With cold weather coming in Weatherford, you may be questioning 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 designed to resist bad weather, including intense temperatures and relentless precipitation.
Sometimes covers create more issues because they can trap condensation. Extra wetness inside your equipment can cause internal components to rust or become moldy.
While installing 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 rubbish during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can accumulate and lower your system’s airflow. Reduced airflow means your air conditioning unit works longer and may use more electricity to cool your house.
Wanting other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Regular AC maintenance from Parker County Cooling & Heating heating and cooling technicians can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your system, and examine critical pieces. This often allows us to pinpoint problems before they begin.
Choosing the Right Air Conditioner Cover
If you decide you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a couple 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 couple of inches on the side.
Full AC covers can trap water inside your unit, potentially eating away at metal pieces. It could also make your air conditioner a welcoming place for vermin, 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 unit. The best type of fabric 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 decide 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 block leaves, nuts and other rubbish 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 build up inside your system can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and reducing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to anticipate a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your system if a strong storm is imminent in Weatherford. Hail can severely damage your system’s coils, altering 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, Parker County Cooling & Heating provides assistance. Give us a call at 817-380-5213 or schedule an appointment online.