When cooler weather rolls in, many Georgia homeowners wonder if their outdoor air conditioning unit needs a cover. After all, this machine faces daily cold temperatures and the potential for ice and snow. Although Georgia’s mild winters don’t come close to those in the Northern regions, we get our fair share of cold weather. Air Therm in Savannah, GA wants to help you learn about outdoor AC covers. You’ll discover the pros, cons, and what to avoid so that you can make an informed decision.
How Winter Affects Outdoor AC Units
Most modern units can withstand mild winter conditions, including rain, cold snaps, and debris. Winter lows in Georgia typically range from 30 to 40 degrees, unlike the North, where subzero temperatures are typical. Although some homeowners in Georgia cover their outdoor AC units, it’s more important to perform seasonal maintenance.
Scheduling an off-season AC maintenance service can prepare your system for winter’s lows. A deep cleaning, fine-tuning, and inspection can ensure your system is ready to shut off for the winter. AC maintenance in late winter or early spring ensures your system’s ready to perform again after its winter hiatus.
Pros & Cons of Covering Your AC Unit
Some homeowners swear by AC covers, while others find them an unnecessary expense. One of the primary reasons many professionals say no to AC covers in the winter is the risk of trapped moisture. Many AC covers can trap moisture inside your unit, leading to rust and mold.
Enclosed outdoor units also offer welcome shelter to many pests, including rodents. They can make nests inside your equipment, causing severe damage from chewing. You could uncover your unit in spring and find damage, which would require a service call.
Proponents of AC covers have pros to offer. Covering your AC unit prevents water and debris from pooling inside the outdoor components. It also helps maintain your outdoor unit’s appearance. Your unit is less likely to suffer damage from falling debris with a protective cover.
Although covering an air conditioner isn’t necessarily damaging when done correctly, improper use can do more harm than good. If you choose to cover your outdoor AC unit, there’s a right and wrong way to proceed.
Choosing the Right Type of Cover
Georgia homeowners who decide to cover their outdoor AC units should consider partial coverage for the best results. Choosing a cover made from breathable materials is important to allow for proper airflow. This will dry any moisture and help prevent mold, mildew, rust, and corrosion.
One big mistake Georgia homeowners make is covering their entire outdoor unit in plastic or in a tight wrap. Manufacturers design air conditioning equipment to withstand winter weather, even seasonal extremes much harsher than Georgia experiences.
If you decide to cover your outdoor AC unit, make sure you don’t forget to remove it before turning your system on for spring. Doing so can cause trapped heat and blocked airflow. It can lead to a burnt-out compressor, refrigerant leaks, and a system that no longer cools.
End-of-Season AC Maintenance Tips
Proper care before shutting your air conditioner down for the winter can help prevent performance problems later. While it’s best to schedule a professional seasonal AC tune-up, there are a few steps you can take to prepare.
- Outdoor unit cleaning
- Removal of leaves and other debris
- Inspecting the fins for damage
- Covering the top with a breathable panel if desired
- Turning off the power at the disconnect box
- Scheduling a professional inspection
Air Therm can help you with air conditioning maintenance and tips for steps to take between visits. It doesn’t take a lot of work to ensure your AC system is protected and ready to perform each summer.
Why Trust Air Therm With Your HVAC Care
Air Therm is the trusted HVAC services provider for the Savannah area. We remain committed to helping homeowners maximize system life and efficiency. Our services help you stay on top of your system’s health. We are experts in both heating and cooling, ensuring your system is in the best of hands.
Whether you choose to cover your outdoor AC unit or not, our team ensures that your system stays protected against the elements. Seasonal care matters much more than a cover that might damage your equipment.
Contact Air Therm today to schedule seasonal maintenance for your air conditioner. It’s never too late to have our professionals check it!
