The fact that sunlight also forces the condenser unit to work harder also means that it leads to increased wear and tear on the unit. This can result in more frequent repairs and also shorten the lifespan of your AC system.
Direct sunlight can have a profound impact on the performance and efficiency of your AC unit, leading to higher energy bills, accelerated wear and tear, and even potential breakdowns.
Plant shrubs or trees
Wondering how to protect AC outdoor units from sunlight? Plant trees or shrubs around your air conditioner to provide more natural shade. Choose trees or shrubs with thick, broad leaves that can withstand the climate in your area.
Direct sunlight does increase heat and causes the unit to work harder and less efficient. Any shade that blocks the sun but does not interfere with air flow or access to the unit will improve operations. You may have leaves fall in the unit but these can be easily removed.
You should never cover your outdoor air conditioning unit during the summer when it's in peak use. While some think this will help protect the unit or lead to energy savings, it will do neither. The outdoor condenser is designed to endure elements like water and heat.
The fact of the matter is that it isn't necessary to cover your air conditioner for winter or cold weather, or at any other time in the spring, summer, or fall. The outdoor unit is designed for outdoor installation and can withstand even extreme weather, including rain, high wind speeds, snow, winter storms, and ice.
A Dirty Compressor/Exterior Unit
This puts immense strain on the air conditioner, causing it to run longer and eventually overheat. Cleaning your outdoor unit will allow the compressor to operate correctly while limiting system strain.
The fact that sunlight also forces the condenser unit to work harder also means that it leads to increased wear and tear on the unit. This can result in more frequent repairs and also shorten the lifespan of your AC system.
1. Consider buying a waterproof cover to protect the outdoor unit from corrosion. 2. If the outdoor unit is not covered properly or is prone to something falling on top of it then you can house it inside a plywood box from the top and both sides.
Heating mode, often indicated by a sun symbol, reverses the cooling process to warm your room. This hot air conditioner symbol extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it indoors, making it ideal for cold weather. Set your desired temperature, usually between 20-24°C, to maintain a comfortable environment.
After all, one thing we were all taught when we were very young is that water and electrical appliances don't mix. So how do you clean your outside AC unit? The good news is that you absolutely can spray water on your air conditioner if it needs a cleaning, and nothing bad will happen.
Spraying the condenser unit with water can help maintain the performance and efficiency of your cooling system.
Keep Your Air Conditioner Cool
Whether it's inside or outside the house, it's important to keep your air conditioner in a cool, shaded space, away from direct sunlight. Installing it on the shady side of your home, or using shrubs or a fence to provide shade, can help your air conditioner run more efficiently.
Plant at least two or three trees on the side of your house where your AC is located. For example, a six- to the eight-foot-tall deciduous tree will provide shade for your unit within a year of planting it. Plant a series of low-growing bushes and shrubs around the condenser, but not too close.
It's Not for the Weather
You don't need to cover your AC unit to protect it from the weather. Modern units easily withstand rain and snowfall. A resilient finish coats the parts inside the condenser (the AC box that sits outside your home).
Most shopkeepers fail to tell us that AC outdoor unit protection is necessary for the maintenance of the appliance. Sunlight constantly heats the unit, though this has little to no effect on the cool air coming from the unit. It does increase the operating cost.
If you're considering covering your outside AC unit in the summer, whether to protect it from bad weather or to possibly save energy, the reality is that you should never cover your AC unit – not even during bad weather. For one thing, outdoor AC units are specifically designed to live outdoors.
5. Your air conditioner should never be in direct sunlight. The higher heat from the sun causes the AC to work harder to produce the cooling effect needed. The unit could end up overheating and over time, the extra work could lead to mechanical problems.
Optimum placement includes a wall facing north or south; east and west walls are best to avoid, if possible, since they receive more sun exposure throughout summer months, which makes your air conditioner work harder and end up costing you more in energy fees.
In addition, direct sunlight can also damage the plastic components of the thermostat. This could cause trouble reading the temperature and cause you to lose control of your thermostat altogether! Solution? Always place your thermostat on an interior wall away from doors, windows, and direct sunlight.
If there's some issue with your air conditioning system that's causing it to overheat, you can rely on your senses to tip you off that something is wrong. You might detect an odor from your outdoor AC unit. Or, there might be a noise that sounds like buzzing or humming from the outdoor unit.
Most air conditioners have a maximum temperature limit of around 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Although the outside temperature may never reach 115 degrees, your unit may get this hot if it is in direct sunlight and is working hard to keep your home cool.
Provide shade for your AC system's outdoor unit. If your air conditioner's outdoor unit (AKA. the condenser) is located in a shady spot, it won't have to work as hard to cool air as it would in direct sunlight. In a pinch, you can put up an outdoor umbrella to cast some shade on the unit.