Is it safe to cover the top of an AC unit?

It can even block up any moisture drainage your system has built in. If you do cover your air conditioner, only cover the top of it. A cover that completely covers your unit will trap moisture inside which then causes rust and corrosion.

Should I cover the air conditioner?

You do not want to cover the air conditioner completely, as it can lead to a number of problems such as trapping moisture inside and causing corrosion ’97 in which case you could’ve just left it uncovered and taken your chances.

How do you prepare an air conditioner for a hurricane?

Set your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual, close curtains and blinds and keep doors and window shut to keep the cold air inside. Turn off electricity to your air conditioner. Electrical surges from lightning strikes during the storm can damage your A/C unit.

Are you supposed to cover your AC unit in the winter?

Your air conditioner is made to be open to the air. Covering your air conditioner will block proper air flow which can lead to mold growth on your evaporator coils. Rodents and other animals seek shelter from harsh winters and will often start to inhabit a covered air conditioner.

Should you turn off your air conditioner during a hurricane?

To protect your home’s HVAC system, switch off the unit at the circuit breaker and don’t turn it back on until the hurricane passes. Even if you turned off your AC, it’s possible for damage to occur during a hurricane. To ensure you’re in the clear, take time to inspect your system after a storm has passed.

What to do when your Air Conditioner breaks?

Trim any large tree branches close to your air conditioner. These branches could break off during high winds and cause damage to your condensing unit. Turn off the air conditioner. Be sure to switch off both the thermostat and the breaker. The unit could otherwise be damaged by constant power interruptions during the storm.

What should I do to protect my air conditioner in a hurricane?

Cover your condenser with a tarp. Although this won’t protect your unit against flooding, it will provide a layer of protection from flying debris. Your should turn on your air conditioner as soon as possible to avoid mold growth in your home and ducts. But first, inspect your condenser carefully.

What to do if your air conditioner wont work?

To fix this, you will need to disconnect the wires leading to the thermostat and then attach them together, bypassing the thermostat entirely. If the AC starts working properly, then it is definitely a broken thermostat, to which you will need to buy a new one.

What to do when your air conditioner is making weird noises?

If you feel comfortable checking your drain line yourself, turn off your system and inspect the drain line. If not, schedule an appointment with a technician. Ultimately, if your AC is making any of these air conditioning noises, don’t ignore it! Think of these sounds as a cry for help from your air conditioner.

Is it safe to tie down an air conditioner in a hurricane?

Tie-downs are wind-resistant up to 150 mph, and will prevent your unit from being yanked off its base and tossed around by high winds. If you’ve had a new air conditioner installed recently, chances are your HVAC contractor secured your unit to a concrete slab by way of tie-down straps.

How can I tell if my air conditioner is hurricane safe?

Check to see if your condensing unit has tie-down straps (see photo above). If you have an older unit (from the 1990’s or earlier), your HVAC contractor may not have installed tie-down straps. If your unit has tie-down straps, check to make sure they have not rusted or deteriorated.

What to do if your air conditioner is making weird noises?

If your air conditioner suddenly starts making an unusual noise, you may want to investigate before calling for a service professional. Sometimes you can do a DIY service on your outdoor air conditioner unit to address the source of weird noises.