With cold weather on the horizon in Kearney, you may be thinking when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you have to cover it at all.
Your AC unit is a strong piece of equipment. It’s created to resist bad weather, including extreme temperatures and torrential precipitation.
Sometimes covers create more issues because they can trap moisture. Extra wetness inside your system can cause internal pieces to rust or get moldy.
While installing an air conditioner cover is a personal choice, there are two periods that are good to use a cover for a long period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard waste during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can pile up and block your system’s airflow. Decreased airflow means your air conditioning unit works more and may use more electricity to cool your home.
Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Regular AC maintenance from Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your system, and examine critical pieces. This often allows us to pinpoint problems 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 picking the ideal cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air moving, a protective air conditioner cover should only surround the top of your equipment and several inches on the side.
Full AC covers can trap water inside your unit, potentially eating away at metal pieces. It could also make your AC a welcoming area 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 impede air, which could cause condensation to build up inside your air conditioner. 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 want 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 twigs 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 falling into your unit.
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 coming. Snow and ice that build up inside your system can melt and refreeze, damaging condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to predict a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your AC if a severe storm is approaching in Kearney. Hail can critically damage your system’s fins, altering efficiency.
Related: How Severe Weather Can Lead to AC Repair
We Can Make Sure Your AC Is Always Covered
Whether you have questions about heating and cooling or need air conditioning service, Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning gives help. Give us a call at 308-624-3485 or schedule an appointment online.