The Conservative Cave

Interests => Around the House & In the Garage => Topic started by: longview on October 01, 2014, 08:16:24 AM

Title: Central air unit
Post by: longview 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.

Title: Re: Central air unit
Post by: freedumb2003b 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.

Title: Re: Central air unit
Post by: franksolich 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.

Title: Re: Central air unit
Post by: JohnnyReb 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.

Title: Re: Central air unit
Post by: freedumb2003b on October 01, 2014, 09:17:51 AM

Quote from: franksolich 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.

Carrier is the Cadillac of HVACs.  Good advice.

Title: Re: Central air unit
Post by: longview on October 01, 2014, 10:00:37 PM

Thank you!  One less thing on my "prepare for endless winter" list.

Title: Re: Central air unit
Post by: catsmtrods on October 02, 2014, 06:04:26 AM

Around here we cover them in the fall to keep the leaves out.

Title: Re: Central air unit
Post by: franksolich on October 02, 2014, 09:56:46 AM

Quote from: catsmtrods on October 02, 2014, 06:04:26 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?

(http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g419/Eferrari/september/endofsummer_zps84f7c3cd.jpg) (http://s1100.photobucket.com/user/Eferrari/media/september/endofsummer_zps84f7c3cd.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Central air unit
Post by: J P Sousa on October 02, 2014, 06:23:30 PM

Quote from: longview on October 01, 2014, 10:00:37 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)  :-)
.

Title: Re: Central air unit
Post by: longview on October 02, 2014, 07:00:29 PM

Quote from: franksolich on October 02, 2014, 09:56:46 AM

:rotf:

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

(http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g419/Eferrari/september/endofsummer_zps84f7c3cd.jpg) (http://s1100.photobucket.com/user/Eferrari/media/september/endofsummer_zps84f7c3cd.jpg.html)

Bingo, Frank.  :) 

Thank you for the link, J P Sousa.