Avoiding direct sunlight is often one of the most important factors to take into account when maintaining your outdoor air conditioning unit. The sun’s intense rays can overheat the system, lowering its performance and leading to expensive repairs later on.
Fortunately, once you know how to protect AC outdoor units from sunlight, you can extend the life of your AC unit and maintain a cool and comfortable living space.
Our following tips will cover the most valuable techniques for protecting your outdoor air conditioner unit from direct sunlight and reducing its exposure to hot weather, ranging from simple do-it-yourself fixes to specialized tech and tools.
Protecting your AC from the sun can be far simpler than expected, and our team at River Valley Air Conditioning is ready to help whenever you need us throughout these hot summer months.
Know How Sunlight Affects Your AC Unit
Before addressing how to protect an AC unit from the sun, it’s good to know why your unit needs protection.
The high temperatures created by direct sunlight can cause the unit to overheat. The condenser coils in the AC unit can overheat and become overworked, struggling to cool the refrigerant effectively.
As your unit works harder to compensate, your AC can show signs of decreased cooling performance and higher energy use. Additionally, extended exposure to sunlight can damage the AC’s wiring and the unit’s plastic parts, increasing the risk of malfunctions.
Reducing the Potential Sun Damage
When it comes to maintaining the reliability and function of your outdoor AC unit, knowing how to protect AC outdoor units from sunlight is incredibly important. The unit can get damaged from both the intense heat and ultraviolet rays, which could lead to future breakdowns.
You can avoid the risk of sun damage and make sure that your AC unit runs effectively with these tips:
Providing enough shade
Creating shade is one of the easiest and most effective methods to shield your outdoor air conditioner from the sun. Carefully position your unit in an area with shade, like beside a tree or an awning. To protect the unit from direct sunlight, you can add an extra layer of shade with tarps.
Sun shades and awnings also work well as a barrier against other outdoor hazards like snow, rain, and debris.
They serve as a barrier, keeping out leaves, branches, and other materials that might damage the appliance. A sunshade can be even more useful if tall trees or bushes are already casting shade over your AC unit.
Invest in protective coverings
Another option is to cover your AC unit with a specially-made cover to block the sun’s rays. Usually made of UV-resistant material, these covers help shield your AC from sun damage.
They also offer protection against a buildup of dirt, leaves, and other outside factors that could obstruct the unit.
Plant shrubs or trees
Wondering how to protect AC outdoor units from sunlight? Plant trees or shrubs around your air conditioner to provide more natural shade. Choose trees or shrubs with thick, broad leaves that can withstand the climate in your area.
One thing to note with planting trees or shrubs is that homeowners also need to make sure that any future maintenance checks can continue without much trouble.
Just like your AC, regular maintenance of the planted trees and shrubs is essential to ensure they don’t interfere with the AC unit’s functionality. Trim branches or foliage that grow too close to the unit and remove any debris or leaves that might accumulate around the equipment.
Use reflective or light-colored materials
When homeowners ask how to protect outside ac units, we often suggest applying reflective materials, such as reflective paint or foil insulation. Putting this on surfaces near or on your AC unit can help reflect the sunlight and reduce heat absorption.
This can be especially useful if the unit is located in an area with high sun exposure. If you get a sun shade, opt for light-colored or even white-colored materials to protect your unit.
Put up a solar or sunscreen
Like a sun shade, solar screens are another great solution for homeowners wondering how to protect AC units from sun. However, these screens are constructed from a tough, weatherproof material that can resist exposure to the elements. Screens like this can also sometimes be made from a mesh-like material.
Sun or solar screens are primarily used to block or lessen the amount of direct sunlight that enters the HVAC system. They do this to limit the heat that the unit absorbs, which can increase its effectiveness and lower its energy usage. A mesh-like material is frequently used to create sunscreens, allowing for adequate airflow while still providing effective shade.
Regular maintenance and cleaning
To guarantee your AC’s efficiency and lifespan, regular maintenance and cleaning are surprisingly great ways to protect your air conditioner from sun damage. Schedule regular visits with a qualified HVAC technician to look over and clean the equipment. Though less focused on creating shade, the maintenance can help catch and fix any heat-related damage ahead of time.
On top of that, keep the area around the appliance clear of leaves, grass, and other objects that might obstruct airflow, as earlier mentioned.
The time of day you arrange a maintenance appointment can also have a big impact on your air conditioner. Try to schedule maintenance procedures, such as coil cleaning or filter replacement, for when it will be cooler outside. By doing this, you can prevent your AC from becoming overheated while its internal parts are open to the hot air.
Takeaway
The efficiency and lifespan of your outdoor air conditioning unit depend on you shielding it from sunlight.
You can protect your AC unit from the damaging effects of sunlight by putting the techniques mentioned in this guide into practice, such as creating shade, using AC covers, and maintaining regular cleaning and maintenance routines. If you’re on a tight budget, even a simple tarp can do wonders!
To get specific advice tailored to your AC system, remember to speak with a qualified HVAC technician from River Valley Air Conditioning. Your outdoor air conditioner will provide dependable cooling for years to come, even in the sweltering sun, if it is properly protected and maintained.
