With the fall season just around the corner, it’s time to call your local heating and air conditioning repair services for a seasonal maintenance visit and inspection and get your HVAC system ready to face the colder days ahead. You can also take steps to ensure that your heating is in good condition by removing obstructions in your registers and vents, changing or cleaning the filter and clearing away any debris that might have fallen on your outdoor unit.
One question many homeowners ask about outdoor HVAC units is whether or not it’s a good idea to cover them up in the fall. The answer to this question is, unfortunately, not so simple, as there are advantages and disadvantages to covering up your unit. It’s important to know what these are so you can decide which route to take. Here our experts at A-1 Comfort Care share the pros and cons of covering your air conditioner.
Covering the Outdoor Unit
The fall season is notorious for falling leaves and other tree debris. This is actually one of the most common reasons residential HVAC services are called to customers’ homes. Any leaves, twigs or seeds that get inside your outdoor unit can clog up its interior and cause problems. This is the main benefit of covering up your unit, particularly during the fall.
Keeping It Open
Manufacturers actually design their outdoor units to withstand the elements, so a cover isn’t necessary. Covers can also trap moisture inside. When this moisture condenses and freezes on your condenser coil, it could lead to corrosion and other serious problems.
The Right Way to Protect Your Outdoor Unit
Many HVAC installation contractors recommend using a cover only for the top part of the unit. This cover must not extend more than six inches in length down the sides. If it does, this could impact the performance of your HVAC system and cause even more issues than it prevents.
Get your heating and air conditioning unit ready for the season with the help of our professionals at A-1 Comfort Care. Give us a call at (732) 578-0379 or fill out our contact form to schedule a maintenance visit and request a free estimate on new HVAC installations today. We serve homeowners in Wall, Freehold, and other nearby areas in NJ.
