As the hot summer heat starts to fade and the relief of fall starts to settle in, residents of Newton start preparing their homes and yards for the winter. For many, that leads to the question of whether they should cover their outside 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. In addition to not being necessary, covering your outdoor air conditioning equipment can actually cause problems.
Here, the specialists at Brookwood Inc 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. Snow won't Hurt Your AC
Exterior AC units are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions like snow in the wintertime. These systems are built with sturdy materials and components that can handle the outdoor elements without damage. The coils and fins of the unit are engineered to resist corrosion, and the housing is manufactured to protect the internal parts from moisture and debris.
2. Covered AC Systems may Encourage Mold Growth
One of the reasons you should avoid covering your AC unit in the wintertime is because doing so can trap moisture—which is not at all what you want in your outdoor unit. That’s because trapping moisture inside the unit generates the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to thrive.
Mold and mildew not only have an unpleasant smell, but they can also present health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory issues or allergies. Also, the excess moisture can corrode the internal components of the AC unit.
Rather than covering the unit, instead ensure proper drainage and keep the area around the unit cleared of debris, allowing for efficient airflow and preventing moisture buildup.
3. Your Covered Air Conditioning Unit 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 live for the wintry months. For many critters, a covered air conditioner is the perfect winter refuge.
Birds, mice, chipmunks and even rats commonly make winter dens inside covered air conditioners. Animals living in a covered air conditioning unit can cause numerous problems. Mice can chew through wires, insulation and other connections, causing damage that may require expensive repairs. Debris animals bring into the AC to create a warm and comfortable bed can block airflow and ventilation, reducing the efficiency of the appliance and potentially causing it to overheat. Additionally, animal excrement can result in unsanitary conditions and foul odors.
Leaving your air conditioner uncovered helps dissuade creatures, because an uncovered AC provides less shelter from chilly temperatures than a covered unit. That’s better for your cooling system—and leaves you with less mess to clean up and things to repair in the spring.
4. An AC Cover Restricts Airflow
Another reason not to cover your AC unit in the winter is because a cover blocks airflow through the unit. Proper airflow is crucial for the AC system because it assists heat exchange and enables the unit to cool efficiently. When airflow is constrained, the system has to work harder to reach the desired temperature, leading to increased energy consumption and strain on the components.
In addition, if you run your air conditioner without noticing 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, resulting in its failure or damage. That’s why it is essential to ensure the outdoor unit is always cleared of any barriers and is not covered to maintain optimal airflow.
5. AC Maintenance Works Better Than Covering Your Air Conditioner
The bottom line is, it's much more effective to do a little maintenance for your air conditioning unit than to cover your outside AC unit.
There are numerous key maintenance activities you should prioritize to ensure optimal function and longevity of your AC unit. First, it’s smart to look at your outdoor AC unit regularly and get rid of any debris such as leaves, sticks and dirt to maintain proper airflow. Second, check and clean the coils, fins and filters to make sure there isn't any dirt and dust buildup that would prevent effective heat exchange or airflow.
Scheduled air conditioning maintenance not only improves efficiency, but it also helps extend the unit's life span, decreases energy consumption and avoids costly repairs. Rather than using a cover, investing time and effort into routine air conditioning maintenance is a proactive approach that can greatly benefit your entire HVAC system in the long run.
