As the sweltering summer sunshine starts to fade and the cooler temperatures of fall starts to settle in, residents of Jefferson City start preparing their homes and yards for the wintertime. For many, that leads to the question of whether they need to cover their exterior air conditioner for the winter.
While it may seem like a smart idea, in reality there are many 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 actually cause problems.
Here, the professionals at Stieferman Heating Company Inc share five reasons why covering your air conditioner doesn’t need to be on your fall to-do list and what you should do instead.
1. Snow won’t Hurt Your AC
Outdoor AC units are supposed to withstand harsh weather conditions like snow in the winter. These machines are built with solid materials and hardware that can handle the outdoor elements without damage. The coils and fins of the unit are constructed to resist corrosion, and the housing is crafted 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 outdoor air conditioning equipment 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 sealing moisture inside the unit produces the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to thrive.
Mold and mildew not only have an undesirable smell, but they can also present health risks, especially for people with respiratory issues or allergies. Also, the unwanted 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 clean of debris, allowing for efficient airflow and preventing moisture buildup.
3. Covered AC Systems 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 live for the cold months. For many critters, a covered air conditioner is an awesome winter home.
Birds, mice, chipmunks and even rats often make homes inside covered air conditioners. Animals dwelling in a covered air conditioning unit can cause numerous problems. Rodents can chew through wires, insulation and other components, causing damage that may require expensive repairs. Debris animals bring into the AC to make themselves a warm and comfortable bed can obstruct airflow and ventilation, lowering the efficiency of the unit and potentially causing it to overheat. In addition, animal droppings can result in unsanitary conditions and bad odors.
Leaving your air conditioner uncovered helps deter animals, because an uncovered AC gives them less shelter from chilly temperatures than a covered unit. That’s better for your cooling system—and leaves you with less mess to throw away and things to repair in the spring.
4. Covering Your Air Conditioner Restricts Airflow
Another reason you shouldn’t cover your air conditioning equipment in the winter is because a cover restricts airflow through the unit. Suitable airflow is essential for the AC system because it facilitates heat exchange and permits the unit to cool efficiently. When airflow is restricted, the system has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, causing greater energy consumption and strain on the components.
In addition, if you run your AC without knowing that the exterior unit is covered or because you simply forgot, it could result in a range of problems. One issue is that the lack of correct airflow could cause the compressor to overheat, causing its failure or damage. That’s why it is vital to ensure the outdoor unit is always cleared of any obstructions and is not covered to maintain optimal airflow.
5. AC Maintenance Is More Effective Than Covering Your Air Conditioner
The bottom line is, it’s a whole lot more effective to do a little maintenance for your air conditioner than to cover your outdoor AC unit.
There are a number of key maintenance tasks you should prioritize to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your AC unit. First, it’s a good idea to examine your outdoor AC unit regularly and remove any debris such as leaves, twigs and dirt to promote proper airflow. Second, check and clean the coils, fins and filters to make sure there isn’t any dirt and dust buildup that would hinder effective heat exchange or airflow.
Regular air conditioning maintenance not only boosts efficiency, but it also helps extend the unit’s life span, lowers energy consumption and prevents costly repairs. Rather than using a cover, committing time and effort into routine air conditioning maintenance is a proactive plan of action that can significantly benefit your entire HVAC system in the long run.