With cold weather on the horizon in Hasbrouck Heights, 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 strong piece of equipment. It’s designed to resist bad weather, including extreme temperatures and heavy precipitation.
Sometimes covers do more harm than good, because they can trap moisture. Additional wetness inside your equipment can cause internal components to rust or turn moldy.
While using an air conditioner cover is your own choice, there are two seasons that are ideal for using 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 pile up and obstruct your system’s airflow. Diminished 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 ACE Solutions heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and take a close look at important components. This often allows us to pinpoint problems before they begin.
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How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover
If you decide you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a few ideas on choosing the ideal cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air circulating, a protective air conditioner cover should only enclose the top of your unit and a few inches on the side.
Full AC covers can trap water inside your unit, potentially rusting metal components. It could also make your air conditioner an inviting area 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 air conditioner. The best type of fabric is one that allows airflow, 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 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 stop leaves, nuts and other waste from falling 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 snowstorm is on the way. Snow and ice that collect inside your air conditioner can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to expect a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your system if a bad storm is coming in Hasbrouck Heights. Hail can critically damage your system’s fins, impacting 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, ACE Solutions offers assistance. Give us a call at 201-579-2562 or schedule an appointment online.