The maintenance of an air conditioner includes knowing how to cover air conditioner. In addition, there are particular times in the year that maintenance is essential. For an air conditioner unit, the key time is during spring.
Behind that schedule, people are concerned whether or not they should cover their unit when the weather becomes colder. If autumn has already arrived, it means that winter is also just around the corner.
Air conditioning units are designed in such a way that they can withstand cold and rain during winter. All of its external equipment are specifically made to deal with the harshest weather condition.
They can stand still despite the changing extremity of the temperature. But still, a lot of people would argue that you still need to cover your unit during the winter and fall seasons.
We have researched this topic, and we found out that there are various upsides and downsides to covering an air conditioning unit. So, keep reading because we will touch on that before we end this post. So, how to cover the air conditioner?
Suggestions To Cover Air Conditioner
Why there’s a need to understand how to cover air conditioner?
There is a particular reason you need to cover the air conditioning unit when the summer is over. However, it is not just to protect it when winter comes. As mentioned earlier, air conditioning systems are constructed to withstand both snow and rain.
However, we should not leave out that nuts, seeds, and leaves can enter the unit. As such, you would also want to keep your unit covered during the fall. If seeds and leaves can get inside the unit, moisture can collect on it. This, in turn, will lead to corrosion. Those items can even block out the built moisture drainage of the system.
If you decide to cover the unit, only it top should be covered. In case you will create the cover yourself, it should be coming down the sides for about six inches. Do not cover your unit completely if you don’t want to face trouble later.
If the unit is completely covered, the moisture will be trapped inside, resulting in corrosion and rust.
3 Disadvantages To Cover Air Conditioner Unit
In this section, we list down the downsides of having your unit covered.
#1. Leads to damages
As mentioned earlier, it can trap moisture inside the unit if you cover it entirely. That is because it will be creating an environment that is high in humidity.
Aside from corrosion and rust, it will also pose a risk to the wiring connections and electrical wiring. TheIn addition, theist environment can also be harmful to the circuit boards.
#2. Obstruct the airflow
Air conditioners are built to allow the air to come in. But if you cover your unit, it will hinder proper airflow. This will cause the mold to grow onto the evaporator coils. If there is mold growth on the coils, this will block the air flow, which in turn causes the efficiency of the air conditioner to decrease.
#3. Animals can find shelter on the cover
If the air conditioning unit outdoors has a cover, some animals like rodents, for example, that are seeking shelter against the harsh weather might inhabit the unit.
Those animals might assume this is a small house intended for mice. They would think that somebody may have made it for them. This will lead to some other issues such as chewing electrical wires.
The Freon lines might also end up uninsulated since the rodents will strip those to create their nest. In no time, it will contain a litter of pups inside your unit.
2 Advantages To Covering The Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit
Now, let us move forward on the upsides of having your air conditioning unit.
#1. Cleaner coils
Covering the unit will make the coils a bit cleaner. So when it’s about time to use your unit again, it will become more efficient. The cover will also prevent sticks, leaves, and other debris from getting into the unit.
#2. Keep water away
You will also prevent the water from resting directly onto the coils, which may freeze and damage the unit.
It’s A Wrap!
Most manufacturers of air conditioners don’t recommend covering the unit. They can operate throughout the entire year since they are designed to withstand the harsh environment outdoors. Coverage is not required for air conditioners.
But you really want to cover it, you can do it in several ways. A lot of cover options are available; you can try using plywood to cover the top of the unit. This is a cheap option that can help in keeping out debris and moisture.
There is no ultimate answer on how to cover air conditioner. Just remember to cover its top only. This will be enough to keep the debris out while still allowing proper airflow.
But remember that the best way to treat your unit is to have a technician service it regularly. They will inspect the unit thoroughly and clean any debris and leaves that have gathered inside the unit during winter and fall.