As the weather warms up and air conditioners become essential, many people overlook the importance of covering their units. Air conditioners typically come with covers designed to protect them from environmental factors such as rain, snow, and wind, which can damage the unit and reduce its efficiency. In addition to safeguarding the unit from the elements, these covers prevent debris and dirt from entering the system, ensuring optimal performance. If your air conditioner is exposed to direct sunlight or harsh weather, consider upgrading your cover for extra protection. A proper cover not only keeps your AC unit clean but also extends its lifespan.
How Do You Protect an Air Conditioner in the Winter
As the temperatures start to dip, you might be wondering how to protect your air conditioner in the winter. After all, you don’t want your AC unit to freeze up and stop working when you need it most! Here are a few tips on how to protect your air conditioner in the winter:
1. Keep It Covered One of the best ways to protect your air conditioner in the winter is to keep it covered. You can purchase a cover specifically designed for AC units, or simply use a tarp or heavy duty plastic sheeting.
Be sure to secure the cover so that it doesn’t blow away in windy weather. 2. Insulate Around It Another way to prevent your air conditioner from freezing is by insulating around it.
You can use foam insulation or fiberglass batting to seal off any gaps around the unit. This will help keep warm air from escaping and cold air from seeping in.
Do Air Conditioners Come With Sleeves?
No, air conditioners do not come with sleeves. Some people may choose to purchase an after-market sleeve to protect their investment and extend the life of the unit, but it is not a necessary component. An air conditioner sleeve typically costs between $20 and $30.
Do You Need to Cover Ac in Winter?
Most people think that they only need to cover their air conditioner in the winter if it is going to be freezing outside. However, even if you live in an area with a mild climate, it is still a good idea to cover your AC unit in the winter. Here are three reasons why:
1. To Prevent Ice buildup – If water gets into your air conditioner and freezes, it can damage the unit. Covering your AC unit will help to prevent any water from getting inside and freezing. 2. To Prevent Snow Damage – Even if you don’t get much snow where you live, covering your AC unit will help to protect it from any snow that does fall.
Snow can cause all sorts of problems for an AC unit, including blocking the airflow and causing corrosion. 3. To Prevent Wind Damage – High winds can cause all sorts of problems for an AC unit, including knocking it over or breaking off parts like the fan blades. By covering your AC unit in the winter, you’ll help to keep it stable and protected from wind damage.
Why Do People Cover Their Air Conditioners?
There are a few reasons that people cover their air conditioners. The first reason is to protect the unit from the elements. If the air conditioner is left uncovered, it can be damaged by rain, snow, or wind.
By covering the unit, you can prolong its life and keep it working properly for longer.
Another reason people cover their air conditioners is to keep animals and pests out. If an animal gets into the unit, it could cause damage or even make the unit stop working altogether.
By covering the unit, you can prevent animals from getting inside and causing problems.
Finally, some people simply think that covered air conditioners look nicer than uncovered ones. This may not be a practical reason, but it’s certainly one that some people have!
Whatever your reason for covering your air conditioner, make sure that you do it properly to ensure maximum protection. Use a heavy-duty tarp or cover specifically designed for air conditioners to get the best results.
Does shading the air conditioner reduce head pressure and power usage?
Next Steps
Most air conditioners come with a cover to protect them from the elements. If your air conditioner does not have a cover, you can purchase one separately. Air conditioner covers help to protect your investment and keep it running smoothly for years to come.
Author: Ralph P. Sita
Ralph P. Sita is a seasoned professional with deep roots in both the HVAC and tech industries. His family’s business, Ralph P. Sita, Inc., is a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor with over 42 years of experience, serving the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas. The company specializes in residential, commercial, and industrial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services, offering everything from installation and maintenance to custom ductwork and indoor air quality solutions -www.ralphpsita.com. A former CPA, he spent the last decade as co-founder and co-CEO at Cybrary, a leading platform for cybersecurity and IT training. Cybrary became the largest, most well-known cybersecurity training businesses in the industry under his leadership. Smart AC Solutions is an opportunity to give back to the HVAC community by providing reliable, actionable information on all things heating and cooling.