As the sweltering summer sun starts to fade and the relief of fall starts to settle in, residents of Albuquerque start preparing their homes and yards for the wintertime. For many, that leads to the question of whether they need to cover their exterior air conditioner for the winter.
While it may seem like a smart idea, in reality there are many reasons why you shouldn’t cover your AC unit in the winter. Along with not being necessary, covering your outdoor air conditioning equipment can actually cause problems.
Here, the professionals at I-Deal HVAC 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. Your AC Unit Isn’t Damaged by Snow
Outside AC units are built to withstand harsh weather conditions like snow in the winter. These units are built with sturdy materials and hardware that can handle the outdoor elements without damage. The coils and fins of the unit are constructed to resist corrosion, and the housing is manufactured to protect the internal components from moisture and debris.
2. Covered AC Systems may Encourage Mold Growth
One of the reasons you shouldn’t cover your outdoor air conditioning equipment in the wintertime 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 produces the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to flourish.
Mold and mildew not only have an undesirable smell, but they can also pose health risks, especially for household residents with respiratory issues or allergies. Plus, the unwanted moisture can corrode the internal components of the AC unit.
Rather than covering the unit, instead provide 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
Humans aren’t the only ones who get ready for winter. Animals that live around your home are also searching for a warm, cozy place to hide out for the winter months. For many creatures, a covered air conditioner is an ideal winter home.
Birds, mice, chipmunks and even rats frequently make homes inside covered air conditioners. Animals dwelling in a covered AC unit can cause many problems. Rodents can chew through wires, insulation and other components, causing damage that may require costly repairs. Debris animals bring into the AC to construct a warm and comfortable nest can obstruct airflow and ventilation, decreasing the efficiency of the AC and potentially causing it to overheat. In addition, animal excrement can result in unsanitary conditions and potent odors.
Leaving your air conditioner uncovered helps dissuade creatures, because an uncovered AC gives them less shelter from chilly temperatures than a covered unit. That’s better for your air conditioner—and leaves you with less mess to clean up and things to repair when winter is over.
4. Covering Your Air Conditioner Restricts Airflow
Another reason not to cover your air conditioner in the winter is because a cover blocks airflow through the unit. Proper airflow is vital for the AC system because it assists heat exchange and enables the unit to cool effectively. When airflow is restricted, the system has to work harder to achieve the desired temperature, causing additional energy consumption and strain on the components.
In addition, if you turn on your air conditioning without knowing that the outdoor unit is covered or because you simply forgot, it could result in a range of problems. One issue is that the absence of correct airflow could cause the compressor to overheat, resulting in its failure or damage. That’s why it is vital to ensure the outdoor unit is free from blockages and is not covered to maintain maximum airflow.
5. AC Maintenance Offers More Benefits Than Covering Your Air Conditioner
The bottom line is, it's a whole lot more effective to do a little maintenance for your air conditioner than to cover your exterior AC unit.
There are numerous key maintenance activities you should prioritize to ensure the best possible performance and longevity of your AC unit. First, it’s smart to look at your outdoor AC unit regularly and remove any debris such as leaves, twigs and dirt to promote 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 efficient heat exchange or airflow.
Scheduled air conditioning maintenance not only improves efficiency, but it also helps extend the unit's life span, reduces energy consumption and avoids costly repairs. Rather than using a cover, committing time and effort into routine air conditioning maintenance is a proactive strategy that can significantly benefit your entire HVAC system in the long run.