Either through the humidity in the air, or from the wind, moisture is sure to seep in. With a cover on your air conditioner you actually trap the moisture in, which can then create mold. You are much better off not using a cover for this reason. A cover will not keep small animals away, in fact, just the opposite.
Is it good to cover your AC unit?
You do not want to cover the air conditioner completely, as it can lead to a number of problems such as trapping moisture inside and causing corrosion ’97 in which case you could’ve just left it uncovered and taken your chances.
Are air conditioner covers bad?
AC covers don’t have proper ventilation which allows moisture to become trapped within the AC unit. As that moisture builds up, it also increases the risk of your unit becoming susceptible to rust and corrosion.
Is it bad to cover your air conditioner in the winter?
Though the units are certainly tested to withstand icy conditions, excessive snow and ice can be damaging to the coils over time. One thing to keep in mind is that any type of plastic or airflow-restrictive covering will actually promote rusting and internal moisture damage, and therefore should never be used.
When should you cover your air conditioner?
There is a reason to cover your air conditioner after the summer, and it’s not just for the winter. As we said before, your unit is built to withstand the rain and snow, but it is not built to keep out leaves, seeds, or nuts. Therefore, you will want to cover your system during the fall only.
Should I cover my AC unit in the summer?
If you’re considering covering your outside AC unit in the summer, whether to protect it from bad weather or to possibly save energy, the reality is that you should never cover your AC unit – not even during bad weather. For one thing, outdoor AC units are specifically designed to live outdoors.
How do I protect my air conditioner in the winter?
- Use a cover made of breathable material.
- Put plywood over the top of the unit only to shield from snow and ice, weighing it down with bricks or rocks to keep in place.
- Install a wood awning or shelter attached to the building that covers the top of the unit.
Do I need to cover my AC unit when it rains?
The only time that you should cover the condenser is during extremely strong storms, such as hurricanes, to prevent damage from wind-blown debris. For this purpose, something strong, like plywood, should be secured with the power off, and it should be removed immediately after the storm.
References:
- https://www.homeserve.com/en-us/blog/home-improvement/cover-ac-unit/
- https://www.heatcraftinc.com/4-reasons-you-shouldn-t-cover-your-air-conditioner-this-winter
- https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/mechanical-systems/should-cover-my-ac-unit-winter
- https://www.centralhtg.com/blog/should-i-cover-my-air-conditioner
- https://www.ambientedge.com/faqs/should-i-cover-my-ac-unit-in-the-summer/
- https://aristair.com/blog/how-to-cover-an-air-conditioner-for-winter-to-prevent-damage/
- https://www.conditionedair.com/blog/rain-affect-air-conditioning-unit/