As the scorching summer heat starts to fade and the refreshingly cool weather of fall starts to settle in, residents of Shamokin and Sunbury start preparing their homes and yards for the the upcoming cold weather. For many, that leads to the question of whether they ought to cover their exterior air conditioning unit for the winter.
While it may seem like a smart idea, the reality is there are a number of reasons why you shouldn’t cover your AC unit in the winter. Along with not being necessary, covering your outdoor air conditioning equipment can sometimes cause problems.
Here, the specialists at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. share five reasons why covering your air conditioning equipment doesn’t need to be on your fall to-do list and what you should do instead.
1. Your AC can Handle Snow
Outside AC units are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions like snow in the winter. These systems are built with sturdy materials and parts that can handle the outdoor elements without damage. The coils and fins of the unit are specially developed to resist corrosion, and the housing is crafted to protect the internal parts from moisture and debris.
2. Covering AC Systems can Encourage Mold
One of the reasons you should avoid covering your air conditioner in the winter is because doing so can trap moisture—which is definitely not what you want in your outdoor unit. That’s because sealing moisture inside the unit produces the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to flourish.
Mold and mildew not only have an unpleasant aroma, but they can also present health risks, especially for household residents with respiratory issues or allergies. Plus, 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 clean of debris, allowing for efficient airflow and preventing moisture buildup.
3. Your Covered Air Conditioning Unit Can Host Animals
You and your family aren’t the only ones who get ready for winter. Animals that live around your home are also looking for a warm, cozy place to crash for the wintry months. For many creatures, a covered air conditioner is an awesome winter dwelling.
Birds, mice, chipmunks and even rats commonly make winter dens inside covered air conditioners. Animals residing in a covered air conditioner can cause many problems. Mice can chew through wires, insulation and other parts, causing damage that may require expensive repairs. Debris animals bring into the AC to construct a warm and comfortable home can block airflow and ventilation, limiting the efficiency of the appliance and potentially causing it to overheat. Moreover, animal droppings can result in unsanitary conditions and foul odors.
Leaving your air conditioner uncovered helps discourage wildlife, because an uncovered AC offers less shelter from the elements than a covered unit. That’s better for your cooling system—and leaves you with less mess to clean up and things to repair in the spring.
4. Covering Your Air Conditioner Restricts Airflow
Another reason it's better that you don't cover your AC unit in the winter is because a cover limits airflow through the unit. Adequate airflow is essential for the AC system because it assists heat exchange and allows the unit to cool properly. When airflow is constrained, the system has to work harder to achieve the desired temperature, resulting in additional energy consumption and strain on the components.
In addition, if you use your air conditioner without noticing that the exterior unit is covered or because you simply forgot, it could result in a range of problems. One issue is that the lack of correct airflow could cause the compressor to overheat, causing its failure or damage. That’s why it is necessary to ensure the outdoor unit is always cleared of any blockages and is not covered to maintain the best possible airflow.
5. AC Maintenance Is More Effective Than Covering Your Air Conditioner
The bottom line is, it's a whole lot more effective to do a little maintenance for your air conditioning unit than to cover your exterior AC unit.
There are numerous key maintenance tasks you should prioritize to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your AC unit. First, it’s smart to look at your outdoor AC unit regularly and pull out any debris such as leaves, small branches and dirt to maintain proper airflow. Second, inspect and clean the coils, fins and filters to make sure they are free from dirt and dust buildup that would impede effective heat exchange or airflow.
Scheduled air conditioning maintenance not only improves efficiency, but it also helps extend the unit's life span, decreases energy consumption and prevents costly repairs. Rather than using a cover, putting time and effort into routine air conditioning maintenance is a proactive strategy that can significantly benefit your entire HVAC system in the long run.