Manufacturer recommendation: Most manufacturers do not recommend covering your A/C unit. Air conditioners that operate year round are built to withstand an outdoor environment and don’t require coverage.
Are you supposed to cover your air conditioner?
CONCLUSION. Covering your air conditioner, especially with a full-length cover, leads to issues of mold, rust, and other problems. Your unit is made to withstand the snow and a cover is not needed for protection. It is recommended to only cover your AC during the fall months.
What happens if I don’t cover my air conditioner?
Keeping your AC unit uncovered not only prevents excess moisture buildup, but it also keeps mold and mildew growth at bay. Although you’d want to cover your AC unit before a severe weather event such as a hailstorm or blizzard, there’s no reason to keep your AC covered throughout the entire winter.
Is it good to cover your air conditioner in the winter?
Mold risk: Your air conditioner is made to be open to the air. Covering your air conditioner will block proper air flow which can lead to mold growth on your evaporator coils. The mold can block proper airflow through your coils and decrease your air conditioner’s efficiency.
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 for the winter?
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. Plant shrubs around the unit to protect from wind and blowing snow.
How do I keep my outside AC unit from freezing in the winter?
- Change your air filter regularly. To keep your system efficient, change out the air filter at least once a month.
- Clean the fan.
- Keep your vents open.
- Keep the condenser coils clean.
- Schedule a professional inspection.
How do I winterize my AC unit?
- Do: Shut off the power to the unit.
- Do: Remove any debris stuck in the unit.
- Do: Cover the unit with a sheet of plywood.
- Do: Wax the outside of the unit.
- Don’t: Wrap the condenser in plastic.
- Do: Remove snow and ice through the winter.
References:
- https://www.myqualitycomfort.com/general/should-i-cover-my-air-conditioner-in-the-winter/
- https://www.heatcraftinc.com/4-reasons-you-shouldn-t-cover-your-air-conditioner-this-winter
- https://www.bonney.com/2016/10/cover-outdoor-ac-unit-winter/
- 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.professionalservicestoday.com/what-to-do-to-prevent-your-hvac-unit-from-freezing-up-in-the-winter
- https://www.robertbpayne.com/the-dos-and-donts-for-winterizing-your-air-conditioning-unit/