Tag: Ac Units Houston Tx

Should I Cover My Air Conditioner?

Do Air Conditioners Need To Be Covered During The Winter?

Your residential HVAC system requires maintenance periodically throughout the year. When fall turns into winter, it is then the ideal time to get your Houston AC ready for the weather that lies ahead. Later in the year, as the hot days of summer transition into the cooler days of fall, it is time to shift your focus to your furnace or heating system. One question that many people ask AC Man Of Houston is whether their air conditioner needs to be covered when it is not in use during the winter season or to protect it from bad weather.

Covers Provide Protection Against Outside Elements

A lot of times, people mistakenly believe that they need to cover their air conditioner during the winter months. In fact, it is far more important to cover the outdoor Houston AC during the autumn season. This is the time of year when leaves, seeds, and other small bits of debris are falling from the trees. If these items become caught in your Houston AC unit, they can trap moisture, which can eventually cause the surface to corrode. Accumulated piles of leaves may also interfere with your air conditioning unit’s ability to drain. At the same time, you need to use caution when covering your Houston AC. Avoid covering the entire Houston AC unit. Instead, purchase a cover that extends approximately half a foot down each side of the unit. Make sure that at least a portion of the unit is exposed to the air to keep moisture from becoming trapped underneath the cover. Any moisture or condensation that can’t escape could lead to rusting or corrosion.

Protect Your Houston AC From Bad Weather

One common misconception that people have is that air conditioners need to be carefully protected from the weather. This probably stems from the fact that many summertime accessories have to be stored away during the winter. For instance, lawn chairs, patio tables, and other types of outdoor furniture are usually covered or kept indoors during the winter to keep them from getting damaged. Most Houston AC systems are tough enough, however, that they don’t need to be covered. Below are some of the primary reasons why people cover their units along with additional information on whether or not a cover is actually necessary.

1. Dirt In The AC

As your air conditioner operates, it draws in air from the surrounding area. Sometimes, it also draws in the dirt along with that air. After the unit is turned off, however, dirt is extremely unlikely to get inside, meaning that you shouldn’t need to cover it when it is not in use.

2. Ice Or Snow In Your AC

The companies that manufacture air conditioners design them to be strong enough to withstand extreme conditions during the winter months. Typically, a cover is not required to protect your unit from the weather.

3. AC Water Damage

Any type of moisture can cause damage to your air conditioner over time. Unfortunately, moisture is something that is impossible to prevent. This is especially true if you live in a humid environment. Even if your unit is covered, moisture can still get in. Covering your unit can make the situation even worse, however, since a cover can keep moisture trapped inside your Houston AC, preventing it from escaping. This can lead to problems with mold, rust, and corrosion. To avoid this problem, most experts recommend not using a cover.

4. Small Creatures

Critters like rodents tend to be drawn to places that are covered and protected when the weather changes. In this case, leaving your unit uncovered may help discourage these animals from taking up residence inside your Houston AC.

To Cover Or Not To Cover?

If you own an air conditioner, it is important to know when it should be covered and when it should be left uncovered. As a general rule of thumb, the only time that you should cover your unit is during the autumn when leaves are falling off of the trees. Make sure to choose a cover that fits the unit correctly. During the rest of the year, you should be able to leave your unit uncovered without worrying about it sustaining any damage.

For more information on Houston AC systems, contact us today by giving us a call at (713) 460-2653. If you would like to read more related content be sure to check out our blog!

#1 Air Conditioner Repair Houston Expert: How Often Should An A/C Be Replaced? 

A Guide On How Often Your AC Needs To Get Replaced By A Top Air Conditioner Repair Houston Professional

One of the hardest decisions for any homeowner to make is when it’s time to get a new air conditioner or repair it. While a new air conditioner can be rather expensive, in many cases it is the best decision. However, knowing when it is time to get a new air conditioner can be difficult to understand. Below are six signs that are going to help you make the right decision. We understand that deciding whether you should replace or repair an air conditioner is difficult. There are many times when an old AC still has many years of life in it and does not need to be replaced, that will surely reduce ac costs along with smart ac controllers that can better monitor old and new ac systems to understand how much you’re using. This guide was written to help you save money and make the best decision possible. So, let’s get right down to the nitty-gritty and find out whether you need to repair or replace your air conditioner.

Over A Decade Old Air Conditioner

In many cases, the typical lifespan of a well-maintained air conditioner is about 15 years. However, if your air conditioner is 10 years old and needs extensive repairs, is more than likely best to replace it. This is especially true when you look at all the advances that have been made in air conditioning technology within the last few years. If your AC is this old then it is time to reach out to your #1 source for air conditioning maintenance and repair services in Houston.

An AC That Is Inefficient

If the air conditioner you are using right now has a low SEER rating, it is costing you more to run it than it is worth. New air conditioners on the market today must have a rating of at least a 13. If the air conditioner in your home or business has a SEER rating that is under 13, by replacing with a new air conditioner you are going to cut your energy costs dramatically.

Extensive A/C Repairs

If the unit that is being worked on has an extensive repair last, it is best to weigh the costs of replacing it when looking for an ac repair contractor. If the amount to repair an older unit would cover the vast majority of a new unit, it is typically going to make more sense financially to invest in a newer unit.

AC Is Constantly Breaking Down

Do you have an air conditioner that seems to break down every other week or month? Do you know the air conditioner repairman by the first name? This probably means your air conditioner is breaking down more often than it should. These types of repair bills are going to add up really quick, and it makes no sense to keep a unit in this condition. We recommend remain in friends with your air conditioner repairman, but letting the unit go.

A/C R 22 Freon

Freon is one of those chemicals that has been slowly phased out by the federal government in an effort to conserve energy across the nation. Due to this phaseout, the cost of Freon has risen exponentially over the years. If you are using an air conditioner that runs on Freon, it is going to have to be replaced eventually. If your air-conditioner is giving you major troubles and it uses Freon, is simply just a good idea to purchase a new unit.

Air Conditioner Is Not Cooling Your Home

Does it feel that your home is almost as warm as it is outside? This is a problem with an air conditioner system that is not running as efficiently as it should. It also may be an incorrect size were simply too old to function as it should. If your air conditioner is not able to keep your home cool, it is time to replace it with the unit that can. Indoor air quality is very important.

Houston Air Conditioner Repair

If you have any questions about whether you should replace or repair your air conditioner system, called the best air conditioner repair Houston has to offer today! AC Man of Houston offers air conditioner financing. There is no sense to continue to use air conditioner split systems that are not efficient and are not able to cool your house down correctly. In many cases, a new unit is going to save you more money in the long run than constantly repairing an old unit. However, there are those times when an older unit still has several years of life left in it. This is why it is essential to contact AC Man Of Houston today and let us observe your unit and give you the best advice we possibly can. Give us a call.