With cold weather on the horizon in Bend, you may be questioning when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you need to cover it at all.
Your AC unit is a strong piece of equipment. It’s engineered to withstand inclement weather, including excessive temperatures and heavy precipitation.
Sometimes covers do more harm than good, because they can trap moisture. Extra wetness inside your equipment can cause internal parts to rust or become moldy.
While using an air conditioner cover is a personal choice, there are two periods that are ideal for using a cover for an extended period of time—fall and summer.
That’s because yard rubbish during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can accumulate and block your system’s airflow. Diminished airflow means your air conditioning unit works harder and may use more power to cool your home.
Seeking other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Regular AC maintenance from Tri County Climate Control LLC heating and cooling technicians can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your system, and inspect important pieces. This often allows us to pinpoint issues before they begin.
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How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover
If you determine you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a few suggestions on choosing the best cover.
Avoid Full Covers
To keep air flowing, a protective air conditioner cover should only enclose the top of your system and several inches on the side.
Full AC covers can trap moisture inside your system, potentially rusting metal pieces. It could also make your AC an inviting area for rodents, which could sever 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 condensation to build up inside your unit. The best type of material 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 choose to use an air conditioner cover, here are the best times to put it on.
Cover Your Air Conditioner During Summer
A lightweight mesh cover during the summer allows your air conditioner to run freely while keeping grass clippings and branches out.
Related: How Do I Know if My Air Conditioner is Running Properly?
Cover Your Air Conditioner During Fall
A breathable canvas cover will block leaves, nuts and other rubbish 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 a blizzard is coming. Snow and ice that build up inside your air conditioner can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and lowering efficiency.
Although it’s not always possible to anticipate a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your system if a strong storm is coming in Bend. Hail can critically damage your system’s fins, 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, Tri County Climate Control LLC provides help. Give us a call at 541-238-2797 or schedule an appointment online.