Winters are unpredictable in Berks County. Some years we barely see any snow. Other years, our yards and air conditioning units get buried in a few feet of snow. In mid to late fall, many B&L Ott customers begin to winterize their homes. They clean up leaves, store away their gardening tools and break out the shovels.
When it comes to HVAC systems, many B&L Ott customers begin to prepare their furnace for winter. It is important to remember to take care of the rest of your HVAC system, though. You should winterize your air conditioner to ensure that it will be in working order for next season. When it comes to the outdoor condenser, many B&L Ott customers wonder if they should cover their unit. Each customer may have their own preference, but if you are unsure, this B&L Ott guide will help you decide.
What Elements Can Your Air Conditioner Handle?
Reasons to Cover Your Air Conditioning Unit
Protection from Weather
Your B&L Ott outdoor condenser is designed to keep critical parts safe from precipitation. Yet, if extreme weather causes water to get into your system, that water can damage the machinery. Water is a fluid substance that doesn’t take much effort to move. If it getting into the crucial components of your system, it is likely to cause major problems. For instance, if water freezes on the coils, it will damage the coils and cause corrosion over time. Too much ice can also block air flow and ventilation which will increase your energy bills.
Protection from Foliage
Covering your system can protect it from falling branches in debris. If your Berks County home is surrounded by trees, you know how often limbs break under the weight of the snow. The branches can bring down power lines or break fences. If foliage falls onto your condenser, it can clog the ventilation. If a twig gets stuck between the moving components it can cause jams and breaks. B&L Ott recommends trimming trees and removing leaves near your system before winter begins.
Reasons Not to Cover Your Air Conditioning Unit
Animals See Covered Systems as Shelter
Better Ventilation
Air conditioner covers decrease the air flow and ventilation of your B&L Ott condenser. When your system cannot ventilate properly, some moisture may get trapped in the unit. This provides conditions for mold and mildew to grow. However, with regular inspections and proper maintenance, you can help avoid these problems.
Deciding
B&L Ott encourages our customers to cover their systems in the winter. We believe that protecting your system from the elements is the best way to prolong its life and keep it running efficiently. A popular solution is to place plywood on the top to block falling debris. This tactic still allows for proper ventilation.
When covering your system, you should never use plastic as it blocks the air flow. Whichever material you do use, make sure that it can breathe. Another solution is to build a shelter for your condenser. You can find a variety of designs online. If you are still unsure about what option is best for you, contact the professionals at B&L Ott. We answer your questions and address your concerns.
