An air conditioner is an investment toward the comfort of your home. They keep you cool by regulating the temperature in a way that is efficient and easy. Most of the time, you won’t even notice that your air conditioner is working as hard as it does. Being the owner of an AC unit does come with a certain amount of responsibility. Because you have invested so much into the unit so far, it makes sense that you would do everything you can to make it long-lasting and allow it to run as smoothly as possible.
Yes, Air conditioner covers are a good idea. They protect your AC units from the elements. Providing them with a shield, you won’t have to worry about as much dust and debris infiltrating your system explains Superior AC Repair Cypress, who handles professional AC Repair in Cypress, TX.
Consider this article your guide on whether you need an air conditioner cover in your home.
What Are Air Conditioner Covers?
Most people decide to put a cover on their AC units in the Winter. As the weather changes, dead leaves and other debris are blown around more frequently. These small pieces can cling to the back of your unit, causing it to become blocked. If you live in an area that gets snow, you also need to consider that your unit can become covered in a thick blanket that can hinder its effectiveness.
As the seasons change back to warmer weather, you must also consider that water will start to drip from your gutters, most of the time, directly onto your AC unit.
AC covers are not made of plastic wrap! If you ever see this, know that this is an incorrect way to cover your unit. A good AC cover is going to be made of weatherproof material. It needs to be breathable so that mold does not accumulate. Understand that your cover is going to have to withstand the wintertime.
If you don’t want to cover the unit with the material, you can use plywood to build a shelf that goes over the top of the unit. Make sure that you do not encase the whole thing in a box because this will prevent your unit from being able to collect outside air.
Are Air Conditioner Covers Recommended?
If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain and snow, the answer is almost always going to be yes. The work that you will have to put in to clean your AC unit off each day is not worth it when you can simply cover your unit and keep it protected from the elements. Consider if your home has gutters, as well.
Even if the weather isn’t very extreme in the Winter, any moisture that drips down from your gutters has the potential to ruin your AC unit. A covered AC unit stays efficient. This means that you can expect a lower electric bill and savings on any maintenance that is usually required.
You might want to consider covering your AC unit as early as Fall. Even before the storms and blizzards start, the beginning of the cooler weather can stir up a lot of leaves and debris.
If you aren’t willing to commit to the weekly cleaning of your unit, then it makes sense to place a cover on it. Not only is debris inconvenient, but it can also be dangerous. Moisture that is built up in the debris can cause decay in your unit due to the formic acid. Once this process begins, there is no fixing your unit. You will have to buy a new one.
How Much Do Air Conditioner Covers Cost?
You can expect to pay anywhere from $30-$70 for an AC cover. There are many different styles for you to choose from at your local hardware store. You just need to determine how long you are going to keep the unit covered and how much money you have to spend on a cover.
For those who plan on keeping their units covered for several months out of the year, a cover that is made of a more sturdy material is likely going to be recommended. It is worthwhile to spend some extra money on a nicer cover because it will last longer.
If you only plan on covering your AC unit for a short amount of time, you can select a cheaper cover. Understand that you will likely have to replace it after some time because of the wear and tear.
No matter what decision you make, you will have to take into account the weather in your local area and how much money you are willing to spend on the cover. There are many different options for you to choose from, so you should be able to find the best one that fits all of your needs.
