As the scorching summer sunshine starts to fade and the refreshingly cool weather of fall starts to settle in, residents of Bishop start preparing their homes and yards for the winter. For many, that leads to the question of whether they need to cover their outside AC for the winter.
While it may seem like a great idea, the reality is there are multiple reasons why you shouldn’t cover your AC unit in the winter. On top of not being necessary, covering your outdoor air conditioning equipment can even cause problems.
Here, the professionals at Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning share five reasons why covering your AC doesn’t need to be on your fall to-do list and what you should do instead.
1. Your AC Unit Isn’t Damaged by Snow
Exterior AC units are built to withstand harsh weather conditions like snow in the winter season. These systems are built with durable materials and hardware that can handle the outdoor elements without damage. The coils and fins of the unit are specially developed to resist corrosion, and the housing is manufactured to protect the internal elements from moisture and debris.
2. Covering Your Air Conditioner Can Cause Mold
One of the reasons you shouldn’t cover your air conditioner in the wintertime is because doing so can trap moisture—which is not at all what you want in your outdoor unit. That’s because trapping moisture inside the unit produces the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to spread.
Mold and mildew not only have an undesirable aroma, but they can also create health risks, especially for household residents with respiratory issues or allergies. Also, the excess moisture can corrode the internal components of the AC unit.
Rather than covering the unit, instead ensure proper drainage and keep the area around the unit free of debris, allowing for efficient airflow and preventing moisture buildup.
3. A Covered Air Conditioner Can Host Animals
People aren’t the only ones who get ready for winter. Animals that live around your home are also hunting for a warm, cozy place to hide out for the wintry months. For many creatures, a covered air conditioner is an ideal winter home.
Birds, mice, chipmunks and even rats often make nests inside covered air conditioners. Animals dwelling in a covered AC unit can cause several problems. Rats can chew through wires, insulation and other connections, causing damage that may require costly repairs. Debris animals bring into the AC to construct a warm and comfortable bed can impair airflow and ventilation, limiting the efficiency of the AC and potentially causing it to overheat. In addition, animal waste can result in unsanitary conditions and potent odors.
Leaving your air conditioner uncovered helps dissuade wildlife, because an uncovered AC provides less shelter from the elements than a covered unit. That’s better for your AC—and leaves you with less mess to clean up and things to repair in the spring.
4. A Winter Cover for AC Units Restricts Airflow
Another reason not to cover your air conditioner in the winter is because a cover blocks airflow through the unit. Suitable airflow is essential for the AC system because it helps with heat exchange and permits the unit to cool efficiently. When airflow is constrained, the system has to work harder to reach the desired temperature, causing additional energy consumption and strain on the components.
In addition, if you use your AC without knowing that the outdoor unit is covered or because you simply forgot, it could result in a range of problems. One issue is that the absence of appropriate airflow could cause the compressor to overheat, leading to its failure or damage. That’s why it is essential to ensure the outdoor unit is always cleared of any obstructions 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 a lot more effective to do a little maintenance for your air conditioning unit than to cover your outdoor AC unit.
There are several key maintenance projects you should prioritize to ensure optimal operation and longevity of your AC unit. First, it’s smart to look at your outdoor AC unit regularly and remove any debris such as leaves, twigs and dirt to allow proper airflow. Second, examine and clean the coils, fins and filters to make sure you don’t see any dirt and dust buildup that would hinder efficient heat exchange or airflow.
Regular air conditioning maintenance not only enhances efficiency, but it also helps extend the unit’s life span, lowers energy consumption and protects against 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.