As the hot summer sunshine starts to fade and the relief of fall starts to settle in, residents of Cedar Rapids start preparing their homes and yards for the wintertime. For many, that leads to the question of whether they should cover their outdoor AC for the winter.
While it may seem like a smart idea, the reality is there are many reasons why you shouldn’t cover your AC unit in the winter. On top of not being necessary, covering your outdoor air conditioning equipment can even cause problems.
Here, the specialists at Ilten's 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 Unit Isn’t Damaged by Snow
Exterior AC units are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions like snow in the winter season. These machines are built with sturdy materials and parts that can handle the outdoor elements without damage. The coils and fins of the unit are constructed to resist corrosion, and the housing is designed to protect the internal components from moisture and debris.
2. Covering Your Air Conditioner Can Cause Mold
One of the reasons you should not cover your AC unit 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 allowing moisture to collect inside the unit generates the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to thrive.
Mold and mildew not only have a bad smell, but they can also present health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory issues or allergies. Plus, the unwanted moisture can corrode the internal components of the AC unit.
Instead of covering the unit, instead ensure proper drainage and keep the area around the unit free 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 hunting for a warm, cozy place to live for the winter months. For many creatures, a covered air conditioner is an ideal winter refuge.
Birds, mice, chipmunks and even rats frequently make homes inside covered air conditioners. Animals dwelling in a covered AC unit can cause several problems. Rats can chew through wires, insulation and other parts, causing damage that may require pricey repairs. Debris animals bring into the AC to make themselves a warm and comfortable place to get out of the cold weather can obstruct airflow and ventilation, limiting the efficiency of the appliance and potentially causing it to overheat. Additionally, animal waste can result in unsanitary conditions and potent odors.
Leaving your air conditioner uncovered helps discourage wildlife, because an uncovered AC gives them less shelter from chilly temperatures than a covered unit. That’s better for your AC—and leaves you with less mess to pick up and things to repair in the spring.
4. Covering Your Air Conditioner Restricts Airflow
Another reason it's better that you don't cover your air conditioning equipment in the winter is because a cover restricts airflow through the unit. Proper airflow is essential for the AC system because it helps with heat exchange and permits the unit to cool efficiently. When airflow is restricted, the system has to work harder to achieve the desired temperature, resulting in greater energy consumption and strain on the components.
In addition, if you turn on your AC 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 lack 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 free from obstructions and is not covered to maintain optimal airflow.
5. AC Maintenance Works Better 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 numerous key maintenance activities you should prioritize to ensure maximum function and longevity of your AC unit. First, it’s wise to examine your outdoor AC unit regularly and get rid of any debris such as leaves, twigs 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 boosts efficiency, but it also helps extend the unit's life span, lowers energy consumption and avoids costly repairs. Rather than using a cover, investing time and effort into routine air conditioning maintenance is a proactive plan of action that can substantially benefit your entire HVAC system in the long run.