A question we get from homeowners is, “Should I cover my air conditioner in the winter?” You’ve probably seen air conditioner covers that are sold at most hardware stores and have wondered if it’s something you need to add to your list of tasks to complete for air conditioner maintenance in Upper St. Clair in the fall.
AC covers are designed to shield outdoor units from weather elements during the fall and winter when they’re inactive. They come in a variety of sizes, styles, and materials, such as mesh, top-only covers, insulated, and water-resistant types. Each style aims to keep out debris such as rocks, grass, leaves, hail, ice, and snow that could damage the unit.
Although your AC’s outdoor unit is built to handle harsh winter conditions like snow, ice, and extreme cold, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to keep it covered so long as it is completely turned off. Covering your air conditioner’s outdoor unit is an effective way to protect your investment and avoid future expenses. Here’s why you should consider an AC cover as part of your AC maintenance task list.
An Extra Layer of Protection
A cover can help shield the outdoor unit from debris like leaves, branches, acorns, pine needles, dirt, and salt. It prevents precipitation from entering the system, which could freeze and expand inside.
Using a cover before a major storm could provide added protection, reducing the risk of damage when tree branches or hail hit the unit. Before a major winter storm, you can place a cover over the unit and then remove it once the storm passes, allowing you to safeguard your AC without risking harm to the system.
Choosing the Proper Cover Is Crucial
If you decide to use a cover, don’t forget that you need to power the entire system off first. If the AC is left on, any brief warm spell could trigger the unit to kick on, even if it’s covered, which could restrict airflow and strain the components.
Powering down also helps protect the internal mechanisms, as the system isn’t meant to operate with a cover, which can trap moisture and debris. This simple step of shutting off power safeguards the equipment, minimizes the risk of damage, and ensures a smoother start-up come spring.
If using a full cover to protect the fins or casing, make sure the cover is made from a breathable material. Large plastic bags may seem convenient, but they can cause more harm than good. Non-breathable covers trap moisture inside the unit. When the sun shines in winter, the cover heats up, creating a warm, damp environment for rust and mildew to develop. Plus, this warm space attracts rodents looking for a winter shelter, and once inside, they can easily get into the equipment.
Call the friendly staff at Boehmer Heating & Cooling for exceptional customer service! Schedule air conditioner maintenance in Upper St. Clair, PA with our team today.