With cold weather coming in Omaha, you may be wondering when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you should even cover it at all.
Your AC unit is a sturdy piece of equipment. It’s engineered to take on severe weather, including excessive temperatures and relentless precipitation.
Sometimes covers do more harm than good, because they can trap water. Additional wetness inside your system can cause internal components to rust or turn moldy.
While using an air conditioner cover is an individual choice, there are two times of year that are ideal for using a cover for a long period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard waste during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can accumulate and block your system’s airflow. Reduced airflow means your air conditioning unit works longer and may use more electricity to cool your residence.
Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Routine AC maintenance from The Frazier Company heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and inspect essential parts. This often allows us to pinpoint problems before they begin.
Schedule service now
How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover
If you determine you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a couple suggestions on selecting the right cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air circulating, a protective air conditioner cover should only enclose the top of your equipment and several inches on the side.
Full AC covers can trap condensation inside your equipment, potentially rusting metal components. It could also make your air conditioner a cozy home for vermin, which could eat through wires.
Related: What New Homeowners Need to Know About Their Air Conditioner
Don’t Use Plastic or Vinyl Covers
Plastic or vinyl covers block air, which could cause water to build up inside your unit. The best type of cloth is one that lets in air, like canvas or mesh.
Related: How AC Repair & Maintenance Can Actually Save You Money
When to Use an Air Conditioner Cover
If you decide to use an air conditioner cover, here are the best times to use it.
Cover Your Air Conditioner During Summer
A lightweight mesh cover during the summer allows your air conditioner to run unrestricted while keeping grass clippings and twigs out.
Related: How Do I Know if My Air Conditioner is Running Properly?
Cover Your Air Conditioner During Fall
A breathable canvas cover will stop leaves, nuts and other waste from getting into your equipment.
Related: Tips for Cleaning Your System
Cover Your Air Conditioner Before Severe Weather
You can temporarily cover your air conditioner in the winter when you know heavy snow is on the way. Snow and ice that build up inside your air conditioner can melt and refreeze, damaging condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to predict a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your system if a bad storm is imminent in Omaha. Hail can severely damage your system’s coils, affecting efficiency.
Related: How Severe Weather Can Lead to AC Repair
We Can Help Your AC System Run Efficiently
Whether you have questions about heating and cooling or need air conditioning service, The Frazier Company offers aid. Give us a call at 402-628-0206 or schedule an appointment online.