Author Topic: Central air unit  (Read 12592 times)

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Offline longview

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Central air unit
« on: October 01, 2014, 08:16:24 AM »
I bought a house a few weeks ago that has central air installed. 

It has the unit outside and I am wondering if it is better to cover that in the winter months or just leave it be.  Among people I know, very few have central air since, even if it hits 100 degrees or more in the day, it cools a lot at night.  Of those that do have it and use it, they either leave it uncovered or hire someone to do their outdoor maintenance and have no idea why the unit is covered, or even if it is.   

I haven't found much on the internet about this basic question.  Lots of technical information on the internal workings of the thing. 

Just gathering opinions, and if anyone has a good website suggestion, that would be appreciated, too.

Offline freedumb2003b

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Re: Central air unit
« Reply #1 on: October 01, 2014, 08:21:51 AM »
Let it be.

The outside units are called Condensers and are designed to withstand the elements.

They are what drive both the heat and the cool air: covering them is a bad idea.
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Offline franksolich

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Re: Central air unit
« Reply #2 on: October 01, 2014, 08:24:37 AM »
At our house in the heart of the Sandhills--Arctically cold in winter, Sahara-like in summer--the outside unit was left uncovered, per the recommedation of the guy who installed it.

But as that was eons ago, and much has changed since, I dunno if that still applies--although I suspect it does.

It was a "Carrier," by the way.
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Offline JohnnyReb

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Re: Central air unit
« Reply #3 on: October 01, 2014, 08:48:14 AM »
You don't have those worries around here.....some illegal alien or dope head will run off with it some night while you are home relieving you of any and all worries about outdoor units.
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Offline freedumb2003b

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Re: Central air unit
« Reply #4 on: October 01, 2014, 09:17:51 AM »
At our house in the heart of the Sandhills--Arctically cold in winter, Sahara-like in summer--the outside unit was left uncovered, per the recommedation of the guy who installed it.

But as that was eons ago, and much has changed since, I dunno if that still applies--although I suspect it does.

It was a "Carrier," by the way.

Carrier is the Cadillac of HVACs.  Good advice.
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Offline longview

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Re: Central air unit
« Reply #5 on: October 01, 2014, 10:00:37 PM »
Thank you!  One less thing on my "prepare for endless winter" list.

Offline catsmtrods

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Re: Central air unit
« Reply #6 on: October 02, 2014, 06:04:26 AM »
Around here we cover them in the fall to keep the leaves out.
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Offline franksolich

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Re: Central air unit
« Reply #7 on: October 02, 2014, 09:56:46 AM »
Around here we cover them in the fall to keep the leaves out.

 :rotf:

But like that's a problem around here, in either the Sandhills, or in longview's case, northeastern Wyoming?

« Last Edit: October 02, 2014, 10:01:20 AM by franksolich »
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Offline J P Sousa

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Re: Central air unit
« Reply #8 on: October 02, 2014, 06:23:30 PM »
Thank you!  One less thing on my "prepare for endless winter" list.

I agree with others, covering will trap moisture.

If you have other questions I sometimes go here;
http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/forumdisplay.php?1-AOP-Residential-HVAC

They will answer questions but won't help you fix anything. (no fiy)  :-)
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Offline longview

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Re: Central air unit
« Reply #9 on: October 02, 2014, 07:00:29 PM »
:rotf:

But like that's a problem around here, in either the Sandhills, or in longview's case, northeastern Wyoming?


Bingo, Frank.  :) 

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