As the scorching summer heat starts to fade and the cooler temperatures of fall starts to settle in, residents of Phoenix start preparing their homes and yards for the wintertime. For many, that leads to the question of whether they ought to cover their exterior AC for the winter.
While it may seem like a great idea, the truth is there are many reasons why you shouldn’t cover your AC unit in the winter. In addition to not being something you need to do, covering your outdoor air conditioning equipment can actually cause problems.
Here, the professionals at Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc share five reasons why covering your AC doesn’t need to be on your fall to-do list and what you should do instead.
1. Snow won’t Hurt Your AC
Outdoor AC units are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions like snow in the wintertime. These systems are built with solid materials and parts that can handle the outdoor elements without damage. The coils and fins of the unit are constructed to resist corrosion, and the housing is designed to protect the internal components from moisture and debris.
2. Covering Your Air Conditioner Can Cause Mold
One of the reasons you should avoid covering your outdoor air conditioning equipment in the cold months is because doing so can trap moisture—which is definitely not what you want in your outdoor unit. That’s because allowing moisture to collect inside the unit creates the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to flourish.
Mold and mildew not only have a bad aroma, but they can also pose health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory issues or allergies. Additionally, the excess moisture can corrode the internal components of the AC unit.
Instead of covering the unit, instead make sure the unit has proper drainage and keep the area around the unit clear of debris, allowing for efficient airflow and preventing moisture buildup.
3. A Covered Air Conditioner Can Host Animals
Humans aren’t the only ones who make plans for winter. Animals that live around your home are also searching for a warm, cozy place to live for the wintry months. For many critters, a covered air conditioner is an ideal winter refuge.
Birds, mice, chipmunks and even rats often make winter dens inside covered air conditioners. Animals living in a covered air conditioning unit can cause many problems. Rodents can chew through wires, insulation and other connections, causing damage that may require pricey repairs. Debris animals bring into the AC to create a warm and comfortable nest can block airflow and ventilation, reducing the efficiency of the appliance and potentially causing it to overheat. Additionally, animal droppings can result in unsanitary conditions and potent odors.
Leaving your air conditioner uncovered helps discourage creatures, because an uncovered AC offers less shelter from cold weather than a covered unit. That’s better for your AC—and leaves you with less mess to throw away and things to repair once the snow melts.
4. An AC Cover Restricts Airflow
Another reason you shouldn’t cover your air conditioning equipment in the winter is because a cover blocks airflow through the unit. Adequate airflow is crucial for the AC system because it helps with heat exchange and enables the unit to cool properly. When airflow is restricted, the system has to work harder to reach the desired temperature, causing increased energy consumption and strain on the components.
In addition, if you use your air conditioning without realizing that the outside unit is covered or because you simply forgot, it could result in a range of problems. One issue is that the absence of proper airflow could cause the compressor to overheat, leading to its failure or damage. That’s why it is crucial to ensure the outdoor unit is free from barriers and is not covered to maintain the best possible airflow.
5. AC Maintenance Offers More Benefits Than Covering Your Air Conditioner
The bottom line is, it’s lots more effective to do a little maintenance for your cooling system than to cover your outside AC unit.
There are a number of key maintenance tasks you should prioritize to ensure optimal operation and longevity of your AC unit. First, it’s wise to examine your outdoor AC unit regularly and remove any debris such as leaves, twigs and dirt to allow proper airflow. Second, inspect and clean the coils, fins and filters to make sure you don’t see any dirt and dust buildup that would prevent effective heat exchange or airflow.
Routine air conditioning maintenance not only enhances efficiency, but it also helps extend the unit’s life span, lowers energy consumption and protects against costly repairs. Rather than using a cover, committing time and effort into routine air conditioning maintenance is a proactive plan of action that can significantly benefit your entire HVAC system in the long run.