1. Why should I cover my air conditioner during the off season?
2. Will rain keep my air conditioner clean?
3. Is it safe to cover my air conditioner?
4. Why are your covers slightly short?
5. What is the difference between a custom made cover and a Brinmar designed cover?
6. Does Brinmar guarantee the cover will fit?
7. Do I have to provide Brinmar with dimensions?
8. Why doesn't Brinmar use Marine Canvas?
9. Where can I buy Brinmar Products?
10. Ordering Questions?
11. How long will it take to order a cover?
12. Why doesn't Brinmar guarantee 48 hour turn around?
13. What colors are Brinmar covers available in?
14. How can I clean and care for my cover?
15. How important is keeping the Condenser Coil clean?
16. Can I operate my air conditioner with the cover on?
17. Can Fed Ex deliver when I’m not at home?
18. Do I need a vented cover? I’m concerned about condensation that may cause my air conditioner to rust?
19. Are air conditioner's vulnerable to UV (ultraviolet) radiation from the sun?
20. Should I cover the condensing unit with plywood or particle board?
21. Is special care required for equipment located near the ocean?
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 off 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 become 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: Brinmar Ltd. is the largest manufacturer of air conditioner covers in the world and supplies every single OEM manufacturer in the USA and Canada with air conditioner covers since 1975. Our air conditioner covers are sold through OEM air conditioner manufacturers, distributors, and wholesale outlets at thousands of locations throughout the USA and Canada. It all began in 1975 when Fred Jones a Professional Engineer could not find a reliable source of air conditioner cover for his customers. Before Brinmar most people were covering their condensing unit with thin plastic or wrapping tarps around the unit during the off season. They did this because air conditioning is only used for a few months in some parts of the country. Homeowners became frustrated as the tarps they had wrapped around the equipment would blow away the first windy day. The homeowner would than secure the unit with tape and bungee cords which looked terrible and cut off air circulation. When thin garbage bags or clear plastic were secured tightly to the equipment it was problematic as they would not allow the equipment to breath and caused condensation. With this in mind Brinmar designed heavy duty Air Conditioner covers that were custom fit, looked great and provided excess amounts of cross ventilation to eliminate any moisture under the cover. Every Brinmar cover is custom fit to an exact cabinet 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 stood the test of time and has been used for 36 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. Brinmar is the only company in North America with our experience and expertise and this is why we supply every air conditioner manufacturer in North America with winter covers. They appreciate our high quality covers and overwhelmingly (99%+) prefer our standard cover design. After 36 years of manufacturing air conditioner covers Brinmar has never had a single case of condensation.
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 9,000 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 9,000 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 them 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 largest inventory and 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. Why doesn't Brinmar guarantee 48 hour turn around?
A. Companies that promise a 48 hour turn around do so by selling big box style generic air conditioner covers that look and fit terribly. We take pride in our products and guarantee every cover is an exact fit. We never have and never will sell generic covers! We appreciate your time is valuable and that is why we keep the largest inventory of custom fit air conditioner covers available anywhere. When we receive an order it is routed directly to the shipping department. Most orders are stocked and a vast number do ship within 48 hours. However with 9,000 condensing unit models in North America it is impossible to stock every model. If delivery is important to you let us know and we will check the stock we have on hand before you place the order.
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.
1) A solution of 10% household liquid soap with warm water applied with a soft dam cloth will remove most soiling.
2) If necessary, apply the above solution with a sponge. Wipe away the residue with a cloth.
3) If the above have not proven satisfactory, try a commercially available product designed for cleaning your car's vinyl interior such as ARMOR ALL cleaning wipes©.
* For best results always allow the cover to dry before storage.
* Equipment should be dry before applying cover.
* Best to smooth the cover out before installing
* All four corners of the cover should be placed on the equipment at the same time. The cover will not fit if you try to yank over the fourth corner. New models are extremely large and this may be awkward for some. You may find it easier to install with the help of a second person.
* Avoid pulling cover over sharp protruding edges.
* If you are storing the cover in the garage, bring indoors and allow cover to reach room temperature before installing.
Q: How important is keeping the Condenser Coil clean?
A:Routine maintenance today can save a lot of money in hydro and major repairs later. Keeping the outdoor condenser coil clean is part of normal maintenance as outlined in the installation and servicing instructions, or the owner's manual of your equipment. Keeping the condenser coil clean will enhance your air conditioner system's ability to operate economically and dependably. By keeping your unit operating at peak performance, you will recoup any time or money invested in upkeep by lowering your repair cost and saving money on your electric bill.
The homeowner is responsible for regularly making sure the condensing unit located outside is not obstructed by shrubs, leaves, or debris and changing the furnace filter regularly. When cutting the lawn direct glass clippings away from the unit. If the coil becomes dirty, clean the coil surface with a vacuum cleaner using a soft brush attachment. Use an up and down motion being extremely careful not to bend or damage ANY of the delicate aluminum coil fins. If dirt is embedded deep, the coil is discolored, or fins blocked you should schedule an appointment with your dealer for a tune up and cleaning. If the unit is heavily soiled a dealer can safely take the unit apart and clean from the inside out with special cleaners and remove more dirt.
