With cold weather on the horizon in Morgantown, you may be wondering 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 created to resist severe weather, including intense temperatures and heavy precipitation.
Sometimes covers create more issues because they can trap moisture. Too much wetness inside your system can cause internal pieces to rust or get moldy.
While putting on an air conditioner cover is a personal choice, there are two periods that are good to use a cover for an extended period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard rubbish during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can build up and block your system’s airflow. Diminished airflow means your air conditioning unit works harder and may use more electricity to cool your house.
Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from Mountain Air heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your equipment, and take a close look at critical components. This often allows us to pinpoint trouble before they begin.
How to Find Your Air Conditioner Cover
If you determine you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a couple tips on selecting the best cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air circulating, a protective air conditioner cover should only enclose the top of your equipment and a few inches on the side.
Full AC covers can trap moisture inside your unit, potentially corroding metal pieces. It could also make your air conditioner a welcoming place for animals, 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 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 It’s Time to Cover your AC
If you decide to use an air conditioner cover, here are the best times to use it.
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 branches 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 debris from getting 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 heavy snow is coming. Snow and ice that build up inside your air conditioner can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and lowering efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to predict a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your system if a severe storm is coming in Morgantown. Hail can critically 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, Mountain Air offers aid. Give us a call at 304-413-1287 or schedule an appointment online.