Temperature regulation is crucial for those of us who live in sweltering environments, and the invention of the air conditioner (AC) and the outdoor air conditioner has allowed us to live in a whole new realm of additional comfort.
Today, we will examine how you can use an outdoor air conditioner cover to maximize the lifespan of your unit and the steps you can take to ensure you keep it in solid working condition. That’ll save you money on having to call out a handyman to look at it every summer!
Key Takeaways On Air Conditioner Covers
There are a few key takeaways from this guide to help you come to the best decision regarding your outdoor air condition cover:
Weigh up the three materials we discussed: non-woven polypropylene, 300 denier polyester, and 600 denier polyester. Once you have decided on the material, the next course of action is to:
- Understand how to measure your system - so you order the best-fitting cover and secure it properly.
- Warranty - length and guarantee you wish to opt in for. Options include one-year, two-year, and lifetime warranties.
- Aesthetic - choose your color and ensure it matches the feel of your home and garden.
About Outdoor Air Conditioners
Outdoor air conditioners are ideal for keeping you cool on those hot summer days. They come in many shapes and sizes.
Ductless mini-split systems are second only to portable units, as unlike central air conditioners, which streamline and funnel a large filtration system, ductless and portable systems primarily aim for a more condensed area, which is why they’re ideal for outdoor seating areas.
If you keep your unit in good working condition, look after it, and ensure it’s regularly serviced and cleaned, you can get up to double the lifespan of those that don’t, maybe around 20 years. Given that there are increasing calls for air conditioning units to be more environmentally friendly, the importance of a strong air conditioner, which helps prolong the lifespan and sometimes efficiency, becomes even more important.
It’s not like air conditioning companies aren’t trying to keep costs down, but sustainable models and greener alternatives ramp up a much higher cost in production and design - which is why keeping your current system in a solid working order is vital.
Do All Outdoor Air Conditioners Need Covers?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended; it protects your unit from the harsh elements and stops the likelihood of rust or rodent damage. Depending on the type of outdoor air conditioner you have, you want to ensure that no intense weather can damage it in any way, whether it’s strong winds or rain causing damage to the mechanics, or general rust because of exposure to the elements.
Top brands like Lennox, Rheem, and American Standard have specialist outdoor AC covers to ensure their units remain reliable. Portable air conditioners are more flexible, but it is still recommended to cover them with the types of covers you can find available for sale here at PatioCover.com. Ultimately, anything that’s fixed onto the side of your property, like ductless, warm air and some geothermal units will all benefit from outdoor protection.
What Are The Benefits Of Using An Outdoor Air Conditioner Cover?
Specifically designed materials can shield your air conditioning system from damaging weather. Intense heat and UV exposure, hail, sleet, ice, snow, rain or high winds can cause damage. However, if you ensure you get the right outdoor AC cover and store it safely, you stand the best chance of it staying out of harm's way even during the worst conditions.
Outdoor air conditioner covers can start from as little as $35 for non-woven polypropylene, which is the standard cover. If you’re looking for something more long-lasting you can get more durable materials too. By comparing materials, you will get the best idea of what suits your needs.
What Is The Best Material For An Outdoor AC Unit Cover?
Non-woven polypropylene is the cheapest choice, and it offers a number of positives. If you opt for this type of cover for your outdoor air conditioner, it’ll do a job, even in relatively harsh conditions. The design of the fabric ensures it repels water, and the rough, rugged texture also deters pests and stands up well in the face of strong gales.
Cushion storage bags and outdoor coffee table covers follow a similar premise: it’s all about protecting your outdoor amenities from Mother Nature - and while non-woven polypropylene is a popular choice because it’s the cheaper cost, there are more durable options out there for your outdoor air conditioner cover.
For instance, the sub-premier option of 300 denier polyester comes with a +20% durability guarantee. It’s more robust in the face of adverse weather and is the most popular choice for many people who want a little bit more durability and flexibility but don’t feel the need to opt for the top-end materials.
Both of these materials are behind the ultra-premium offer of 600 denier polyester, which is 50% more durable and comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s built for longevity and our pick as the best material for your outdoor air conditioner cover.
Do Air Conditioner Covers Come In Different Shapes?
Square covers and round covers are the biggest sellers - primarily due to their practicality. On this scale, you can then select the best of the three materials we discussed in the last section. Larger, rectangular portable air conditioners will have custom-fit covers with slightly longer lengths, but they are made from the same materials.
How To Cover An Outdoor Air Conditioner
Ensuring your outdoor air conditioner cover is properly covered is crucial. If you don’t ensure that the cover is appropriately attached and tied, then it could come loose, or there could be areas that are unprotected. By following guides and correctly measuring your unit, you can obtain the correct measurements to ensure your outdoor air conditioner cover is the correct length.
Some covers will slide right over the system and will have ties or an elastic hem to ensure they’re properly secured. It’s better for the cover to be longer than too short, but ideally, you want to measure length, sideways, and circumference. Your cover should fit tightly over the unit, and then you can tie it correctly, diagonally across the bottom, or tie the knots around the unit's base.
Buy An Outdoor Air Conditioner Cover
While it might cost more money to cover than other items in your garden, you want to ensure that the outdoor air conditioner cover you use is reliable, durable and at the best price possible.
Reliability doesn’t just mean strong materials that can do the job; it also includes ironclad guarantees that if you run into trouble, you have a lifetime warranty that ensures the product will be fixed as part of the initial coverage you paid for.
By exploring the range of rounded and square outdoor air conditioner covers, settling on a product, and finding warranty covers and products that best fit, you can adequately protect your system and get more mileage out of it.
If you wish to discuss it further or to find out more details, you can speak to our 24/7 customer service team for free who can answer any questions about the product or materials to ensure you get what you need. And if you still have any queries, you could check out the reviews of our past customers.
Learn More About Outdoor Patio Covers
Jan Craig
Writer
PatioCover.com
