Air Conditioner Products Covers FAQ's

Q: Why should I cover my air conditioner during the off season? (Top of Page)

A: Air conditioning manufacturers make rugged, high quality products that are designed to withstand the elements i.e. snow, wind, rain, sun, and extreme heat/cold. However, an air conditioner's filters, coils and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to operate effectively and efficiently throughout its years of service. Unlike the evaporator coil, the condenser coil is exposed to unfiltered outdoor air. Air borne dirt will become lodged in the condenser when the outdoor environment is dusty, or if there is foliage near by. Depending on where you live dirt can build up very quickly. Just about everything that contacts the coil surface can have an insulating effect. Dirt, dust, seeds, bugs, foliage, grease, corrosion, pollution, and even bacteria and other microorganisms can act as an insulating barrier. Anything that touches the coil reduces the heat transfer of unwanted heat from the refrigerant to the outside air.

Air conditioning manufacturers design equipment to achieve the highest SEER level of efficiency using the least amount of refrigerant. The systems are perfectly balanced and anything that affects the heat transfer creates an imbalance which drastically affects performance. A dirty coil reduces heat transfer which causes temperature and pressure of the refrigerant entering the compressor to increases above normal levels. The compressor will than work harder and draw more amps to keep up. The cooling capacity of the system will be greatly reduced and the mechanical components will be significantly stressed. A dirty coil means a higher operating cost, more wear and tear on the compressor and fans, and inadequate cooling.

Coils that have little maintenance performed often become clogged with seeds and dirt over time. If the condenser airflow is restricted on a hot day the compressor head and cylinders will become extremely "hot". The oil will than begin to break down and lose its ability to lubricate causing accelerated wear and allowing contaminants to enter the system. This can cause rings, pistons and cylinders to wear resulting in lower compression, leaking valves, and metal debris in the oil. Once this occurs compressor failure will soon follow. Air conditioners are a closed loop system and changing the oil is not a normal or easy procedure. The oil used in air conditioning systems is extremely resilient but will prematurely break down if the system is not looked after. Imagine trying to drive your car for 10 years without ever changing the oil. When a hermetic compressor fails the only way to fix the system is to replace the compressor. This involves opening the system, having the refrigerant and oil removed, and filter dryers installed to clean  up the system of moisture and acid that will be introduced from opening the system and left from the failure. This is a very costly procedure and many systems at this point are not worth fixing.

* The benefits of keeping the coil clean are:

* Equipment operates at a lower temperature and removes more heat.

* You have lower operating amperage, resulting in lower energy costs

* Compressor is operating at maximum efficiency and will operate less

* Equipment will last longer and be more reliable

This is why we recommend you keep the coil clean with a Brinmar air conditioning cover during the off season.


Q: Will rain keep my air conditioner clean? (Top of Page)

A: During the operating season rain will help keep your unit clean and will wash airborne dust of the unit. However over time air borne pollutants such as cottonwood or dandelion seeds, leaves, grass, bugs, dirt, and foliage will get drawn into the system and lodged deep between the coils. Low pressure rain water will not remove all debris, clean bugs, sticky residues, corrosion, or foliage from the coils. Rain water will also have no effect on debris that has fallen inside the unit. Different manufacturers use different materials to construct condensing unit coils and have different recommendations regarding cleaning. Always follow the manufacturers safety and cleaning instructions precisely or have maintenance performed by a professionally trained technician. Many complications can arise from improperly trying to clean a coil. The fins are very delicate and can be easily damaged if touched incorrectly. Trying to wash the coil from the outside may further lodge seeds, and debris deep between the coil. A professional can safely clean the equipment from the inside which will remove more debris. There are many specially formulated coil cleaners on the market and some are extremely corrosive. Unless you are a trained HVAC professional never use a coil cleaner to clean your coil. These chemical are extremely dangerous to use and are usually either acidic, alkaline, solvent, or detergent based. Misuse, wrong concentrations, poor rinsing, or repeated use can completely destroy a coil or drastically shorten the coils life. During the off season regular preventative maintenance is the best way to ensure trouble-free operation and peak performance. When not using your equipment use a Brinmar Cover. It will help keep your system running at its optimal efficiency levels, which keeps energy usage - and your energy bills - in check. But just as important using a cover gives you peace of mind.

Q: Is it safe to cover my air conditioner?

A: That depends on what you cover it with. Vinyl Covers must be designed with ventilation in mind in order to eliminate moisture and condensation from occurring under the cover. If you wrap thin plastic around the air conditioner and secure it with bungee cords, string, elastic, or tape, than condensation will likely occur since there is no way for moisture to escape the unit. Every Brinmar cover is custom fit and designed ½" short which slightly exposes the coil of the air conditioner. This space provides between 36 and 72 square inches of cross ventilation. Additional cross ventilation will also occur at the opening for the refrigerant and electrical line sets. Our design has been field tested for 30 years and we have made more air conditioner covers than any other company in the world. For those people who are not convinced we can provide up to 4 additional air flaps which would provide an additional 32" of cross ventilation. After 30 years of manufacturing air conditioner covers Brinmar has never had a single case of condensation. Brinmar supplies every air conditioner manufacturer with winter covers. They appreciate our high quality covers and most prefer our standard cover design.

Q: Why are your covers slightly short?(Top of Page)

A: Brinmar makes full length covers which are designed ½" short to slightly expose the coil and provide air circulation. Other manufacturers may have as much as 6-12” of coil showing. This is too big of an opening and it looks unappealing. In fact, the manufacturer is simply cutting costs by giving you a short cover. The standard industry width of a role of vinyl is 54". Some companies will cut the role in half and use this dimension to determine the height of their covers. When a hem and seam are added their finished cover would never be greater than 25". Brinmar uses the height of the air conditioner to determine the height of the cover and also adds additional material to the seams.

