Is Covering an AC Unit in the Summer Necessary?

In the summer, it’s natural to want to protect your air conditioning unit. The last thing you need is for your AC to break down during a major heat wave. Still, covering an air conditioning unit harms it and may not even help protect it from the elements.

Let’s look at why covering an AC unit in summer is not wise and some alternatives to help keep your HVAC system safe during the hot months.

What Are AC Covers?

AC covers are protective coverings for protecting an AC unit from debris, dust, and other things that could potentially damage it. They are waterproof, come in different shapes and sizes, and fit any size or brand of AC unit. Some cover the whole AC unit, while others cover only the intake.

These coverings are popular because companies market them to people who worry about damaging their AC units. Companies sell them as deterrents for sticks, leaves, and water, keeping them out of your cooling system. While this may sound reasonable, AC covers have significant drawbacks.

What Problems Do AC Covers Cause?

AC covers cause damage over time to many of the components of an outdoor air conditioning unit. Covers heavily reduce the airflow, forcing the mechanisms to work harder, which may overheat the compressor or freeze the condenser coils.

Covering an AC unit in summer traps heat inside your house, keeping it from escaping naturally through the condenser fan in the outside unit. Trapping this heat increases the temperature in your home during the summer months when outdoor temperatures are already hot enough.

The main problem with AC covers is that they trap moisture in the unit, making the inside of your home more humid and causing mold to grow on walls, ceilings, and furniture. Mold leads to unpleasant odors and is hazardous to your health and pets.

A humid, moldy AC unit is also an ideal living space for small animals, insects, and other vermin. These critters crawl into the box of your outdoor unit and live rent-free in the most important part of your home’s cooling system. They cause more odors and result in the death of your air conditioner.

How Should You Maintain Your AC Unit?

An outdoor AC unit is more than capable of withstanding the elements. Instead of covering it with a canvas sheet, schedule regular service appointments with a qualified technician. At Comfort Specialists, we offer the most dependable HVAC services in Denville, NJ.

Regular Servicing

For the best results, you should service your air conditioner at least twice a year: once in summer and once in the fall. Scheduling a regular service will help you catch problems with your air conditioner before they arise while ensuring that everything runs smoothly day in and day out.

Keeping the Unit Clean

You should also clean your AC unit often. Clearing debris around the unit promotes good airflow and keeps the condenser and compressor from overworking. Regularly changing your air filter also helps promote good airflow.

Providing Shade

Another way to maintain your AC unit is to provide it with shade. The shade will help the unit cool more efficiently and protect it from the elements, preventing damage and expensive repairs. There are two main ways to provide shade for your AC unit.

One way is to build a small lean-to over your AC unit. You should make it high enough to allow good airflow and wide enough to shield the unit from the sun effectively. Building a covering is a great way to provide shade without worrying about leaves and debris.

Another way to provide shade is to plant a tree near your AC unit. This tree should be far enough away so it doesn’t affect the airflow but close enough so that the limbs can grow over the unit to provide shade. An evergreen tree like an oak or pine is an excellent choice since those trees don’t shed their leaves. 

Keeping Your AC Safe in Summer

In conclusion, we believe covering your AC unit in summer is more than unnecessary; it’s detrimental to the unit’s health. Keeping your AC clean, providing natural shade, and regular service appointments are the best ways to keep your AC safe in the summer. You should also know what the best AC setting is for summer to promote the efficiency of your unit.

Call Comfort Specialists at (973) 490-4881 to schedule your AC service, and keep your AC running all summer!