Table of Contents
Have you ever wondered, “Should you cover your air conditioner in the winter?” You’re not alone.
Key Highlights
This friendly guide will cut through the confusion, offering clear, straightforward advice. We’ll debunk myths, weigh the pros and cons, and provide practical tips. All with the goal of helping you make an informed decision about winterizing your air conditioner.
So, get cozy, and let’s dive into this handy homeowner’s guide to keeping your AC unit in tip-top shape, even in the coldest winter months.
- AC covers are only necessary when there is a risk of branches, leaves, and other debris entering your unit.
- When choosing a cover, opt for a breathable and weather-resistant material or a hard top cover for protection from icicles.
- Explore other alternatives like shelters and pergolas.
- In addition to a cover, don’t neglect regular maintenance that ensures the efficiency of your unit.
Why an Air Conditioner Cover Isn’t Always Necessary
Contrary to popular belief, air conditioners are hardy machines.
They’re designed to face the elements head-on, and yes, that includes the chill of the harsh winter weather, too!
Made from robust, resilient materials, these units can handle snow, sleet, and freezing temperatures – they’re tough cookies.
But you might ask, “Why not just cover them up anyway? It couldn’t hurt, right?”
Well, here’s the thing: While it may seem like a good idea, covering your air conditioner can actually do more harm than good.
Covering the entire AC unit up can trap moisture inside, leading to rust and corrosion.
Moreover, a covered unit becomes a cozy winter home for critters, inviting unwanted guests such as mice or insects.
These little intruders can cause quite a bit of damage by chewing on wires or nesting inside.
Now, this doesn’t mean you should leave your air conditioner unit entirely at the mercy of Mother Nature.
You can shield the top of the unit from falling icicles or heavy snow accumulation, which could potentially cause damage.
Just remember to leave the sides open for ventilation.
So, your air conditioner doesn’t need a winter coat. It’s already equipped to withstand winter’s harsh conditions.
What it needs is regular check-ups and maintenance to keep it running smoothly and efficiently.
Doing so protects your outdoor AC unit and ensures a cool, comfortable summer ahead.
When You Should Cover Your AC Unit In the Winter
During fall, cover your air conditioner if it’s near many trees to prevent leaves and other debris from entering.
Any debris should be cleared during your annual maintenance service to avoid complications.
That’s why we advise servicing your air conditioner before its first use each year.
In winter, you don’t have to cover your air conditioner.
However, beware of icicles forming above.
Remove them or use a sturdy top or wood to shield your unit if they can’t be removed.
Mesh covers are an option but won’t protect against falling ice. Your unit’s protection lies in your hands!
Why Should You Consider Covering Your AC Unit
Provide information on how covering an AC unit can affect its efficiency and longevity, as well as any environmental benefits.
Whether you should cover your AC unit will depend on its location. Generally, there is no need to cover the unit because it may cause mold formation, create a welcoming environment for rodents, and may even freeze the components.
However, if you use the right cover, you can actually benefit from it. Here is how:
- Using a proper cover will protect your unit from debris and leaves that fall inside it, ensuring it work properly all-year round.
- Using a hard top cover will protect your unit from dangerous icicles that you cannot reach and remove by yourself.
- A breathable cover will keep your unit clean, prevent it from freezing, and ensure its efficiency and performance stay the same when you need it.
What Air Conditioning Cover Do You Need?
The cover you choose may directly impact the future performance of your unit, and, again, the location of your unit will decide whether you need a hard or soft cover.
If your air conditioning unit is placed far from the trees and at a safe distance from the roof, you should consider a breathable cover that can be installed to protect the entire unit or a tarp that would cover only the top of your unit without causing moisture buildup. These covers are also suitable to protect your AC from leaves, branches, or other debris from entering it.
If there is a risk of icicles falling from the rooftop or snow buildup, we strongly recommend placing a piece of plywood on top of your unit.
How to Cover Your AC the Right Way
✔️ Step 1: Choose the Right Air Conditioner Cover
Did you know that a special cover for your air conditioner unit exists?
These are breathable and designed to keep moisture out while preventing debris from entering.
