Should I Cover My Unit During the Winter Months?

During the spring and summer months, air conditioning units are essential for maintaining comfortable temperatures within homes and businesses when the temperatures skyrocket. Even if your AC unit gets heavy use during many months of the year, there will inevitably come a time when you begin to phase out use of your AC in favor of heating from your furnace. When this happens, it can be difficult to know what you should do with your air conditioning unit to make sure that it stays in good condition until the next time you need it.

Many people choose to cover their AC units, but is this a beneficial practice? If so, how do you know when and how you should cover your unit? It might surprise you to know that, generally speaking, covering your air conditioner during the fall and winter is not necessary. In fact, it can actually cause several issues that may lead to damage and deterioration of your air conditioning in Oklahoma City, OK:

• Moisture problems: In order to keep your air conditioning unit free of mold and mildew, it is important that you promote proper airflow. Covering your unit inhibits the flow of air through the unit, which means that moisture can become trapped in the unit and create mold in the evaporator coils and air filters. When you want to use your air conditioning unit again in the spring or summer, this mold can create health issues associated with poor air quality and efficiency issues due to limited airflow.
• Rodent and insect infestation: During the winter, small insects and rodents search for a place to escape from the cold. In many cases, a covered air conditioning unit can create an appealing shelter for these critters. Keeping your unit uncovered will help to prevent infestations and related damage.
• Ineffectiveness: The biggest reason why covering your air conditioning unit is not a good idea is that it simply doesn’t work all that well. Regardless of whether you cover your air conditioning unit or not, it will still be susceptible to moisture accumulation. In general, you should avoid covering your unit throughout the fall and winter; however, there are certain circumstances when it may be a good idea to cover your AC unit. During a heavy storm or a blizzard, covering your air conditioning in Oklahoma City, OK can protect the unit. If you are going to cover your AC unit, use a heavy tarp along with rope and duct tape to create a secure barrier against extreme weather conditions.

For the best advice for how to care for your HVAC in Oklahoma City, OK, contact the team of professionals at Dailey Heating & Air Conditioning. For decades, we have been delivering outstanding services ranging from installation to repair for commercial and residential customers alike. We specialize in working with HVAC systems of all brands, shapes and sizes and we have the experience necessary to deliver quality service, regardless of what your specific needs may be. Contact us today and get a free service estimate!

Categorised in: Air Conditioning, HVAC

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