No, your AC unit doesn’t need an umbrella

People are becoming more creative about maintaining coolness as multiple parts of the country (and the world) are experiencing record-breaking heat. And since the scorching temperatures are testing the air conditioner units, those who rely on them to keep their homes feeling bearable are finding a way to keep them running.

A recent social media post has covered one of these strategies, but HVAC experts say it can do more harm than profit. Here’s what you need to know:

Do not shade the AC unit with an umbrella

The Facebook post in question Shows a large blue umbrella that provides shade to the air conditioner unit, and some Texas people have done this for years “to assist the HVAC unit during the hot Texas summer temperatures.” It states that there is.

But air conditioning experts say this strategy is a bad idea. For example, Blair Bodensteiner, owner of Bodensteiner Service Inc., an AC repair company in Houston. Told the local news channel The air conditioner is designed to go out in the heat and does not require our help. And, in fact, putting them under an umbrella can be more harmful than good.

“Don’t cover the AC unit. It can actually make the unit work harder and reduce the cooling effect,” said Matt Lopez of Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical. Told Houston KPRC2.. “The hot, exhausted air hits the cover and recirculates through the unit’s coils. Therefore, the temperature of the air moving across this coil, which is used to remove heat from the system, rises. “

If anything, putting the umbrella in the wrong place can cause the AC unit to work more than necessary. According to Lopez, a minimum of 18 inches should be left around the coil of the AC unit to allow proper airflow.