Out Door AC cover Idea's

[Jazzman442]

OK I hope I am posting this in the right place. I have 2 new Ac units outs side and I need to cover them as the leaves keep falling into them when they are off.

I have found a few of them but nothing looks like it will work in Florida with all of this wind we get.

Any Ideas?

 

[tony m]

I cut apiece of plywood to cover just the fan grill on top, painted it and placed decorative rock on top to hold it in place. You don't want to cover the entire unit, just invites little critters in.

 

[sms1974]

covering them causes a multitude of problems. there designed to be in the rain and snow wind, if you want to prevent leaves out i suggest plastic garbage can lids and bungee cords.

 

[rburke65]

Screening could be an answer.

 

[brownbagg]

are you talking air compressor or hvac unit. my air compressor been outside 22 years, I got a plastic 55 drum split long ways over the motor and pump but still allows cooling air to circulate

 

[kbs2244]

If we are not talking about a complete seasonal shutdown you are going to allow for air flow.
Those fans push a lot of air.
I would think about a screened in, shed like, thing.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Even though condensing unit covers are sold, they are not recommended. If the unit is turned on by someone that doesn't know it's covered, you'll pop a compressor pretty quick. I admit it doesn't happen frequently, but I've seen it a few times.
The most frequent problem covers cause is many are pvc and don't "breathe", so they hold in moisture which causes premature coil corrosion. A piece of plywood across the top is about the best off-season cover.

Tommy

 

[matt_i]

It would look a little "alternative" but if you could build a picnic-area shelter (4 posts + roof) over your A/C with enough room for the air to flow, you could probably get it wide enough to deny entry of leaves other than those blowing around. This would be a pure functional solution...

 

[Jazzman442]

Living in Florida I use the AC almost year round except for a couple months when I will use it in the afternoon only when it get colder out. I am looking to do something to keep the leaves out of the unit. When it shuts off the oak tree leaves fall into it. Is there something
I can / should do to keep them out? I also wondered if I put a screen or something above it if I will hurting or damaging the unit?

 

[lilredex]

Our condensing unit is wall mounted up out of the way, and the AC is only used a couple of months per year. My canvas cover was made from sewing together two generator covers that came from Princess Auto's surplus department. The wind can blow through it and it does not trap moisture,, yet it keeps the leaves out, much like a car cover. A couple of ropes through grommets at the bottom keeps it in place.

Going on ten years now and everything looks good.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

It would look a little "alternative" but if you could build a picnic-area shelter (4 posts + roof) over your A/C with enough room for the air to flow, you could probably get it wide enough to deny entry of leaves other than those blowing around. This would be a pure functional solution...

The required overhead clearance may make something like that relatively ineffective. Check the install specs.

Tommy

 

[brownbagg]

why would anybody cover their HVAC unit, they are design to be left outside

 

[chaosracing]

When I bought my house, previous owners had a cover for the AC unit. It was in place since we bought it in March. When I took it off, the sun had killed it and it tore up. I have just used a piece of leftover plywood since then and thats 11 years ago. Same sheet to. Never painted it either.

 

[James-W]

We don't cover our central air. If we get too many leaves inside we just remove the top fan and use the shop vac to **** out the leaves. Take about 20 minues and it is all done.

 

[Woz]

If you live in a climate where the A/C is in use most of the year then James-W suggestion of leaving the condenser uncovered and cleaning out the leaves periodically is the best advice. If you live in a northern climate where A/C use is more limited then covering the condenser does save the effort of cleaning out the leaves and sticks every year.

A correctly designed condenser cover leaves a few inches of the condenser exposed at the base to allow for air circulation and prevent moisture issues. Well designed covers are custom made for each condenser design and have straps to prevent blow offs. I have used covers made by this company on several houses and even after 14 years the covers still look new.

https://www.accovers.com/?gclid=COvIhsWg5dICFV1WDQodQBMCVw

You supply the model number of your condenser and they sew the cover to match the factory dimensions including the correct cutouts for piping and electrical. You also get to pick the color.

 

[drx2]

https://www.familyhandyman.com/heat...-your-air-conditioner-condenser-unit/view-all

 

[eddieK]

Living in Florida I use the AC almost year round except for a couple months when I will use it in the afternoon only when it get colder out. I am looking to do something to keep the leaves out of the unit. When it shuts off the oak tree leaves fall into it. Is there something
I can / should do to keep them out? I also wondered if I put a screen or something above it if I will hurting or damaging the unit?

The leaves fall to the bottom and unless they build up about 8 10 inches cause no damage and do not affect operation.

If it starts while covered you will create a situation where the compressor will be attempting to compress liquid...never good.

If you must cover it shut off power. As an A/C contractor I've made quite a bit over the years replacing compressors from this mistake.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

The leaves fall to the bottom and unless they build up about 8 10 inches cause no damage and do not affect operation.

If it starts while covered you will create a situation where the compressor will be attempting to compress liquid...never good.

If you must cover it shut off power. As a A/C contractor I've made quite a bit over the years replacing compressors from this mistake.

The leaves at the bottom will rot the steel out very quickly. Lack of condenser airflow does not cause liquid slugging. What kills the compressor is excessive head pressure.

Tommy

 

[eddieK]

The leaves at the bottom will rot the steel out very quickly. Lack of condenser airflow does not cause liquid slugging. What kills the compressor is excessive head pressure.

Tommy

I've witnessed 30+ years of leave build up with little affect. Dog urine and sprinklers are much more of a problem than worrying about leaves.

The leaves at the bottom do not adversely affect air flow across the coil, unless like I said it is 8" high...

 

[Jazzman442]

Just figured that since I had installed 2 units outside and there is several trees close by that the county will not let me remove that it would be a good idea to cover them. There is some screens that keep leaves out and one I have seen that pops up when the unit starts.

But from all of the information here says I should just leave it aloan and clean it out once in a while.

I started this thread to see if I would be hurting the efficiency or if it was a good idea.

Sound Like it is not.