As the sweltering summer heat starts to fade and the relief of fall starts to settle in, residents of Mount Pleasant start preparing their homes and yards for the winter. For many, that leads to the question of whether they ought to cover their exterior air conditioner for the winter.
While it may seem like a good idea, in reality there are a number of reasons why you shouldn’t cover your AC unit in the winter. Along with not being needed, covering your outdoor air conditioning equipment can sometimes cause problems.
Here, the professionals at Olde Towne Heating & Air 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 Unit Isn’t Damaged by Snow
Outdoor AC units are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions like snow in the wintertime. These units are built with sturdy materials and parts that can handle the outdoor elements without damage. The coils and fins of the unit are engineered to resist corrosion, and the housing is crafted to protect the internal parts from moisture and debris.
2. Covered AC Systems may Encourage Mold Growth
One of the reasons you should not cover your air conditioner in the winter is because doing so can trap moisture—which is the opposite of what you want in your outdoor unit. That’s because trapping moisture inside the unit generates the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to flourish.
Mold and mildew not only have a bad odor, but they can also create health risks, especially for people 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 clear of debris, allowing for efficient airflow and preventing moisture buildup.
3. A Covered Air Conditioner Can Attract 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 hide out for the cold months. For many critters, a covered air conditioner is an ideal winter dwelling.
Birds, mice, chipmunks and even rats often make nests inside covered air conditioners. Animals living in a covered air conditioning unit can cause numerous problems. Rodents can chew through wires, insulation and other parts, causing damage that may require pricey repairs. Debris animals bring into the AC to construct a warm and comfortable place to get out of the cold weather can block airflow and ventilation, decreasing the efficiency of the unit and potentially causing it to overheat. Moreover, animal excrement can result in unsanitary conditions and foul odors.
Leaving your air conditioner uncovered helps dissuade animals, because an uncovered AC provides less shelter from the elements than a covered unit. That’s better for your air conditioner—and leaves you with less mess to clean up and things to repair once the snow melts.
4. Covering Your Air Conditioner Restricts Airflow
Another reason it’s better that you don’t cover your air conditioner 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 enables the unit to cool properly. When airflow is restricted, the system has to work harder to reach the desired temperature, leading to additional energy consumption and strain on the components.
In addition, if you run your AC without knowing that the exterior 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, causing its failure or damage. That’s why it is essential to ensure the outdoor unit has no 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 a lot more effective to do a little maintenance for your air conditioning unit than to cover your outside AC unit.
There are several key maintenance activities you should prioritize to ensure maximum performance and longevity of your AC unit. First, it’s a good idea to inspect your outdoor AC unit regularly and get rid of any debris such as leaves, sticks and dirt to allow proper airflow. Second, check 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.
Regular air conditioning maintenance not only improves efficiency, but it also helps extend the unit’s life span, reduces energy consumption and protects against costly repairs. Rather than using a cover, putting time and effort into routine air conditioning maintenance is a proactive plan of action that can greatly benefit your entire HVAC system in the long run.