Protecting your outdoor Air Conditioning unit from damage from the elements

...it becomes almost essential to make sure that all its parts function efficiently to run hassle-free throughout the year. Owners usually forget about their exterior Air Conditioning unit. While these units are made to withstand extreme weather conditions, it is still crucial that you take the necessary precautions to protect them. You do not need to worry about light rain or drizzle. Taking the following measures will save you repair costs and allow your system to work efficiently in the long run. Some general rules need to be followed for your exterior air conditioning unit. They should be followed all year round.

1.Keep your Exterior Air Conditioning in shade

Always keep your unit in a shaded area. Simply placing it in a shaded area will prevent it from overworking when it needs to keep the air cool. This will lower your overall utility cost and increase the lifetime of your unit. If you can't find a dedicated shaded area, then place your unit in a place with low sunlight.

2.Allow your unit some space

It may seem silly, but you must keep your unit in an open space. You will want enough space so it can be easily inspected and repaired by an HVAC technician.

3.Turn off exterior power

Your exterior air conditioning unit comes with an external circuit. It controls the power to your unit. Turn it off whenever you are about to inspect your exterior unit for any damages. To turn it off, locate a box that is installed close to the unit. Open it, find the red colored handle circuit handle and pull it out. Place it in the original slot upside down to switch off power to your unit. Always turn it off before/during winter. This will prevent any damage done to the external unit if someone switches on the air conditioner by accident.

4.Trim your grass

If the unit is placed on/near grass, then make sure that it is trimmed down regularly. They may work well at providing shade or allowing you to blend your external unit more aesthetically into its surroundings. Still, they can also lead to technical difficulties. Place gravel around your external unit so that it prevents weeds from growing into it.

5.Be careful where you mow

Pay extra consideration when mowing areas that are in close proximity to your external unit. Make sure that the cut grass or dirt does not make its way into the unit. Remove any rocks and objects so that they don't shoot into the unit and cause damage.

6.Cover it from top

Use a piece of plywood or a plastic cover that is placed above your external unit. Make sure that it is the same or greater than the size of the external unit. This small investment will save your unit from torrential rain and snow. It also prevents debris and leaves from collecting on top of it. The cover at the top also prevents risks of corrosion that comes from trapped moisture.

7.Service it during winters

Snow may collect on top of your external unit in winters. You can use a plastic cover, but it is still important to remove this snow regularly. This will lower the external unit's extra weight and prevent ice from making its way into the unit.