Air conditioner sales have been on a meteoric rise in recent years, with about 8.5 million new units sold in a single recent year. Central air units can cost between $1,500 and $10,000 or more (depending on the footprint of the home), and repairs to existing units aren’t cheap either. If you’re considering buying a new air conditioner or just wanting to take care of the unit you have, consider investing in a low-cost but effective system to protect it: An air conditioner cover.

Lots of folks who use air conditioning covers only think to do so in the fall or winter. There’s good reason to protect your unit during these seasons, but as our corrosion and rust prevention experts at Zerust can explain, having an air conditioner cover in the spring and summer months can be beneficial as well, particularly if you don’t have the unit running the whole time or are anticipating a summer storm.

Main Benefits of an Air Conditioner Cover

Although central air systems are built durably to withstand many elements, they aren’t weatherproof. In one study conducted by the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service at LSU, researchers found that homeowners on average saved $33 monthly by getting annual tune-ups of their air conditioners – and keeping them covered during inclement weather. That works out to about $400 a year. Ultimately, you could be extending the lifespan of your unit by years, potentially saving you thousands.

If you want your air conditioner to remain efficient – your electric bill lower and repair and replacement costs down – you’ll be smart to take good care of the unit you have.

Some of the primary reasons air conditioner covers are recommended include:

• A cover keeps the coils cleaner, so they run more efficiently when they’re turned on again.
• Protection from corrosive salt in the air. This is a particular concern for those who live in coastal regions. Salt and moisture can accelerate corrosion and rust damage to the metal components of your air conditioning unit.
• Prevent debris and yard waste from interfering with function. In the summer, falling debris from gutters, trees and grass clippings can prevent proper airflow of your air conditioning unit. Dirt and debris can essentially act as a sponge, allowing water to get into the air ducts and preventing air from passing through correctly. This not only can result in functional problems, it could cause mold and mildew, which can smell musty and may even cause health problems.
• Protection from summer storms. If you’re in a region with frequent spring or summer hailstorms, you might consider putting a cover on your unit ahead of the storm – assuming it won’t be in use during the storm.
• In the winter, an air conditioning cover can prevent water from resting directly on coils and freezing. This can be especially harmful if you live in a region with numerous freeze-and-thaw cycles throughout the year.

If you’ve invested thousands of dollars in home cooling solutions, an additional $20 to protect that investment for up to five years is just smart.

Why Zerust is Preferred

Not all air conditioner covers are created equal. In fact, they can do more harm than good.

Covers must be both water resistant – to keep water out – and protect the elements inside if water works its way underneath the cover. What you don’t want is for moisture to get trapped under the cover, as this can cause mold, mildew, rust, and corrosion. A plastic tarp is not going to cut it for this reason.

You also want to make sure the air conditioner cover fits your unit correctly. A cover that’s ill-fitting will allow insects, rodents or other pests to work their way inside, potentially causing lots of damage.

Zerust air conditioner covers offer protection to most standard-size air conditioning units, and can offer up to five years of protection when handled properly. Furthermore, they are designed with vapor corrosion inhibiting material (VCI), which means they specifically inhibit corrosion from forming. They’re also environmentally safe, non-toxic and completely odorless. They’re also made of durable material that lasts longer than the typical air conditioner cover.

If you’re uncertain whether our AC cover will work with your unit, call or email us, and we’ll help answer your questions!

Contact Zerust for information on air conditioning covers by emailing us or calling (330) 405-1965.

Additional Resources:

It Pays to Maintain Your A/C, LSU College of Agriculture

More Blog Entries:

Air Conditioner Covers Protect Your HVAC System in Cooler Months, Feb. 27, 2018, Zerust Consumer Products Blog