When cold weather arrives, many homeowners think that Covering your air conditioning unit is a sensible way to protect it from cold temperatures.
At first glance, it seems like a good idea: avoiding snow, ice, and wind could, in theory, prolong the life of your equipment. However, air conditioning specialists warn that This practice, far from protecting, can cause significant damage and affect long-term system performance.
The hidden risk of covering the outdoor unit
The main problem with placing a cover over the air conditioner It is the accumulation of moisture. The outdoor unit is designed to withstand the elements, but not to function as a closed chamber. By covering it, condensation is trapped inside, creating a perfect environment for rust, corrosion and mold growth.
“We generally do not recommend covering the air conditioning unit or heat pumps during the winter,” explains DR Richardson, co-founder and CEO of Elephant Energy. “Instead, we advise homeowners to focus on winterization, maintenance and system efficiency.”
Richardson points out that Natural air flow is essential for components to remain in good condition. Restricting it with a cover disrupts the internal balance of the equipment and accelerates moisture damage.
An ideal shelter for animals
Another common problem is the presence of animals that seek shelter during the cold months. By covering the unit, A dark, warm and protected space is created where rodents and other small animals can settle without being seen.
The presence of these unwanted guests can lead to gnawed cables, blockages, mechanical damage, and costly repairs once spring arrives. Some HVAC technicians even report that animal damage inside covered units is more common than homeowners realize.
So what to do during winter?
Although the general recommendation is not to cover the unit, that doesn’t mean there isn’t work to be done to keep the system in optimal condition during the cold months. In fact, winter can be an excellent opportunity to reinforce preventive maintenance.
Elephant Energy recommends a number of practices that can make a big difference in the performance and life of your air conditioner:
1) Deep cleaning of outdoor equipment
Before the intense cold arrives, It is essential to remove leaves, dirt, branches and any type of debris accumulated around or inside the outdoor equipment. Keeping the area free of snow and debris during the winter also helps preserve heat transfer and prevents blockages.
Clogging of the coils or fan not only decreases efficiency, but can force the system to overwork, increasing energy consumption.
2) Change or clean filters regularly
Filter maintenance is one of the simplest and, at the same time, most important tasks. Richardson Remember that they should be cleaned or replaced every one to 3 months, or every 4 to 6 if they are larger filters. This ensures that the system breathes properly and maintains a constant airflow.
A dirty filter forces the system to work harder than necessary and can contribute to uneven temperature problems within the home.
3) Preload heat before a cold snap
A lesser known recommendation is heat preload. If the forecast calls for a sharp drop in temperature, it is helpful to slightly increase the thermostat the day before and then return it to its usual setting.
This small adjustment can help the system not have to overwork itself when faced with extremely low temperatures, improving its overall efficiency.
4) Maintain a constant temperature
HVAC experts also recommend Avoid sudden changes in thermostat settings. Except for precharging, maintaining a constant temperature benefits system performance, especially in homes that use heat pumps as their primary source during the winter.
Continuous adjustments can cause unnecessary cycling and demand more power than is actually needed.
5) Seal and insulate the home
Finally, one of the most effective steps to support any HVAC system, in winter or summer, is Make sure the home is well sealed and insulated. Good insulation prevents air leaks, keeps the temperature stable, and allows the air conditioner or heat pump to operate more efficiently.
Richardson stresses that the combination of sealed air and proper insulation can solve common hot or cold room problems and significantly reduce energy loss.
The best protection: expert maintenance
While covers may seem like a quick fix, HVAC professionals agree that the real care comes from routine maintenance and smart use of the system.
“Ultimately, the best way to protect your air conditioner or heat pump in the winter is through routine maintenance and proper use,” Richardson says. “If you are unsure about winterizing your system, consult a qualified professional.”
More than a cover, what your unit needs is constant and preventive attention that ensures its operation for many years.
Keep reading:
* 5 ways you can reuse the water generated by air conditioning
* Where to place the air conditioning at home so that it works well and does not consume more?
* Why may you experience headache and dizziness when using air conditioning?