Why You Should not Cowl Your Air Conditioner within the Winter

Because the scorching summer time warmth begins to fade and the reduction of fall begins to settle in, residents of Lincoln begin getting ready their properties and yards for the winter. For a lot of, that results in the query of whether or not they should cowl their out of doors air con unit for the winter.

Whereas it might look like an important concept, the reality is there are a number of the explanation why you shouldn’t cowl your AC unit within the winter. Along with not being one thing you could do, overlaying your out of doors air con tools may even trigger issues.

Right here, the specialists at AW Heating & Air Conditioning share 5 the explanation why overlaying your AC doesn’t must be in your fall to-do listing and what it’s best to do as a substitute.

1. Your AC Unit Isn’t Broken by Snow

Outdoors AC models are designed to face up to harsh climate situations like snow within the winter season. These machines are constructed with sturdy supplies and {hardware} that may deal with the out of doors components with out injury. The coils and fins of the unit are constructed to withstand corrosion, and the housing is designed to guard the inner components from moisture and particles.

2. Protecting Your Air Conditioner Can Trigger Mildew

One of many causes it’s best to keep away from overlaying your out of doors air con tools within the wintertime is as a result of doing so can lure moisture—which is the other of what you need in your out of doors unit. That’s as a result of trapping moisture contained in the unit produces the proper situations for mould and mildew to thrive.

Mildew and mildew not solely have an undesirable odor, however they will additionally pose well being dangers, particularly for family residents with respiratory points or allergy symptoms. Plus, the surplus moisture can corrode the inner parts of the AC unit.

As an alternative of overlaying the unit, as a substitute present correct drainage and hold the world across the unit clear of particles, permitting for environment friendly airflow and stopping moisture buildup.

3. A Coated Air Conditioner Can Appeal to Animals

Human beings aren’t the one ones who make plans for winter. Animals that stay round your house are additionally attempting to find a heat, cozy place to crash for the wintry months. For a lot of critters, a lined air conditioner is a perfect winter refuge.

Birds, mice, chipmunks and even rats usually make winter dens inside lined air conditioners. Animals residing in a lined air conditioner may cause a number of issues. Rats can chew by means of wires, insulation and different components, inflicting injury that will require pricey repairs. Particles animals deliver into the AC to assemble a heat and comfy nest can hinder airflow and air flow, decreasing the effectivity of the unit and probably inflicting it to overheat. Furthermore, animal waste may end up in unsanitary situations and unhealthy odors.

Leaving your air conditioner uncovered helps dissuade creatures, as a result of an uncovered AC gives much less shelter from chilly climate than a lined unit. That’s higher in your AC—and leaves you with much less mess to throw away and issues to restore as soon as the snow melts.

4. Protecting Your Air Conditioner Restricts Airflow

Another excuse it is higher that you do not cowl your air con tools within the winter is as a result of a canopy blocks airflow by means of the unit. Appropriate airflow is significant for the AC system as a result of it facilitates warmth change and permits the unit to chill correctly. When airflow is severely restricted, the system has to work more durable to realize the specified temperature, resulting in elevated vitality consumption and pressure on the parts.

As well as, in case you flip in your AC with out understanding that the skin unit is roofed or since you merely forgot, it may lead to a variety of issues. One problem is that the absence of correct airflow may trigger the compressor to overheat, leading to its failure or injury.  That’s why it’s essential to make sure the out of doors unit has no limitations and isn’t lined to keep up the absolute best airflow.

5. AC Upkeep Works Higher Than Protecting Your Air Conditioner

The underside line is, it is tons simpler to perform a little upkeep in your air con unit than to cowl your outdoors AC unit.

There are a variety of key upkeep actions it’s best to prioritize to make sure the absolute best operation and longevity of your AC unit. First, it’s a good suggestion to look at your out of doors AC unit usually and take away any particles similar to leaves, small branches and grime to permit correct airflow. Second, verify and clear the coils, fins and filters to ensure you do not see any grime and dirt buildup that will forestall environment friendly warmth change or airflow.

Scheduled air con upkeep not solely boosts effectivity, however it additionally helps prolong the unit’s life span, reduces vitality consumption and prevents pricey repairs. Somewhat than utilizing a canopy, committing effort and time into routine air con upkeep is a proactive strategy that may enormously profit your total HVAC system in the long term.