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You must be aware that your air conditioning unit requires regular care and maintenance to ensure that it is in an optimal working position.

Many homeowners wonder if they should cover the air conditioner unit in winter to protect it against dirt and snow. If you’re wondering the same, we have the answer for you.

As HVAC experts, we’ll tell you whether or not you should cover your air conditioner in the winter and why. We’ll also share the right way to protect your AC units.

Is It Necessary to Cover Your Air Conditioner During Winters?

To be honest, modern AC systems are designed to withstand snow, rain, and the heat of the sun. This means that your AC unit and condenser (the big box that is placed outside the home or on the terrace) don’t need extra protection from the harsh winter weather conditions.

It is, therefore, unnecessary to cover the air conditioner unit during winters.

Why Should You Cover Your Air conditioner Unit During Winters?

While air conditioners can easily withstand extremely cold temperatures, keeping your air conditioner unit uncovered may still cause trouble.

Wondering how?

Not covering your air conditioner can expose it to:

• Falling leaves, branches, and twigs
• Dirt
• Snow and ice build-ups
• Bird and animal nests
• Rodents
• Pine needles
• Mold growth
• Other debris

These items can cause damage to the outdoor AC unit and affect its cooling performance.

However, this totally depends on the climatic conditions of the area you’re living in and the placement of your outdoor AC condenser unit.

If your outdoor air conditioning unit is placed in an area where falling debris can get into its small spaces, you should cover it when fall and winter approach.

But covering your AC unit doesn’t guarantee protection. Sometimes, using plastic air conditioner covers can restrict airflow and trap moisture inside the unit. This will actually promote rusting and corrosion and could cause more harm to your cooling system.

[Also read: Does homeowners insurance cover AC units?]

If you cover your AC unit, just cover it from the top. The cover should come down the side about 6 inches and should not cover the entire unit. This will allow airflow and prevent mold damage.

Water-tight covers can also encourage insects and small animals to make their homes inside your air conditioner by giving them a cozy environment in harsh winters.

Therefore, you should never use a plastic, airflow-flow restrictive air conditioner cover. Instead, find an air conditioner cover made of breathable material and make sure that it does not lock in moisture.

What Else Can You Do to Protect Your Outside Air Conditioning Unit?

Using air conditioner covers made of breathable fabric isn’t the only solution to protect your AC unit from falling debris and moisture during the winter months.

Here are a few more tips on how to protect your air conditioner unit during the fall and winter months:

• Check with your AC manufacturer to see if there is an all-weather protective attachment available for your AC unit. If so, use it.
• Remove your window AC units during the off-season and pack them safely.
• Cover your wall-mounted AC units with a breathable fabric.
• It’s more important to cover your air conditioner during the fall to prevent the falling leaves and other debris from getting into it.

And, most importantly, get your AC unit serviced by professionals regularly to make sure it is in optimal working condition.

Conclusion

You may want to cover your air conditioning units during winters to protect them from harsh weather conditions. But modern AC units can withstand cold temperatures.

What you actually need to protect your cooling system from is debris, moisture, and rodents who are known for finding their way into very small spaces.

Use a breathable cover that allows airflow and prevents moisture lock-in. If available, use an all-weather protective attachment specifically designed for your AC unit.

For heating and cooling system service, call our HVAC experts at (530) 903-6061 today.