There is no doubt that buying a Lennox air conditioning unit is a significant investment. So does that mean you should cover your AC unit throughout the seasons? We have done the research to help you answer this question.
It is unnecessary to cover your Lennox air conditioning unit during any season. You can cover it partially in the fall to avoid leaves from accumulating in the unit, but only cover six inches from the top of the unit.
You can choose to cover or not cover your unit during the off-season entirely. However, do not cover your AC unit during the main seasons to avoid trapping in moisture.
Proper maintenance of your AC unit is essential to prolong its lifespan. This article will discuss when to cover your Lennox AC unit and when not to. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about air conditioning units, so read on!
Should You Cover A Lennox Air Conditioner?
It is not necessary to cover a Lennox air conditioning unit. However, suppose you have a specific circumstance where leaves, seeds, or debris can get inside the unit quickly during the fall season, i.e., In that case, if it's located near trees, you should most definitely consider covering the Lennox AC unit. Only cover the unit six inches from the top to allow proper airflow.
You will have moisture buildup inside your Lennox air conditioner system if the airflow is blocked. That can detrimentally affect other components like coils and cause mold or bacteria to grow.
It is crucial not to cover your unit during spring and summer. The air conditioner comes with a built-in thermostat that regulates the temperatures in your house. If you cover it, you will prevent heat from escaping when it's hot and heat from entering when it's cold outside.
Another problem with covering your Lennox AC unit is the risk of inviting rodents. They will be able to crawl under the cover and create nests, which is dangerous because they can damage your air conditioner by chewing through wires.
Some sites will say to cover your AC unit during the winter, and this choice is yours. However, covering it will offer a warm place for rodents to shelter in.
Do I need to winterize my AC unit?
Yes, you should winterize your AC unit before the winter season. This will protect it from the cold weather and prevent any damage. The damages and risks involve rusting, debris buildup, and avoiding rodents from nesting in there.
How do you winterize a Lennox air conditioner?
To winterize your Lennox air conditioner, turn off the primary power source, and clean the unit. Remove any debris or dirt collected on the outside and inside it.
If you live in frigid cold areas, it may be worth covering your pipes with an insulation cover to avoid freezing. Lastly, check your unit and remove any built-up ice, debris, or snow.
Is it bad to cover your AC unit?
Covering your Lennox air conditioner system is not bad. It benefits if you are in an area with lots of leaves and debris like trees near the AC unit. However, as mentioned earlier, when you do this during the fall, be sure not to cover the unit altogether.
However, remember to never completely cover it during any season except the fall because it may trap moisture inside, which can cause rusting, improper airflow, and buildup of debris.
When should I remove my AC cover?
You should remove your AC cover when the weather is warm outside and the unit is ready for use. In addition, you should check it regularly during this time and remove any leaves or debris that may have built up from nearby trees.
What happens if you run AC with the cover on?
Running your AC with a cover will affect how well your air conditioning unit operates. Blocked airflow will put extra stress on the unit, potentially causing damage.
You will have moisture buildup inside, which means more work for your AC unit to keep the house cool. This extra work can cause strain and unnecessary wear or damage depending on how long you leave the cover on.
In addition, it will affect how fast your AC unit cools down because it can't run as efficiently as it should be running.
How do I save money on my AC?
To save money on your AC, you should set a monthly budget for repairs and maintenance. In addition, we recommend having a professional service Lennox air conditioner system twice a year.
This will help save money in the long run because you won't have significant problems occurring with your Lennox AC unit. In addition, it is a good idea to clean the air filter every month or two.
Can you clean an AC unit with vinegar?
Yes, you can use white distilled vinegar to clean your Lennox air conditioner system. It will help eliminate the mildew and bacteria that may have built up in there over time.
First, turn off the primary power source and remove debris or dirt around the unit. Then, pour the vinegar into a spray bottle and spray it on all parts you can see.
Leave it there for 15 minutes, then wipe everything down with a clean cloth or towel. If there's still debris left after that, turn it back on and remove any remaining debris by vacuuming it up.
How long do Lennox air conditioners last?
On average, your Lennox AC unit can last you anywhere from 15 to 20 years. However, the heat pump usually only lasts 10-12 years. It depends on the frequency of usage and proper maintenance given to it.
If you live in a place with lots of snow and debris buildup, this could cause the unit to fail early. Finally, if rusting occurs, this will weaken your AC system, leading to shortening its lifespan.
Is it OK to spray water on your air conditioner?
Yes, you can spray water on your Lennox air conditioner system. This is especially good if you live in a place where you get a lot of wind. YOu can spray your unit to remove any debris or dirt buildup.
Doing this will help your AC system work more efficiently. However, make sure you do it when the unit is off and the power source has been switched to "off." Using cold water to clean can also cause buildup in the coils, which leads to extra strain on the unit.
What does an air conditioner repair cost?
The cost of a Lennox air conditioner repair depends on the problem and how long it takes to repair. However, the yearly average repair cost is $336, ranging from $160 to around $520.
What causes an air conditioner not to cool?
If your air conditioner is not cooling when it should be, then this could mean several things. First, a dirty filter usually causes the AC unit to not cool.
If it does not get cleaned or changed, your Lennox system will work harder and longer than usual. However, the dirt also blocks airflow, which causes your AC unit to run less efficiently.
In addition, your compressor, blower motor, blower fan, or condenser could be causing the issue. Those are all parts inside your Lennox air conditioner system and may take a professional to diagnose and repair.
Why does my Lennox AC unit freeze up?
A frozen Lennox air conditioner is usually caused by a dirty filter, dirty evaporator coil, and low refrigerant levels.
When dirt and debris build up around the coils, it can cause your unit to work harder than usual. Also, if the coil freezes over, this could lead to water dripping down onto your unit's fan blades.
This causes the fan to stop working, and it will ultimately lead to AC failure if not repaired by a professional soon. In addition, low refrigerant levels can cause freezing because it does not have the power needed to run efficiently.
That is why you need to take time and change or refill your unit's refrigerant when required.
In addition, the freezing could be due to a dirty evaporator coil. When the evaporator coil is dirty, it does not allow airflow.
This causes an obstruction which can lead to your Lennox air conditioner system freezing over and ultimately failing if the ice melts onto the fan blades.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to cover your Lennox AC unit during the unit is up to you. However, be sure not to cover it during its primary working months to avoid moisture build. Lastly, if the unit is by a tree during the fall, cover the unit only six inches from the top to protect it from leaves and debris.
For more articles like this one, you should also read:
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Portable Air Conditioner Leaking Water – What Could Be Wrong?