Seasons come and go, but air conditioning should last forever.
When it comes to the question of whether or not to use an AC cover, professionals will generally answer with the same response: it depends. There are many different factors to take into consideration, and McCullough AC & Heating is here with the latest on protecting your outdoor unit.
What Are The Benefits of Covering My Outdoor unit?
The more upkeep the better! A regularly maintained AC is a happy AC. Covering your outdoor system when necessary can have lasting effects on your home’s air conditioning efficiency.
Fall and winter weather presents more opportunities for debris such as leaves and sticks to clog the vents. Knowing when and how to properly shield your outdoor system from harsh weather conditions can prevent potential build-up and keeps the coils cleaner.
Things To Consider When Contemplating Outdoor Coverage
Because outdoor air conditioning systems are meant to be able to withstand outdoor elements, not everyone’s unit needs a cover. Here are some factors that are important to keep in mind when deciding to protect yours.
Time of Year
Extreme temperatures can take a toll on your unit’s life, but normal weather doesn’t call for protection. Snow in the winter can cause extreme debris and harbor unnecessary moisture.
Without protection in the summer, however, dirt that has settled on your unused system can be absorbed and blocked in the air filters when turned on for the first time for the season.
More temperate seasons, however, do not require a cover and can even be counteractive.
Location
Whether or not you need outdoor AC protection depends on the weather conditions of your region. A homeowner in Florida doesn’t need to worry about winterizing their home nearly as much as a homeowner in Minnesota as they have much harder, heavier winter seasons.
You should also consider the location that your air conditioning unit is placed outside of your home. If the unit is placed directly under a tree that often sheds leaves, it would be helpful to use a cover in the fall to prevent the vents and drains from clogging.
Risks of Covering Your Central AC Unit
While it’s important to know when to use protection, it’s equally as important to know when a cover is not necessary.
Using a cover with no outside risks to your system may cause unneeded moisture that can get trapped underneath, which may cause mold buildup that could make its way into your home.
Pests and rodents are also known to take shelter under HVAC unit covers which may cause damage that requires expensive repairs.
Knowing Which Cover to Use
If your unit checks all the boxes for eligible protection, it’s crucial to know which cover is best suited for you. Each cover marketed will offer different benefits, but here are things to consider before purchasing this extra layer of protection:
- Size
- Waterproof Ability
- Durability
- UV Protection
- Installation Ease
For all outdoor and indoor air conditioning system maintenance in Fort Walton Beach, contact McCullough AC & Heating for a consultation!
