Proper airflow is essential for the AC system because it assists heat exchange and enables the unit to cool effectively. When airflow is reduced, the system has to work harder to achieve the desired temperature, resulting in increased energy consumption and strain on the components.
In addition, if you use your air conditioner without realizing that the exterior unit is covered or because you simply forgot, it could result in a range of problems. One issue is that the shortage of proper airflow could cause the compressor to overheat, leading to its failure or damage. That’s why it is crucial to ensure the outdoor unit has no barriers and is not covered to maintain maximum airflow.
5. AC Maintenance Is More Effective Than Covering Your Air Conditioner
The bottom line is, it’s much more effective to do a little maintenance for your air conditioning unit than to cover your outside AC unit.
There are several key maintenance tasks you should prioritize to ensure maximum function and longevity of your AC unit. First, it’s wise to check your outdoor AC unit regularly and pull out any debris such as leaves, small branches and dirt to maintain proper airflow. Second, inspect and clean the coils, fins and filters to make sure they are free from dirt and dust buildup that would hinder efficient heat exchange or airflow.
Routine air conditioning maintenance not only enhances efficiency, but it also helps extend the unit’s life span, lowers energy consumption and avoids costly repairs. Rather than using a cover, committing time and effort into routine air conditioning maintenance is a proactive plan of action that can substantially benefit your entire HVAC system in the long run.
