Hudson, NH Homeowner Seeks Recommendations

Today’s outdoor AC units are built to withstand extreme temperatures. The outer shell of the condenser is designed to withstand all types of weather, including snow, rain and heat from direct sunlight. The interior of the condenser, from the mechanics to the coils, are also designed to withstand harsh weather. This hardy design makes it unnecessary to cover your outdoor AC winter when not in use during the late fall and winter.

A homeowner in Hudson was preparing her home for the winter. Unsure of whether she should cover her outdoor AC unit, she contacted the professionals at Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc..

Covering Your AC Unit in the Winter Can Do More Harm Than Good

It can be tempting to put a cover on your outdoor condenser to protect the unit from falling leaves, ice and snow. However, this can promote rusting and internal moisture damage as the plastic covering restricts airflow within the unit. Covering your AC unit with a water-tight cover can also make this a more enticing area for small animals looking for a warm place to hole up for the winter. This can cause a big problem as small rodents will chew and damage the inner workings of the system while also leaving behind waste and excrement.

Focus on Cleaning Debris from the Area Instead

To winterize your outdoor AC unit, check the area for leaves, pine needles, branches and animal debris that may have accumulated on or around the condenser. Clearing the area prior to the onset of bad weather will deter rodents and other small animals from wintering in the outdoor unit.

The homeowner in Hudson was pleased to learn that it was not necessary to cover her outdoor AC unit. Instead, she focused on clearing away debris and can rest assured that when the weather warms in the late spring her AC unit will be ready to cool the home.

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