With cold weather coming in Wisconsin Rapids, you may be thinking 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 severe weather, including extreme temperatures and relentless precipitation.
Sometimes covers create more issues because they can trap moisture. Additional wetness inside your equipment can cause internal pieces to rust or become moldy.
While putting on an air conditioner cover is a personal choice, there are two times of year that are ideal for using a cover for a lengthy period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard rubbish during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can accumulate and block your system’s airflow. Diminished airflow means your air conditioning unit works longer and may use more power to cool your residence.
Seeking other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Regular AC maintenance from Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your equipment, and inspect critical components. This often allows us to spot trouble before they begin.
How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover
If you decide you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a couple ideas on choosing the ideal cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air flowing, a protective air conditioner cover should only encompass the top of your equipment and several inches on the side.
Complete AC covers can trap moisture inside your system, potentially eating away at metal parts. It could also make your AC an inviting area for rodents, which could chew wires.
Related: What New Homeowners Need to Know About Their Air Conditioner
Don’t Use Plastic or Vinyl Covers
Plastic or vinyl covers block air, which could cause moisture to build up inside your system. 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 You Should Cover Your Air Conditioner
If you decide to use an air conditioner cover, here are the best times to put it on.
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 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 debris 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 collect inside your air conditioner can melt and refreeze, damaging condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to anticipate a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your air conditioner if a severe storm is approaching in Wisconsin Rapids. Hail can critically 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, Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc provides help. Give us a call at 715-301-0256 or schedule an appointment online.