How To Protect Your Outside AC Unit From Fallen Leaves

When summer ends, autumn brings a timeless change to the trees as their leaves start to fall. As beautiful as they are, if you’re not careful, they can cause problems for your air conditioner. This is especially true if you live in a rural area like Livonia, MI.

Protecting your AC from falling leaves and other debris is critical to keeping it in top condition. Leaves and debris can be incredibly destructive to outdoor AC units. Thankfully, you can take precautions to avoid AC repairs or replacement.

How Do Leaves Affect Your AC?

The first thing to understand is what happens when leaves enter your outdoor AC unit. Inside your AC is a compressor responsible for circulating refrigerant and releasing cool air. The compressor is a major component that can get damaged if leaves and other debris enter your system.

If the airflow in your compressor gets blocked, your AC will work harder and increase your electric bill. Trapped leaves and debris hold moisture that can cause rust and mold to critical components. This also leads to acidic gases that destroy the copper tubing inside your AC unit.

Leaves in your air conditioning unit can:

• Block airflow: Leaves can accumulate around the outdoor condenser unit, blocking the airflow needed for the AC to function effectively. Restricted airflow can reduce the unit’s efficiency, causing it to work harder and consume more energy.
• Clogged coils: If leaves get inside the AC unit, they can clog the condenser coils. This can hinder heat transfer, making it difficult for the AC to cool your home properly.
• Reduced efficiency: With blocked airflow and clogged coils, the AC unit’s efficiency decreases. This raises energy bills and can shorten the unit’s lifespan due to increased wear and tear.
• Moisture retention: Leaves retain moisture, which can lead to rust and corrosion of the AC unit’s metal parts. Over time, this can cause significant damage to the unit.

Call a professional HVAC company for cleaning and maintenance if you notice dirt, debris, weeds, or other residue inside your outdoor unit. This ensures your unit runs at its best.

Five Ways To Prepare Your Outdoor Air Conditioner Unit for Fall & Winter

It’s a good idea to practice preventative maintenance for your AC before cooler weather sets in. You can take several steps to protect your outdoor AC system from leaves and debris.

1. Inspect for Debris

First, inspect the area around your unit, scanning the ground and walls or structures in the immediate vicinity. If you continuously notice dirt, leaves, or other debris like cottonwood at the bottom or inside your outdoor unit, consider raising your AC off the ground to prevent contaminants. 

Next, you’ll need to inspect the interior of your AC unit. This is the most vital part of maintaining the system. Most AC units have a removable side panel, but we recommend referring to your owner’s manual or calling a technician for help.

2. Clean the AC Unit

To clean the outside area of the AC unit, remove all leaves and debris within at least 3 feet. Check nearby areas for anything that might create more falling leaves or debris. Remove or relocate these things if possible.

You can spray the unit with a hose to wash away the debris. Don’t use high water pressure, or you might damage the AC fins.

Remove any foreign objects from the interior of the AC unit, and be careful not to damage the unit with excessive force. If anything is stuck, call for professional help right away.

3. Protect Your Outdoor AC Unit With a Cover

Covering the air conditioner for the winter will prevent rain, snow, fallen leaves, and other winter hazards from damaging the unit. However, it’s important to choose the right material.

When deciding on the best AC cover, don’t use plastic or vinyl, as they aren’t breathable. These materials allow moisture buildup and lead to rust or mold. The best option is to use a breathable material such as canvas to keep your AC protected without risking rust or mold.

4. Use a Leaf Guard Cover Year-Round

If you notice plenty of leaves and debris entering your AC unit, you should install a high-quality leaf guard cover. This mesh barrier will help keep out leaves and debris without sacrificing airflow all year.

A leaf guard is a worthwhile investment that will make inspecting and cleaning your unit easier, especially in the winter.

5. Schedule Routine Maintenance

Scheduling professional preventative maintenance before winter will ensure your AC system is ready for the next summer. AC maintenance will extend the life of your system, reduce energy bills, and prevent future costly repairs.

Contact Ehlers Heating and Air Conditioning for AC Repair in Livonia, MI

Ehlers Heating and Air Conditioning has served families since 1961. We offer our Ehlers Membership to give you peace of mind that your system will always work when needed.

Anytime you need heating or cooling installation, maintenance, or repair, you can be confident our NATE-certified technicians will get the job done right.

Our family-owned business makes sure our clients are always satisfied. We have one of the largest and most loyal customer bases and are committed to providing exceptional service. We’re here for you 24/7 for emergency AC repairs.

Contact our team today for your heating and cooling needs.