With cold weather coming in The Bay Area, 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 sturdy piece of equipment. It’s engineered to resist inclement weather, including intense temperatures and torrential precipitation.
Sometimes covers do more harm than good because they can trap moisture. Too much wetness inside your system can cause internal components to rust or get moldy.
While using an air conditioner cover is a personal choice, there are two times of year that are good to use a cover for an extended period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard debris during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can pile up and lower your system’s airflow. Diminished airflow means your air conditioning unit works more and may use more electricity to cool your house.
Wanting other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from Contra Costa Heating & AC heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your system, and take a close look at essential components. This often allows us to pinpoint problems before they begin.
Find the Right Air Conditioner Cover
If you determine you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a couple tips on selecting the right cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air flowing, a protective air conditioner cover should only encompass the top of your system and several inches on the side.
Full AC covers can trap water inside your system, potentially eating away at metal parts. It could also make your AC a welcoming 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 impede air, which could cause water to build up inside your air conditioner. The best type of clot is one that’s breathable, like canvas or mesh.
Related: How AC Repair & Maintenance Can Actually Save You Money
When It’s Time to Cover your AC
If you choose 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 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 stop leaves, nuts and other waste from getting 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 snowstorm is coming. Snow and ice that accumulate inside your air conditioner can melt and refreeze, damaging condenser coils and lowering efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to predict a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your AC if a strong storm is approaching in The Bay Area. Hail can seriously damage your system’s fins, impacting efficiency.
Related: How Severe Weather Can Lead to AC Repair
We Can Help Keep Your AC Protected
Whether you have questions about heating and cooling or need air conditioning service, Contra Costa Heating & AC provides help. Give us a call at 510-343-9841 or schedule an appointment online.
