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.
Outdoor cooling units are built to endure these harsh winter weather conditions, which eliminates the need for a cover. Moisture (water) can freeze the air conditioner's condenser coils, which can cause damage over time. However, there is no way to keep moisture out 100% of the time.
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 is normal for a considerable layer of frost to build up and then to defrost away, several times per day. There are several reasons for the system to frost up outside of normal operating parameters. Low freon should be the least likely.
An outside air conditioner unit cover is available commercially. If you do not have a ready-made vinyl or plastic cover, a piece of plywood will also do. It will protect the air conditioner from falling ice, keep debris and leaves away, and, at the same time, allow the unit to breathe.
If you put your hand in front of your supply vents and you sense warm air coming out, you probably have ice somewhere in the system. You may also notice a hissing sound coming from the unit. If that's the case, take steps immediately to prevent further damage.
So why is this happening? During cold weather, your air conditioner is running because it's a heat pump. A heat pump does double duty for heating and cooling. It moves heat instead of generating it.
Just turn the cooling setting on your thermostat to OFF and your system's fan to ON and wait for the ice to melt. Turning your thermostat from COOL to OFF prevents your home's air conditioning system from sending that super cold refrigerant to your outside unit where it can reach the compressor.
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.
Air conditioners are built to withstand extreme weather
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 most cases, especially in residential applications, you should not run your air conditioner when outdoor temperatures are below 60 degrees.
Running the outside fan during heating mode also helps maintain the heat pump's efficiency. Consistent airflow allows for optimal heat transfer. This makes sure that your heat pump performs at its best.
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.
One of the primary reasons for a hotter indoor environment is poor insulation. Inadequate insulation allows heat from the sun to penetrate your home, raising the overall temperature. Areas such as attics, walls, and floors that lack proper insulation can contribute significantly to this problem.
If you have the ability to wait, switch off the fan, and your unit can thaw on its own. Note that this will take at least a few hours. Run hot or even cool water from your garden hose over the unit to melt ice. Never try to chip away ice with anything sharp, as this could damage your equipment.
Then, change the fan setting from 'auto' to 'on. ' The fan will slowly defrost the system. Once your air conditioner is ice-free, you can turn it back on and reset the fan to auto (This may take an hour or more).
To check if your air conditioning unit has frozen coils, watch out for the following telltale signs: The cooling unit runs continuously but fails to cool your home effectively. Instead of cold air, you notice warm air blowing from the vents.
Step 1: Turn OFF Your AC
We know, we know: It's hot. But frozen AC parts are bad news for the most expensive piece of your HVAC unit—the compressor. To avoid lasting damage and a hefty bill, turn your thermostat from COOL to OFF. This will start the defrosting process.
How Often Do I Need to Change Out My Air Filter? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.
If you live in a cold climate, it's likely that your air conditioner will freeze up. In fact, this can happen even if the weather is just mild. The colder it gets and the more moisture in the air, the more likely split system air conditioners and other cooling systems will freeze up.
If your air conditioning unit is ac blowing cold air outside, it might mean there's a problem with cooling the air inside. This could be due to refrigerant leaks, frozen coils, electrical issues, or airflow problems. It's important to find out why to fix it and keep the cold air inside.