Is it safe to cover your condenser?

I was kneeling in the yard and realized how tepid the sun was and the Summer isn’t even here yet.

While I was outside, I looked over at my Heating as well as A/C condenser and realized that it was in direct sunlight. There is a shrub around it, however it’s not doing much to block out the rays from the sun. So, I thought that maybe I should get a cover for the condenser unit. I came inside and grabbed my iphone to see where I could find an a/c cover, however after I did the search, I was shocked to find out that many Heating as well as A/C companies do not suggest covering the unit at all. These units are built to withstand the serious weather outside and covering the unit can cause more harm than good. But mostly they discussed the colder weeks and didn’t offer much advice for the Summer. They do suggest shading the condenser. When it’s in the shade, it will perform better, reduce utility bills, and it will also extend the life of the unit. So, if they suggest shading, I know that covering the unit to protect it from direct sun should be ok. In the colder weeks, if you cover the unit, moisture can accumulate and freeze, which will damage the coils over time. I understand that and I wouldn’t cover my unit in the Winter because our Winters are easily mild. But the heat from the sun can cause damage to the condenser unit, so I believe I will be purchasing a cover and using it on days when the temperature is higher. During the days, I use fans inside my home, so the a/c wouldn’t be running while the condenser is covered.

 

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