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.
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.
Covering your AC unit is not recommended. AC units are designed to withstand outdoor conditions and are built to be durable and weather-resistant. Covering the unit can trap moisture inside, which doesn't allow for proper ventilation. It can also provide a shelter for pests, like rodents, which may damage the unit.
The biggest disadvantage to covering your air conditioner is that it often leads to moisture getting trapped in the unit. Trapped moisture is the enemy. Water build-up can lead to a number of problems, including the following: Rust and corrosion.
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.
A simple, breathable cover can be constructed using just plywood. Cut a sheet of plywood to fit the top of the AC unit only. Secure the plywood to the top of the unit for the cold winter months and remove it before summer comes and you need to run the air conditioning system again.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
Creating shade is one of the easiest and most effective methods to shield your outdoor air conditioner from the sun. Carefully position your unit in an area with shade, like beside a tree or an awning. To protect the unit from direct sunlight, you can add an extra layer of shade with tarps.
Condenser units are built to be installed outdoors and can withstand even heavy rain and winds just fine without a cover. However, you should take care to ensure that water doesn't pool around the base of the unit, as this could lead to rust or other damage.
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.
Though the units are certainly tested to withstand icy conditions, excessive snow and ice can be damaging to the coils over time. One thing to keep in mind is that any type of plastic or airflow-restrictive covering will actually promote rusting and internal moisture damage, and therefore should never be used.
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.
Covering an A/C unit outside your home can be done several ways. Use real or artificial plants to block the view. Or create a custom enclosure using fencing, a garden trellis or wood pallets.
The majority of contemporary AC outside units are made with water-resistant designs. They are not immediately harmed by light rain or splashes. The units are somewhat resistant to moisture, but prolonged exposure to rain, high humidity, or water splashes might cause rust, electrical faults, or decreased performance.
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.
The compressor is located in your AC's outdoor unit and when this unit is covered in grime/dirt/leaves, the compressor can't work properly, which forces the AC to run longer and harder. Eventually, the compressor overworks itself and the AC overheats.
The general rule is to provide at least one foot of space on all sides of the unit, or more if you have the space. Check your owner's manual or your HVAC contractor for specific clearance instructions since your unit may require more space.
Ideally, the AC unit should cool your home when the temperatures get high. However, when the outdoor temperature reaches 95 F to 100 F, the unit starts getting overworked, and this can cause problems. Your air conditioner might also start malfunctioning, as it is overworking and consuming a lot of energy.