Your air conditioner's coils are also designed to handle extreme weather conditions. Since A/C units are made with first-rate materials and have a solid finish, it's usually not necessary to cover them when they're not in use. In fact, most manufacturers do not recommend covering your air conditioner.
It's best to simply leave it uncovered. In the case of a window unit, it's tempting to think that covering the unit from the outside helps to prevent heat loss. However, there is no actual air pathway between the outside condenser portion and the interior evaporator/air-handling portion.
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.
It is not necessary to cover your air conditioner during winter but be cognizant if you have icicles forming above it and make sure to remove these to avoid them falling into the unit. If they cannot be removed, a sturdy top cover or piece of wood may be used to prevent the icicles from damaging your unit if they fall.
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.
Full air conditioner covers prevent anything from getting inside your AC unit. Dirt and dust getting into your AC unit can lead to dirty air ducts, condenser coils, and fans.
Remove the lid and flip the switch to cut power supply. This prevents the unit from turning on during a warm winter day, which keep water out of the unit that could freeze overnight and damage your HVAC unit. Install tubular foam or rubber pipe insulation with tees and elbows around pipes to protect against freezing.
While every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.
The New Regulations
Starting January 1, 2025, all new residential air conditioners and heat pumps must utilize A2L refrigerants. Older refrigerants like R-410, which are likely the refrigerant used by your current system, are being phased out.
Set the thermostat as high as comfortably possible during hot weather. The less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your cooling bill will be. Keep your house warmer when you aren't home during the day, but cooler when you come home at night.
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.
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. A cover could actually trap moisture and build up more heat, causing unnecessary problems and costly damages.
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.
WHAT SHOULD I SET MY AC TO AT NIGHT? According to the Cleveland Clinic, the recommended thermostat setting for nighttime is between 60°F and 67°F. 3 Setting your AC within this range can help maintain a comfortable sleeping environment.
A cover protects their air conditioner from debris. Many believe a cover helps keep their air conditioner working efficiently as it prevents wear and tear that may be caused by debris and moisture buildup. It keeps water from directly touching the coils, lowering the chances of electrical faults like short circuits.
Pros of covering your air conditioner
Fall is called “fall” for a reason—and it has mostly to do with the falling leaves. Blustery winds often help the trees with their shedding, and a cover over your air conditioner will help keep leaves, seeds, twigs, and other debris out of your unit.
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.
Just because the outdoor temperature is above 100, the Ideal temperature to set your AC unit to doesn't change — it's 78 degrees. Higher temperatures in the home are to be expected when the weather is hotter than usual, but your thermostat can still be set the same as if it were a lower temperature outside.
In general, 80 degrees is too hot for a house if people are inside. However, if people aren't home during the day or for vacation during the summer, an indoor temperature of 80 degrees can save energy until you return and lower the temperature.
Key Takeaways. It's more energy-efficient to keep your AC on but set a few degrees higher when you're away from home for the day. Completely turning it off doesn't necessarily save energy as the unit will have to run longer to cool down a hot house upon your return.