With cold weather coming in Kearney, you may be thinking when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you need to cover it at all.
Your AC unit is a tough piece of equipment. It’s designed to resist severe} weather, including intense temperatures and relentless precipitation.
Sometimes covers do more harm than good because they can trap condensation. Too much wetness inside your equipment can cause internal parts to rust or get moldy.
While putting on an air conditioner cover is an individual choice, there are two seasons that are ideal for using a cover for a lengthy period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard waste during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can build up and block your system’s airflow. Decreased airflow means your air conditioning unit works more and may use more power to cool your house.
Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning heating and cooling technicians can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and examine important parts. This often allows us to pinpoint trouble before they begin.
How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover
If you come to the conclusion you want to cover your air conditioner, here are several ideas on selecting the right cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air circulating, a protective air conditioner cover should only encompass the top of your system and a few inches on the side.
Full AC covers can trap moisture inside your equipment, potentially eating away at metal components. It could also make your system an inviting place for rodents, 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 unit. The best type of clot is one that lets in air, like canvas or mesh.
Related: How AC Repair & Maintenance Can Actually Save You Money
When to Use an Air Conditioner Cover
If you want to use an air conditioner cover, here are the best times to put it on.
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 halt leaves, nuts and other debris from dropping 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 a blizzard is approaching. Snow and ice that accumulate inside your AC can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to predict a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your air conditioner if a severe storm is coming in Kearney. Hail can critically damage your system’s fins, affecting 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, Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning provides aid. Give us a call at 308-624-3485 or schedule an appointment online.