According to researcher Danny Parker from the Florida Solar Energy Center, who performed a two-year energy study, shading the unit provides “minuscule results at best” with efficiency being increased less than half a percent. While you may wish to cover your condenser since let's face it – they aren't very stylish!
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 $5,000 rule is a rule of thumb in the HVAC industry to help homeowners decide whether HVAC repair or HVAC replacement makes more sense in the long run. The $5,000 rule: Multiply the age of your equipment by the estimated repair cost. If the number is more than $5,000, then you should consider replacing your unit.
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.
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.
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.
To protect the unit from direct sunlight, you can add an extra layer of shade with tarps. Sun shades and awnings also work well as a barrier against other outdoor hazards like snow, rain, and debris. They serve as a barrier, keeping out leaves, branches, and other materials that might damage the appliance.
Shade will improve efficiency as temps in shade are significantly lower then. Planting a bush or two can help. -Mechanical engineer that design's cooling systems.
Your air conditioner is based on the principle of equilibrium. The system can work better when both environments are set around the same temperature. However, when the outdoor heat is rising, it is harder for the indoor environment to become cooler than the outdoors.
It's important to be aware of how long air conditioners last, so you don't get the unwelcome surprise of a broken air conditioner in the peak of the summer heat. In general, air conditioners that are properly maintained can last 15 to 20 years.
Running the AC unit full-time in our big house example would cost $7.39 per day for the efficient unit, or about $222 per month. For the less efficient unit, you're looking at $10.56 per day or about $317 per month. Not only that, but running all day is hard on your air conditioner.
Simply put, it means you should never set your thermostat for a temperature more than 20 degrees cooler than the outside air. Why not? Most air conditioning systems can only handle a 20-degree difference between the outside and inside air temperatures.
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.
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.
One simple way to protect that investment is to shade the area around the compressor to lower the outdoor temperature and reduce wear and tear on the system, helping to keep it humming smoothly for years to come. Although shading your AC unit is definitely worthwhile, there's a right and wrong way to go about it.
The recommended rule of thumb for summertime is to set the temperature to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you're home and higher when you're away. In general, set it to 82 degrees Fahrenheit when you're asleep and 85 degrees Fahrenheit when you're away.
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.
In ideal situations the air conditioner should be installed on the north or east side of you home, so that your home can naturally shade your air conditioning unit from the sun during the hottest part of the day. The next-best option is under the shade of a tree, preferably one which drop little debris.
When a unit is turned on its side, the oil may leak out the compressor case. By properly situating the air conditioner, you can allow the oil to return to the compressor. That is precisely what settling entails.
Impact Of Sunlight On Your AC
Due to that strain, your system has to work twice as hard to maintain indoor cooling efficiency, affecting your home's temperature. Sun exposure also raises the surface temperature of your condenser unit (the outdoor portion of AC), which makes the inside of the unit hotter.
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.
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 water on your AC's condenser also helps it run more efficiently.