Keeping your home comfortable and energy efficient is important all year long. However, during the colder months, you should take extra precautions to reduce your energy usage. In addition to adjusting the thermostat and keeping drafty windows closed and sealed, covering your HVAC unit can help keep it working efficiently when the temperature drops.
At Comfort Zone Heating & Air Conditioning, we can help you decide whether covering your HVAC unit for the winter is necessary. Our professionals will carefully wrap your unit with high-quality materials to ensure that it doesn’t leak heat or create excessive humidity in your home. When it comes to quality and efficiency, our company is dedicated to customer satisfaction.
Caring for your HVAC unit the right way is essential for maintaining the peak performance of the system. The key is to make sure that airflow remains as unrestricted as possible while ensuring that all inputs and outputs are positioned for optimal efficiency. Using covers over these parts in the coldest weather can have a positive impact on their efficiency by reducing heat loss without introducing new problems.
What Can Go Wrong With My HVAC Unit When It’s Cold Outside?
During the winter, your HVAC unit is working overtime to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. This is great for indoor comfort, but it can cause your unit to use more energy than it normally would. If your unit isn’t properly insulated, your energy bills can skyrocket.
There are a few other factors that can contribute to making your HVAC unit less efficient during winter months, including:
- Higher indoor humidity levels
- Condensation forming on the indoor unit
- Reduced airflow, especially near outlets
- Increased indoor air pressure
Why Should I Cover My HVAC Unit?
There are a few benefits to covering your HVAC unit, including a reduced risk of moisture accumulation and damage. Covering a unit can also help reduce noise levels.
Not all units have to be covered. Most modern units are built to survive extreme temperature changes. However, older units are susceptible to damage caused by brutally cold temperatures like those experienced in Canada. Our team can provide professional advice to prevent you from guessing whether or not you need a cover.
Some outdoor units should be covered to reduce the risk of frost buildup and any other damage caused by drops in temperature. If you cover your indoor unit, you’ll notice that the temperature in your home will stay more consistent.
If you don’t cover your HVAC unit, it could be disruptive to the indoor humidity levels. This can lead to condensation forming inside your ducts and on the HVAC unit itself, increasing the chances of mold or mildew growth as well as damage to the system.
Another reason for covering your HVAC system is to prevent debris from entering it. Snowstorms bring down branches, limbs, and leftover leaves. This debris can get into your system and cause unwanted problems. No one wants to think about the health of their heating and air in the middle of a storm. It is something we just take for granted. Covering your system, if deemed necessary, provides added peace of mind for homeowners.
A cover can also keep your coils cleaner for longer as well. This is a great way to extend the life of your system. Again, be sure to check with a professional to find out if a cover is a good idea for your particular HVAC system.
Reasons to Not Cover the HVAC
There are a few potential problems to consider when determining the need for a cover. First of all, covers do present a risk for rust to develop. The fluctuation in temperatures can cause added condensation to form inside the unit. A cover can keep the moisture contained inside the unit, preventing it from seeping out. This can lead to a rust problem.
Just as a cover can prevent some units from growing mold, it can also lead to mold growth in other situations. Most HVAC systems are built to operate in an open setting. Reduced airflow results from a cover being placed over it. If mold begins to grow, the efficiency of the unit will start to be hindered as time passes.
The scariest reason to not cover your unit is the threat of rats. No one likes the thought of rodents running around near your home. However, in the cold weather, rodents and other pests look for warm places to nest. The warmth provided by the HVAC cover might be just the place they choose. Rodents are also known to chew through wires and ruin units, causing expensive repairs or fatal damage.
Which Type of Cover Should I Use?
Depending on the type of HVAC unit you have and the environment where you live, you may need to use a particular kind of cover. For example, if you have a rooftop unit, a heavier product may be necessary to protect it from the elements. If you have an indoor unit, you may be able to use a lighter option.
Adequate protection from the elements is important all year long, so even during warmer months, you should take care to protect your HVAC system from damage. As temperatures drop dangerously low, though, you may need to take these extra precautions. Investing in a cover is a small price to pay to protect the cost of the HVAC system. A qualified service technician can guild you in the right direction concerning the type of cover you need.
How We Can Help You Cover Your HVAC System This Winter
Finding the right cover for your system is the most important part of your winter preparation. Whether you choose to cover the indoor or components, we’ll handle the job with proficiency and attention to detail. You can expect top-notch support from our experienced professionals.
With our HVAC unit-covering service, you can rest assured that your system will function without problems throughout the winter. It won’t take long for our hardworking professionals to fully cover your system inside and out. Once your system is protected for the season, you can simply use it as normal. It will continue to function with increased efficiency until the time comes to unwrap it for the warmer months.
Our Affordable Services
With our services, you’ll be able to keep your HVAC system in great shape throughout its service cycle. While air conditioners and heaters can start to fail after an extended period of time, you can keep them working efficiently with regular maintenance and repairs.
The best time for an inspection is just before the weather starts to change because it gives you a chance to catch any problems before they arise. To save time and money, you can get a seasonal inspection when you cover your system for the winter.
Wrapping Up
Caring for your HVAC unit is important all year long, but it’s especially crucial during the winter months. You can keep your HVAC system running efficiently by covering with the appropriate material suggested by your technician.
When shopping for a cover, you’ll want to keep in mind the type of HVAC unit you have and the climate where you live. You should also make sure that the cover is lightweight and breathable to avoid creating an overly humid indoor environment.
At Comfort Zone Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer all types of HVAC services, including maintenance, installations, and repairs for water heaters, heat pumps, air conditioners, and heaters. We also have you covered if you’re looking for indoor air quality products in Cobourg and the surrounding area. Contact Comfort Zone Heating & Air Conditioning today.
