How To Keep Leaves And Sticks Off An Outdoor AC Unit

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Air conditioners are quite expensive, as are repairs and replacements. Replacing an outdoor unit often costs at least a few thousand dollars, and sometimes this is not possible because some units are not designed for partial replacements. When faced with these costs, you will probably wish you knew more about useful tips to prolong the life of your HVAC system. Part of regular maintenance includes keeping your outdoor unit clean and free of debris. Leaves, sticks, and other items that fall through the top slots of your outdoor AC can block airflow and create clogs, which can reduce efficiency, cause damage through increased wear, and may corrode the interior of the unit as well.

It may not always be possible to perform regular check on the unit, especially if it is surrounded by trees or bushes. If you need a better solution than constant cleaning to keep sticks and leaves off of your outdoor AC, then purchasing a cover may be the perfect solution. Whether you are looking for ways to care for your outdoor AC unit in the winter, or just hoping for general protection, AC unit covers can help. These mesh net covers are secured on top of AC units and provide a barrier that blocks sticks, leaves, and other debris from entering while still letting the air flow into the unit. Rather than falling into the machine, any debris either lands on top of the mesh or bounces to the ground.

Over time, as debris builds up on the cover, you can simply brush everything off using your hand or remove the cover and shake it out. These covers are usually water-resistant and can be hand-washed. The covers are attached to the unit using bungee cords, and due to their light weight and simple design, are easy to put in place and remove as needed. Overall, they are easy to use and care for, especially compared to the difficulty of accessing and cleaning the interior of the unit, or having to schedule maintenance.

The price of a mesh AC unit cover can vary depending on the size you need, the quality of the cover, and even the color you want. Small, budget options can cost under $15, while larger, more premium ones can cost up to $50. An in-between option, the Modern Wave central air conditioner cover has a 4.7-star rating based on thousands of reviews, and costs under $25. You can also find covers that protect the sides as well as the top, which may be better if you notice debris piling up around the base of the unit, or are concerned about extreme weather conditions. Of course, a mesh cover is not foolproof, and you should still know how to clean your outdoor air conditioner unit (and the best time to do it) in order to avoid costly future repairs.