As homeowners in the Greater Toronto Area, including Tottenham, Vaughan, Newmarket, and Richmond Hill, prepare for the changing seasons, it’s essential to know how to properly maintain your HVAC system for optimal performance. One common myth that persists is the need to cover your outdoor air conditioning unit during the colder months. While some people believe covering the unit protects it from the elements, this practice can actually do more harm than good. In this blog post, we’ll debunk this myth, explain why covering your air conditioner isn’t necessary, and provide helpful tips for seasonal HVAC preparation to keep your home comfortable year-round.
Many homeowners believe that covering their outdoor air conditioning unit during the fall and winter is essential to protect it from snow, ice, and debris. However, modern air conditioners are specifically designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, and covering them may do more harm than good. Here’s why:
Your outdoor AC unit is constructed with durable materials designed to handle extreme weather conditions. It’s equipped with weather-resistant components, including coils and fins that are built to function year after year without being covered. In towns like Tottenham, where winter weather can be tough, air conditioning units are built to endure the elements without the need for additional coverings.
One of the biggest downsides to covering your AC unit is that it can create a cozy nesting spot for small animals, including mice. These pests can crawl into the covered unit during the colder months and chew on wires, causing costly damage by the time you need to use the unit again. Homeowners in Newmarket and Vaughan should be especially cautious, as critters tend to seek warmth inside covered units during the winter.
Covering your air conditioner can also trap moisture inside the unit, leading to rust and corrosion. Moisture buildup, especially during the freeze-thaw cycles common in the Richmond Hill area, can damage essential components and decrease the unit’s lifespan.
In short, covering your air conditioner is not only unnecessary but can lead to unintended consequences. If you’re worried about leaves or debris falling into the unit, you can place a piece of plywood over the top to block large objects without trapping moisture or creating a haven for pests.
Instead of covering your AC unit, there are several other tasks you can do to prepare your HVAC system for the seasonal transition. Here are some important steps homeowners in the Greater Toronto Area can take when moving from one season to another:
One of the simplest and most effective ways to ensure your HVAC system runs smoothly is by regularly changing the air filters. As the seasons change, especially from fall to winter, your furnace will start to work harder, and a clean filter helps it run efficiently. Dirty filters can reduce airflow and increase energy bills, particularly during the cold winters in Tottenham and Vaughan.
Before switching from cooling to heating or vice versa, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional HVAC inspection. A technician can identify any potential issues with your furnace or air conditioning unit and ensure everything is operating efficiently. Homeowners in Newmarket can benefit from a seasonal tune-up that includes checking for leaks, ensuring the thermostat is calibrated, and inspecting the overall system for wear and tear.
While your AC unit doesn’t need to be covered, it’s still important to clean around it at the end of each season. Remove any leaves, dirt, and debris that have accumulated around the base of the unit. This will ensure that airflow remains unrestricted and prevent clogging or damage to the system’s components. Homeowners in Richmond Hill should make this a regular part of their seasonal preparation.
As you prepare for a change in seasons, testing your thermostat ensures it’s working properly and is set to your desired temperature. Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat, which allows you to control your home’s temperature remotely and can lead to energy savings during both the heating and cooling seasons.
As temperatures drop, inspect your windows and doors for any drafts or gaps. Sealing these areas can help keep warm air inside during the winter months and reduce the workload on your HVAC system. Proper insulation is especially important in areas like Tottenham, where winter weather can be harsh.
Preparing your HVAC system for seasonal transitions doesn’t have to be complicated. By avoiding unnecessary practices like covering your outdoor air conditioner and focusing on tasks such as changing filters, scheduling inspections, and cleaning around the unit, homeowners in Tottenham, Vaughan, Newmarket, and Richmond Hill can keep their systems running efficiently year-round. For professional HVAC inspections and seasonal tune-ups, contact Thermaco today. We’re here to help you prepare your home for whatever the season brings!