Whether you have a window AC unit or a full-home HVAC system, you can find screens ideal for both types of systems. Depending on the type of system you have and the level of protection you desire, you can install screens on the interior and exterior of vents.
For those of us who suffer from seasonal allergies, installing an HVAC screen is one more step you can take to keep irritating pollen out of your home. Additionally, an HVAC screen or cover keeps out cottonwood seed—that harmful and pesky fluff that clogs up air conditioners quite easily.
Not only that, but AC covers, especially those without proper ventilation, only encourage moisture to remain inside your unit. While a mesh cover may sound like a good idea to keep out leaves and debris, it's actually more trouble than it's worth.
Put Screens Over the Air Conditioner Vents
You can prevent bugs by covering both the indoor and outdoor air vents with screens. If you have a window AC unit, install the screening around the outdoor unit to deter bugs and flying pests.
CONCLUSION. Covering your air conditioner, especially with a full-length cover, leads to issues of mold, rust, and other problems. Your unit is made to withstand the snow and a cover is not needed for protection. It is recommended to only cover your AC during the fall months.
Portable units often let you keep the screen of your window in place, though usually still require the window to be open. In these cases, it is best to remove the vent tube from your window and close it when you are leaving your home, and install it again when you return.
Should I Cover My AC Unit During Summer? 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.
Install an awning over your outside air conditioner.
Adding an awning over the window can increase efficiency. The awning blocks the sun's heat from entering the room and provides shade for the A/C unit itself.
If you are going to cover your air conditioner, it's best to purchase a professionally-made cover. Don't use drop cloths or tarps to cover the outside portion of your AC unit. You want to make sure the cover is breathable, and not made of plastic so that rusting does not occur.
Fitting a weld mesh screen with a gauge of less than 6mm will prevent mice from entering though the air vents. There are several ways to fix screens over the vents, just remember do not block the holes completely, they are there for a reason. Weld mesh is available on most online market places and from some DIY stores.
Building A Deck Over An Air Conditioner
Most AC manufacturers recommend maintaining a minimum 60" uninterrupted clearance above the compressor to allow for hot air to exhaust from the top of the unit. Without proper air flow, your AC unit can overheat and break down.
Do not install TV directly below an air conditioner. Ensure that the wall on which TV is installed is not damp. Damp surface attract insects like ants and cockroaches. It is recommended to keep such insect's away from TV.
Make sure your HVAC unit has at least one foot of clearance around it, with two to three feet of space being better. This recommended spacing includes the distance between the HVAC unit and other structures like fences, buildings, shrubs, masonry, etc.
Plastic or vinyl covers impede air, which could cause moisture to build up inside your air conditioner. The best type of clot is one that's breathable, like canvas or mesh.
For many of us, 70 degrees is the ideal indoor temperature, but when it is close to 100 degrees outside, your AC unit will be working quite hard to meet these expectations. Consider setting your thermostat at 75 degrees to 80 degrees in your home if the outside temperature is approaching triple digits.
These move much less air, are generally less powerful, and don't come with a separate condenser and steel cover. As such these little guys can use the added help of shade. Their efficiency can actually be increased by about 10% by shading them.
Another option is to cover your AC unit with a specially-made cover to block the sun's rays. Usually made of UV-resistant material, these covers help shield your AC from sun damage. They also offer protection against a buildup of dirt, leaves, and other outside factors that could obstruct the unit.
Airflow Hazards
Lack of proper airflow due to an AC covering worsens moisture problems and will lead to another issue with AC cover use. If any cover is installed, it should always be removed once cold weather passes so air can move through the unit and help alleviate any moisture issues.
Leaving your air conditioning unit running all day won't typically cause damage to the unit itself, but it can strain the system and result in costly energy bills. Running your air conditioner non-stop for extended periods without regular maintenance leads to wear and tear on the unit.
Vent through a door: If there are no windows available for venting, you may be able to vent the air conditioner through a door. Simply cut a small hole in the door and install a vent cover. Vent into another room: If there's another room nearby with a window, you may be able to vent the air conditioner into that room.
Yes, portable air conditioning units with hoses need to be vented. When the portable AC unit takes in hot air, it does not just magically cool it without any repercussions. Heat and moisture are necessary byproducts of the cooling process.