Do you need reliable air conditioner repairs in Addison, Illinois? Leave it to our experts at Leith Heating & Cooling, and give us a call today!
Illinois winters are renowned for their freezing temperatures. Although this can leave us shivering when we step outside, it also gives us snow to make snowmen with, sled down, and form into little balls we throw at our loved ones.
With several inches of snow falling every year, many homeowners wonder about whether they should start covering their AC units in winter. While this may seem like a good way to keep the falling ice out of your system and protect it, using a cover can actually cause a few problems.
At Leith Heating & Cooling, we know how to protect air conditioners season after season with professional AC maintenance services in Addison, IL. Below, we’ll share how you can properly winterize your cooling system and why you should think twice about covering it during the winter.
Why Do Homeowners Think About Covering Their Air Conditioners?
Many homeowners in Addison, Illinois, think that covering their air conditioners can help prevent debris from building up in the unit and slow down wear and tear. They may also think that Addison’s heavy snowfall will impact their air conditioner’s performance and create issues for when they need to turn it back on in the summer. However, both are false assumptions.
Your air conditioner’s outdoor unit consists of durable materials that make it rain-, snow-, and heat-proof. Cooling system manufacturers know you’re putting it outside, so they design these systems to be ready for the elements, including Addison’s brutally cold winters.
Problems You Could End Up with By Covering Your Air Conditioner During the Winter
Covering your AC unit in winter isn’t just unnecessary; it’s a bad idea. Here are the two most common problems you could face by covering your air conditioner.
Trapped Moisture
Covering an air conditioner offers protection from snow but not from moisture. Putting a cover over your air conditioner restricts ventilation around the unit, which allows moisture to accumulate. If you leave it long enough, this will eventually lead to mold that impacts your system’s performance and even your home’s indoor air quality.
Unwelcomed Visitors
Air conditioner covers can create homes for pests seeking refuge from the cold. As the outdoor temperatures continue to drop, small animals will look for shelter to stay warm and cozy, and your unused cooling unit with a cover could be the ideal spot.
In worst-case scenarios, you attract pests like rodents that love to chew on wires. Providing them with shelter from the falling snow also gives them a chance to gnaw at your unit’s essential wires and leave you with an expensive problem.
When Your Air Conditioner Could Benefit From a Cover in Addison, Illinois
Although HVAC professionals typically recommend against covering your AC unit in winter, there are some exceptions. For instance, if several trees surround your home, using a cover during the fall can help prevent falling leaves, twigs, and other debris from getting into the unit. If you don’t have a cover and still want to avoid debris-related issues, you can schedule a maintenance service to let experts clean out your unit for you.
You could also use a mesh cover to shield your air conditioner from icicle damage.
How You Can Properly Get Your Air Conditioner Ready for Winter Without a Cover
If you need to winterize your air conditioner while avoiding using a cover, here’s what to do.
Use a Partial Cover
The problem with most air conditioner covers is that they go over the entire unit, which makes it easy for moisture and pests to hide out. If you want to protect your air conditioner from falling debris, snow, or icicles, you can opt for a cover that only wraps over the top of the system.
You can also keep your air conditioner system safe by building a cover over it or extending an awning to keep unwanted debris out without giving mold a chance to thrive.
Schedule a Maintenance Service
Of course, the best way to get your air conditioner ready for winter is to call an HVAC expert to schedule a tune-up service. During a maintenance service, your HVAC technician will thoroughly inspect every inch of your system to make sure everything is working as it should.
They’ll adjust electrical connections, lubricate moving parts, and clean out the unit to ensure it can withstand the upcoming winter months while standing ready for when summer comes back around.
Put the Unit on an Elevated Platform
If possible, put your outdoor unit on an elevated platform. This can help protect your air conditioner’s base from snow and ice buildup as well as water damage.
Always consult an air conditioning expert before installing any kind of platform for your system. They can make sure the new installation is sturdy enough to support your air conditioner and that it doesn’t impact your system’s performance.
Keep Your Addison Home Comfortable Year-Round with Expert HVAC Services
Air conditioner covers seem like a good idea at first, especially since you don’t plan on using your cooling system during the typically freezing Addison winters. However, covering your air conditioner can cause problems like moisture buildup, pest infestations, and more. Instead, you can winterize your air conditioner by scheduling a professional maintenance service, using a partial cover, or even putting your unit on an elevated platform.
When winter comes, you want to do everything you can to get your home ready. Covering your AC unit in the winter isn’t a great idea, but you can still get it ready and improve its efficiency by calling our experts at Leith Heating & Cooling for professional repairs and maintenance services.
If you notice any of the signs that an AC condenser needs repair or want to schedule a maintenance service in Addison, Illinois, reach out to our HVAC technicians!