Q: What is the difference between a custom made cover and a Brinmar designed cover?

A: A custom made cover may or may not fit well. A Brinmar designed cover is guaranteed to fit. Years ago air conditioners had simple square, or rectangular shapes. Today the trend is towards rounded corners, tapered angles, sloped tops, protruding parts, and fasteners, all of which must be measured and taken into consideration. Many companies will try to make a custom cover without ever seeing the equipment or actually fitting the cover. They will want you to assume responsibility for measuring the equipment. If the cover is too small they will tell you that they were given the wrong dimensions and rarely if ever will they allow  the cover to be returned. In order to avoid problems like this they will usually make the cover bigger than necessary. Either way the cover will not be an ideal fit and won't have that tailored made look you were expecting.

Brinmar has designed more air conditioner covers than any other company in the world. We supply every air conditioner manufacturer in the market with covers. Every Brinmar cover is custom designed by Brinmar and form fit to the exact shape and details of a particular cabinet make, model and size. Our patterns have all been custom designed, custom fitted, and field tested. When you buy a cover made by Brinmar you have confidence knowing that the cover will be an exact fit.

Q: Does Brinmar guarantee the cover will fit?. (Top of Page)

A: Brinmar sells it products with an unconditional guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied simply return the product unused for a full refund. There are over 6,000 models of air conditioner in use in North America today. Normally each model can be identified by the brand, the model, and the Btu size. However there are certain condensing unit models which were manufactured with different cabinet dimensions during different years of production. We know exactly which brands, models, and years had altered cabinet dimensions and will inform you of this when ordering. In any case it is very easy for us to determine the correct cover for your unit.

Q: Do I have to provide Brinmar with dimensions?

A: If you know your model number we will never ask you for dimensions, we already know the dimensions of your equipment. Since 1975 we have worked closely with OEM engineers, sales, marketing, and parts departments to maintain and develop current patterns for every make, model and year of air conditioner.

When a manufacturer introduces a new air conditioner model they will contact Brinmar and send us technical literature. We will then measure the equipment in the field, or have the manufacturer send us their equipment for measurements. Samples are than made with several fittings in order to ensure accuracy of a pattern. This is why our products always fit perfectly.

Q: Why doesn't Brinmar use Marine Canvas? (Top of Page)

A: Marine canvas is not waterproof; it is water repellent. This means that during the finishing process a water repellent finish is applied to the fabric. The effectiveness of the water repellent finish diminishes with normal usage. Marine canvas requires constant cleaning in order to prevent dirt from being embedded in the fabric. Manufacturers of marine canvas recommend it be cleaned monthly  with clear water, and thoroughly cleaned every couple of years. Canvas requires re-application of a water repellent treatment such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard® after every cleaning in order to maintain water repellence. Improper care of canvas will significantly reduce its life expectancy. Most marine canvas has a 3 to 5 years warrantee.

Q: Where can I buy Brinmar Products?

A: Brinmar manufactures exact fit covers for over 6000 models therefore you won't find Brinmar covers at your local hardware store. Brinmar products are available from all Air Conditioner Manufacturers and their distributors across North America. Covers are often bundled with equipment on a promotional basis when you purchase a system. If you have purchased a system without a cover, call us and we will identify the correct part number and we can tell you who is likely to have stock in your area. New air conditioner models are being added almost daily and most manufactures and wholesaler will only carry stock for recent models. If this is the case you could have them place an order with us or order directly.

Q: Ordering Questions ?(Top of Page)

A: Ordering is simple, we already have the dimensions, shape, corners, electrical and refrigeration configurations of every air conditioner made since 1975. The only thing we need to know is the model number of your air conditioner to determine the part number of our exact-fit cover. This number is located on a metal label or adhesive sticker at the back of your air conditioner's outdoor condensing unit. It's usually located where the electrical and refrigerant lines enter the unit. The model number is 4 to 10 characters in length and it will contain one of these numbers; 18,24, 30, 36, 42, 48, or 60. Sometimes the model number has faded or has disappeared from the cabinet. In this case you could obtain the model number from your dealer's invoice, or call him for the number. As a last resort, phone us toll-free at 1-888-454-6627 with exact dimensions of your cabinet and the brand name of your unit. We'll try to figure it out from there.

Q: How long will it take to order a cover?

A: Brinmar has the largest inventory of air conditioner covers in the world. Most covers are in stock and most orders will be shipped within a few days of receipt of order. The average time for delivery of most orders will be within 7-10 days from receipt of the order. Expect longer for special requests, or peak season. We have the fastest delivery in the industry as most of our competitors have 4 to 6 weeks  lead time. Call us toll free (888 454-6627) and we will gladly check inventory and inform you of availability and expected delivery time.

Q: What colors are Brinmar covers available in? (Top of Page)

A: Brinmar manufactures air conditioner covers in two colors, gray and beige. These colors match most home exteriors and landscapes. The Covers we keep in stock are usually the same color as the air conditioner cabinet itself. If you have a gray air conditioner, then we recommend a gray cover, and a beige cover for beige equipment. That way the cover will always blend in with the existing appearance of your yard. When you install a different color cover, the air conditioner all of a sudden becomes more noticeable and obtrusive.

Q: How can I clean and care for my cover?

A: Cleaning the cover is very simple, wipe with a damp cloth. Allow cover to dry before storing. Please do not machine wash or dry clean. For heavier soiling use the following methods.