As the hot summer heat starts to fade and the relief of fall starts to settle in, residents of Des Moines start preparing their homes and yards for the wintertime. For many, that leads to the question of whether they ought to cover their exterior AC for the winter.
While it may seem like a good idea, in reality there are a number of 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 experts at Heartland Heating & Cooling share five reasons why covering your air conditioning equipment doesn’t need to be on your fall to-do list and what you should do instead.
1. Snow won’t Hurt Your AC
Outdoor AC units are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions like snow in the winter season. These machines are built with sturdy materials and components that can handle the outdoor elements without damage. The coils and fins of the unit are specially developed to resist corrosion, and the housing is designed to protect the internal components from moisture and debris.
2. Covered AC Systems may Encourage Mold Growth
One of the reasons you should avoid covering your air conditioner 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 creates the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to thrive.
Mold and mildew not only have an unpleasant aroma, but they can also create health risks, especially for people with respiratory issues or allergies. Also, the trapped 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 clean of debris, allowing for efficient airflow and preventing moisture buildup.
3. A Covered Air Conditioner Can Attract Animals
Human beings aren’t the only ones who get ready for winter. Animals that live around your home are also hunting for a warm, cozy place to live for the winter months. For many critters, a covered air conditioner is the perfect winter dwelling.
Birds, mice, chipmunks and even rats often make nests inside covered air conditioners. Animals living in a covered air conditioning unit can cause numerous 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 bed can obstruct airflow and ventilation, decreasing the efficiency of the appliance and potentially causing it to overheat. In addition, animal droppings can result in unsanitary conditions and foul odors.
Leaving your air conditioner uncovered helps deter animals, because an uncovered AC offers less shelter from cold weather than a covered unit. That’s better for your air conditioner—and leaves you with less mess to pick up and things to repair once the snow melts.
4. A Winter Cover for AC Units Restricts Airflow
Another reason it’s better that you don’t cover your AC unit in the winter is because a cover restricts airflow through the unit. Suitable airflow is essential for the AC system because it helps with heat exchange and allows the unit to cool effectively. When airflow is severely limited, the system has to work harder to achieve the desired temperature, leading to additional energy consumption and strain on the components.
In addition, if you turn on your air conditioner without realizing that the exterior unit is covered or because you simply forgot, it could result in a range of problems. One issue is that the shortage of proper airflow could cause the compressor to overheat, resulting in its failure or damage. That’s why it is necessary to ensure the outdoor unit is always cleared of any barriers and is not covered to maintain optimal 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 conditioning unit than to cover your outside AC unit.
There are several key maintenance activities you should prioritize to ensure maximum operation and longevity of your AC unit. First, it’s smart to examine your outdoor AC unit regularly and pull out any debris such as leaves, small branches and dirt to maintain proper airflow. Second, examine and clean the coils, fins and filters to make sure there isn’t any dirt and dust buildup that would hinder effective heat exchange or airflow.
Regular air conditioning maintenance not only improves efficiency, but it also helps extend the unit’s life span, lowers energy consumption and prevents costly repairs. Rather than using a cover, committing time and effort into routine air conditioning maintenance is a proactive approach that can substantially benefit your entire HVAC system in the long run.