As the hot summer sunshine starts to fade and the refreshingly cool weather of fall starts to settle in, residents of Crown Point start preparing their homes and yards for the wintertime. For many, that leads to the question of whether they should cover their outside AC for the winter.
While it may seem like a good 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 something you need to do, covering your outdoor air conditioning equipment can sometimes cause problems.
Here, the professionals at Struven Heating & Cooling share five reasons why covering your air conditioner 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 units are built with solid 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 air conditioner in the winter is because doing so can trap moisture—which is not at all what you want in your outdoor unit. That’s because sealing moisture inside the unit creates the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to thrive.
Mold and mildew not only have an unpleasant smell, but they can also pose health risks, especially for household residents with respiratory issues or allergies. Additionally, the trapped moisture can corrode the internal components of the AC unit.
Rather than covering the unit, instead make sure the unit has proper drainage and keep the area around the unit free of debris, allowing for efficient airflow and preventing moisture buildup.
3. Covered AC Systems Can Attract Animals
Human beings aren’t the only ones who prepare for winter. Animals that live around your home are also looking for a warm, cozy place to hide out for the cold months. For many creatures, a covered air conditioner is the perfect winter dwelling.
Birds, mice, chipmunks and even rats frequently make homes inside covered air conditioners. Animals dwelling in a covered air conditioner can cause several problems. Rats can chew through wires, insulation and other connections, causing damage that may require costly repairs. Debris animals bring into the AC to create a warm and comfortable place to get out of the cold weather can impair airflow and ventilation, decreasing the efficiency of the appliance and potentially causing it to overheat. Additionally, animal waste can result in unsanitary conditions and foul odors.
Leaving your air conditioner uncovered helps dissuade animals, because an uncovered AC offers less shelter from cold weather than a covered unit. That’s better for your cooling system—and leaves you with less mess to pick up and things to repair when winter is over.
4. An AC Cover Restricts Airflow
Another reason you shouldn't cover your air conditioner in the winter is because a cover blocks airflow through the unit. Adequate airflow is vital for the AC system because it facilitates 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 turn on your air conditioner without noticing that the outside unit is covered or because you simply forgot, it could result in a range of problems. One issue is that the shortage of correct airflow could cause the compressor to overheat, leading to its failure or damage. That’s why it is vital 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 lots more effective to do a little maintenance for your air conditioning unit than to cover your exterior AC unit.
There are a number of key maintenance tasks you should prioritize to ensure the best possible function and longevity of your AC unit. First, it’s smart to look at your outdoor AC unit regularly and clear any debris such as leaves, sticks and dirt to promote proper airflow. Second, inspect and clean the coils, fins and filters to make sure they are free from dirt and dust buildup that would prevent efficient heat exchange or airflow.
Routine air conditioning maintenance not only enhances efficiency, but it also helps extend the unit's life span, lowers energy consumption and protects against costly repairs. Rather than using a cover, putting time and effort into routine air conditioning maintenance is a proactive strategy that can greatly benefit your entire HVAC system in the long run.