Air conditioning is an invaluable home installment that most Americans can't live without. The first time you live in a place where the air conditioner breaks down is an experience you probably won't forget. Quality air conditioners (either window units or central air) are crucial to maintaining a consistently cool home, and these air conditioners deserve to be protected from undue harm and stress.
Types of Air Conditioner Covers
Even more important than vent covers, however, is the duct system itself. If you haven't had your ductwork cleaned in the past few years, your ducts have probably gotten dirty. You should check air filters and the areas near the vent outlets every year, but you should still have a professional cleaner come in (they have specialized, high power duct cleaning equipment) and have your system completely flushed. Without proper vent and duct maintenance, you're running the risk for mold and dust allergies, as well as a decreased lifespan for your central air conditioning.
Air Conditioning Safety, Efficiency, and Maintenance
Air conditioner covers are nifty items that will allow your cooling system to run more smoothly, no doubt it. But they're not a silver bullet that will transform your comfort level or your utility bills. You get what you pay for and $50 covers are a great place to start, but you should at least consider larger upgrades to your air conditioning system. Many of these upgrades will have a more profound impact than a simple air conditioning cover and still won't resemble the cost of a complete cooling system overhaul.
For an example, let's return to your ductwork for a moment. Besides duct cleaning, an evaluation of your duct insulation is a great idea. If cooled air must pass through a warm attic on its way to various rooms, your air conditioner will have to work a lot harder than it needs to. Adequate duct insulation will outperform most air conditioning covers. Nor should you use these covers as an excuse to ignore other energy-efficiency and maintenance solutions. Ceiling fans, effective use of daylighting, and window treatments are necessary for cost-effective and time-effective energy-efficiency upgrades. Periodic inspections, air filter replacements, and close monitoring are all necessary components of air conditioning maintenance whether or not you use dust/weather covers.
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