The Pros And Cons Of Covering The Outside AC Unit During The Winter
Posted on: 19 December 2017
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Some people say it's necessary to cover the outside unit of your AC (heating, ventilation and air conditioner) system while others advise against doing it. Both arguments have valid points, and you shouldn't dismiss either of them without further digging:
The Cause for Covering the Unit
Accumulation of Small Debris on the Fins
If you don't cover the condenser unit, then flying debris such as leaves, dust, and paper may get caught up in the condenser coil. Unfortunately, these will interfere with airflow and block heat transfer between the refrigerant inside the coils and the outside air. This means your AC's efficiency will be severely affected.
Blockage by Snow Accumulation
If the winter is particularly severe, and you are witnessing considerable snowfall, then snow may accumulate around the unit and interfere with its operations. Apart from interfering with air circulation (and by extension heat exchange), the accumulation of snow and ice may also damage the delicate fins of the condenser.
Accidental Damage by Hard Debris
There is also a risk that the delicate fins of the condenser may be damaged by flying debris during severe winter storms. Small rocks, falling ice (such as those from ice dams on the edges of the roof), and even broken tree branches are some of the things that can damage the condenser coils if the unit is not covered. Damaged condenser fins will lead to refrigerant leakage, which will cause reduced heating efficiency since it is the refrigerant that carries the heat from inside your house.
The Cause for Not Covering
There are also those who argue that covering the unit is not necessary, and may even cause complications such as these two?
Trapped Moisture Damage
It is possible for the material used in covering the unit to trap moisture within the covered area. This would be a problem because the trapped moisture may lead to the unit's corrosion. There is also a risk because the moisture can freeze in different parts of the unit and affect its operation, for example, by blocking airflow.
Habitat for Pests
It can also be argued that covering the unit would attract rodents, pests, and other animals. This may happen because such animals may see your unit's covering as a safe haven from the harsh weather elements of the winter. Unfortunately, the animals may damage the unit, for example, by chewing on the electrical wires.
As you can see, there are valuable reasons both for covering and not covering your outside AC unit during the winter. However, it seems the reasons for covering the unit strengthen with the severity of the winter; this means you should probably consider covering up the unit during severe winters. Just make sure the covering material is breathable and leave some space (for air circulation) between it and the unit.
For more information, contact an AC repair service near you.