The frequency of maintenance depends on the age of the equipment, the amount of foliage nearby, the amount of dirt and type of dirt that has accumulated. The unit does contain dangerously high voltages, sharp fan blades, moving parts, and razor sharp metal edges so follow manufacturer's cautions and warning advice throughout the equipment's manuals. Homeowners should never use a hose and water to try and clean the interior of the unit. Cleaning in this way can lead to serious risk of electrical shock, and possible shorting of electrical components.
Without regular maintenance an air conditioner loses about 5% of original efficiency for each year of operation. This means the energy efficient 14 SEER unit you bought a few years ago may be operating like a 10 SEER unit of yesteryears if you have not performed any maintenance. Well maintained equipment will last longer, is less likely to suffer a major breakdown and uses less electricity. This is why we recommend you keep the coil clean longer by using a Brinmar Cover during the months you are not using the equipment. Ignoring the unit during the off season can lead to poor air conditioning performance, noise, and increased energy consumption during the cooling season. Using a Brinmar Cover combined with regular maintenance is far less costly than neglecting the equipment and paying for repairs or a replacement later. Keep the coil clean, help keep the planet Green!
Q: Can I operate my air conditioner with the cover on? (Top of Page)
A: Air conditioners require unrestricted air flow around the unit during operation. Before starting the system it is important that you remove your Brinmar cover. The cover will protect the unit during the off season but must be removed prior to operating the unit. If you’re forgetful put a Post-It note on your thermostat so you remember to remove the cover before turning on the air conditioning.
Q: Can Fed ex deliver when I’m not at home? (Top of Page)
A: Yes, the cover can be dropped at your door or Fed EX can leave a delivery tag on your door telling you where you can pick it up locally .
Q: Do I need a vented cover? I’m concerned about condensation that may cause my air conditioner to rust.
A: Brinmar is the leading manufacturer of air conditioning covers since 1975. Our standard cover design has been time tested and laboratory approved by leading air conditioner manufactures for over 35 years. We have sold millions of covers. Most of these covers are our standard design - without air vents. To date, we have yet to receive a single complaint about condensation causing damage to the air conditioner. Not a single complaint. Not one. Zero. Our standard cover has three design features that account for this. 1) Each cover is ½ inch short in height. This permits air flow at the bottom of the cover where any damp air could accumulate. 2) Our vinyl covers are made with heavy duty industrial vinyl and have a supported fabric layer that provides insulation qualities 3) Each cover has a large opening or slit to accommodate the electrical and A/C lines which allows air to escape, so the cover is never air tight. Still, if you’re not convinced and want more piece of mind, get one of our top vented covers. They provide an additional of 32 additional square inches of cross ventilation. Our standard design is by far the more popular choice.
Q: Are air conditioner's vulnerable to UV (ultraviolet) radiation from the sun? (Top of Page)
A: Your equipment is designed to withstand all possible weather conditions including ultraviolet rays but over time the sun's powerful UV rays will begin to fade the cabinet. One of the best ways to keep the cabinet fresh and looking like new is to use a cover during the off season. If you wish to keep your equipment in immaculate condition apply a coat of auto wax each fall to the cabinet. Wax should never be applied to refrigerant lines, coils, fins, or electrical contacts.
Q: Should I cover the condensing unit with plywood or particle board?
A: All condensing unit coils accumulate dirt over time. Placing plywood over the unit will hasten the process and does ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to keep the condenser coil clean. Plywood deteriorates physically, chemically, and biologically by sun, wind, water, and temperature. Wet plywood will attract dirt and other micro-organisms and leach adhesives, resins, chemicals, preservatives, dirt, fungus, bacteria, and mold all of which can stick to the coil and reduce the efficiency of your system. A dirty coil reduces heat transfer, wastes energy, stresses the equipment and does the exact opposite of what you are trying to achieve. There are vast differences in the four grades of commercially available plywood ranging from treated to marine plywood and two basic categories, interior and exterior. Each grade uses different wood, chemicals, adhesive glue and manufacturing processes. Even the term "waterproof plywood" doesn't necessarily mean that the plywood is waterproof but rather that the glue is waterproof. Even marine grade plywood will eventually rot if left exposed to weather if not properly sealed with varnish, paint, or other coatings. For the above mentioned reasons we do not recommend you place plywood over any unit. 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 special care required for equipment located near the ocean?
A: Special care is required for outdoor condensing units near ocean environments. Ocean mist and sea breezes carry sand and especially salt, which is very corrosive to most metals. To protect the equipment, cabinets are made with galvanized metal and protected with top-grade paint. Most condensing units are manufactured with aluminum fins that are mechanically bonded to copper tubes. The aluminum fins are especially susceptible to salt and can deteriorate quickly depending on a number of factors including fin construction, location of the equipment relative to the salt water and the frequency of maintenance. Salt damage can cause the aluminum to flake and under extreme conditions the fins will begin to peel away from the copper tubing. When this occurs heat transfer is disrupted decreasing the overall efficiency of the equipment. The most important step in prolonging the life of the equipment is proper maintenance and using a cover during the off season. The installer of your equipment will have a fairly good idea about cleaning schedules based on your equipment and area.
|
