With cold weather approaching in Magnolia, you may be wondering when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you have to cover it at all.
Your AC unit is a sturdy piece of equipment. It’s created to resist severe} weather, including excessive temperatures and heavy precipitation.
Sometimes covers cause more problems because they can trap water. Additional wetness inside your unit can cause internal components to rust or become moldy.
While installing an air conditioner cover is an individual choice, there are two times of year 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 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? Routine AC maintenance from JTech Mechanical heating and cooling technicians can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and examine important pieces. This often allows us to identify trouble before they begin.
How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover
If you determine you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a couple suggestions on selecting the ideal cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air moving, a protective air conditioner cover should only encompass the top of your unit and several inches on the side.
Total AC covers can trap condensation inside your unit, potentially eating away at metal components. It could also make your AC a cozy area for rodents, which could sever 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 water to build up inside your system. 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 install it.
Cover Your Air Conditioner During Summer
A lightweight mesh cover during the summer allows your air conditioner to run freely 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 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 a blizzard is approaching. Snow and ice that accumulate inside your AC can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and lowering efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to expect a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your system if a bad storm is approaching in Magnolia. Hail can critically damage your system’s coils, 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, JTech Mechanical gives assistance. Give us a call at 281-231-8768 or schedule an appointment online.