Impact Of Sunlight On Your AC Harsh UV rays and high temperatures cause your unit to work harder, potentially reducing its lifespan. Due to that strain, your system has to work twice as hard to maintain indoor cooling efficiency, affecting your home's temperature.
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 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.
The act of landscaping for shade, also known as shading, involves planting trees and shrubbery around your outdoor AC unit to keep it out of the direct sunlight. Not only that, but by lightly blocking it in, you encourage the cooler air it produces to circulate around it, which keeps it running efficiently.
Keep it away from trees and dirty areas
Although shading is necessary, placing it near trees or driveway can attract leaves and dirt inside the unit. Water is a big no no as well so if there is an area where rain tends to pool, mount the unit in a elevated position.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Temperatures Above 100 Degrees Fahrenheit
When temperatures outside become higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the air conditioning system can consume more energy and begin to malfunction or fail. Most air conditioning systems are designed to function with outside temperatures of 100 degrees or less.
Watch your thermostat throughout the day. Direct sunlight can cause the unit to think your home is warmer than it is, making your HVAC system work incorrectly. When you're heating your home, the heat will shut off prematurely, and when you're cooling, the system will run longer than necessary.
Absorption of sunlight causes the molecules of the object or surface it strikes to vibrate faster, increasing its temperature. This energy is then re-radiated by the Earth as longwave, infrared radiation, also known as heat.
Block the sun with curtains and blinds:
Light-coloured curtains or blinds can help reduce almost 40% of the heat that is produced by sunlight. Insulated glass windows also help prevent the room temperature from rising. This is an important remedy for how to keep a room cool without AC.
The thermostat monitors the temperature of your home and automatically adjusts the cooling and heating system to the desired temperature. If you place it in direct sunlight—such as near the window or skylight—it will cause the thermostat to “think” that the interior temperature is warmer than it actually is.
Increased Surface Temperature
One of the most immediate effects of direct sunlight on an AC unit is the rise in surface temperature. The outdoor condenser, responsible for releasing heat absorbed from your home's interior, becomes less effective as the surface temperature increases due to direct sunlight.
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.
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.
It's perfectly fine to hose down an air conditioner unit, and it's recommended on a regular basis. A condenser's main function is to draw in air from outside. It also brings in pollen, dirt, leaves, dust, and grass. You can just rinse the unit with running water, rinsing the machine from top to bottom, and it'll work.
Without an AC cover, fall debris like leaves, twigs, and dirt can collect inside your unit. While these may seem harmless, over time, they block airflow and cause internal damage. Debris buildup can lead to inefficient performance and costly repairs when it's time to turn the unit back on in spring.
Protection from Elements: A patio cover can protect the AC unit from harsh weather conditions, such as direct sunlight, rain, and snow. This can help extend the unit's lifespan and maintain its efficiency .