With cold weather coming in Magnolia, you may be thinking when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you should even cover it at all.
Your AC unit is a tough piece of equipment. It’s engineered to withstand severe weather, including extreme temperatures and torrential precipitation.
Sometimes covers create more issues, because they can trap moisture. Additional wetness inside your unit can cause internal pieces to rust or become moldy.
While putting on an air conditioner cover is an individual choice, there are two times of year that are ideal for using 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 accumulate and obstruct your system’s airflow. Diminished airflow means your air conditioning unit works more and may use more electricity to cool your residence.
Seeking other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Regular AC maintenance from JTech Mechanical heating and cooling professionals can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your system, and examine important pieces. This often allows us to identify issues before they begin.
Schedule service now
How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover
If you decide you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a couple tips on choosing the right cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air flowing, a protective air conditioner cover should only enclose the top of your equipment and a couple of inches on the side.
Full AC covers can trap water inside your unit, potentially corroding metal parts. It could also make your air conditioner a cozy home for vermin, which could eat through 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 moisture to build up inside your unit. The best type of material is one that’s breathable, 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 use it.
Cover Your Air Conditioner During Summer
A lightweight mesh cover during the summer allows your air conditioner to run unrestricted while keeping grass clippings and sticks 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 dropping 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 approaching. Snow and ice that accumulate inside your air conditioner can melt and refreeze, breaking condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to expect a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your air conditioner if a bad storm is approaching in Magnolia. Hail can critically damage your system’s exterior, 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, JTech Mechanical gives assistance. Give us a call at 281-231-8768 or schedule an appointment online.