How do I care for my outdoor air conditioning unit?

Question

I was told there was no maintinence for it when I bought my house. But logically, shouldn't I wrap it up in winter to keep snow and fall leaves from getting inside? Are the parts inside stainless steel or will it rust apart?

Answer 1

You don't need to cover it up and some covers might damage it, if they trap humidity inside. However, you could place a tarp or boards across the top to keep debris, tree limbs, etc., out of it.

In the early spring, have your AC system checked out. You might want to buy a service contract that covers both an annual AC check and furnace check. Trust me: annual checkups are very important: if the freon gets low you can ruin the AC compressor, and if the furnace filters get dirty you can ruin the furnace blower. The cost of replacing the AC compressor or the furnace is much greater than the costs of the annual checkups, and annual checkups may be required by the manufacturer warranty as well.

You are quite right: the system is not maintenance-free. Nothing mechanical is maintenance-free.

Answer 2

Our heating and cooling guy said to just put a piece of plywood over the top big enough to cover the vent and fan blades. If you use one of the cover wraps it encourages mice and other vermin to move into the nice, warm protected space and build nests.

In the spring you just need to hose off the outer housing and perhaps open up and take out any leaves that got inside.

Shouldn't rust as it's built to be outside.

Answer 3

In late fall wrap it for the winter. If not wrapped, the blades will show rust,but will survive for numerous years. In early spring uncover,dis-connect from electical and clean inside unit with garden hose. Flush out dirt,leaves rubbish,etc. This keeps it running cooler. Re-connect electrial and use when needed.Once each 2-3 years have you installer check it for wear and coolant.

Answer 4

There are things that you can do to "care" for your cond. unit outside.First to save lots of labor-cover the center of the fan with a thick screen material and fasten down with magnets to not allow any leaves to get inside of you unit.about every two months rinse the coils outside with a garden hose to knock down any buildup of debris,thus making the unit to run more efficiently.and schedule a yearly service to cut down on problems.

Answer 5

Yes and even if you have a cover you still need to clean, unsrew and lift off top clean out leaves and junk and replace.....

Answer 6

buy a winter plastic cover for it...helps out alot...good luck