Avoid using plastic sheets as they can hold moisture and cause damage to the outdoor air conditioner unit.
✔️ Step 2: Clean Before Covering
Before putting that air conditioner cover on, quickly clean up your unit.
Remove any leaves, twigs, or other debris that might have gathered around it.
✔️ Step 3: Secure the Cover
Now, fit the cover over your outdoor AC unit.
Make sure it’s snug but not too tight – you don’t want to restrict airflow.
Secure it with bungee cords or weights to keep it from flying off on a windy day.
✔️ Step 4: Regular Checks
Even with a cover on, make sure to check your unit regularly.
Look out for icicles forming above and remove them to avoid damage.
Use sturdy wood to shield your unit if they can’t be removed.
Remember, your outdoor AC unit doesn’t need a winter coat to stay warm, but a good cover will protect it from winter’s messier elements.
Dos and Don’ts of Covering Your Air Conditioning
Here are the fundamental dos and don’ts when it comes to covering your air conditioning:
Best Practices for Winterizing AC Units: Things to Remember
By now, we hope you know whether your AC unit needs a cover or not. There are a few things to remember when it comes to proper winterization of your AC, and we mean AC maintenance.
Our HVAC experts cannot stress enough how important it is to check your unit before the hot season begins, particularly the following:
- Filters: Check and replace the filters if needed
- AC coils: Check and clean the AC coils before running your unit full-power
- Clogs: Check the drain line for clogs and clean it if needed
Whether you place a cover or not will not matter if you don’t run regular maintenance of your HVAC system.
How Do Winter Conditions Affect Outdoor AC Units?
️ Snow and Ice Buildup:
Snow and ice can damage your outdoor HVAC system and components.
Excessive snow and ice can obstruct airflow, reduce system efficiency, or cause physical damage.
It’s essential to keep your outdoor air conditioning unit well clear of snow and ice buildup.
️ Severe Weather Conditions:
Heavy rain, wind, hail, or snow can inflict damage on your AC unit.
Debris from storms can obstruct airflow and dent the unit, impacting its performance.
️ Moisture Damage:
Covering your AC unit in winter can hold moisture within the unit, leading to rust, corrosion, and poor airflow.
Moisture can also freeze the air conditioner’s condenser coil, causing further damage.
️ Cold Temperatures:
Running your AC unit in extremely cold temperatures can damage the machine and lead to more problems once the weather gets hotter. Hence, it is not recommended to turn on your AC during winter if you live in a region with a cold climate.
️ Attracting Critters:
Winter is a time when many small animals look for warm, protected places to hibernate – and a covered AC unit can seem like the perfect spot!
The warmth of the unit, combined with the shelter provided by the cover, can attract critters such as mice, squirrels, or even insects.
These uninvited guests may chew on wires, nest in vents, or cause other damage that can affect your AC’s performance when spring arrives.
Pros and Cons of Covering Your Air Conditioning
Common Myths and Misconceptions About Covering AC Units
Myth #1: Snow Damages Your AC Unit
Many homeowners frantically buy AC covers, thinking that snow can damage their AC unit. However, the air conditioning unit is crafted with sturdy materials that are designed to resist various weather elements, including snow.
Myth #2: A Plastic Cover Will Extend Your Air Conditioning Lifespan
A plastic cover will trap moisture, leading to mold formation. We strongly advise you to purchase a dedicated, breathable cover or opt for a partial cover that will protect the roof of your air conditioning unit.
Myth #3: Cover Will Keep Your AC Unit Clean
If you use a non-breathable cover, you will likely have to do much more cleaning than if you hadn’t opted for a cover. The problem lies with the material of the cover, which can lead to mold and rust, regardless of how new your unit is.
On the other hand, if you want to keep your AC unit clean from debris, leaves, and other debris, you should invest in a breathable cover.
Alternative Methods of Protecting Your AC Unit
When it comes to protecting your AC unit, you are not limited to a cover if you absolutely need to use it. Fortunately, there are other ways you can protect your unit, its performance and components in good shape.
AC Shelters
An AC shelter is a protective structure, built around the unit that protects its roof and sides. Typically made of wood or metal, it is designed to shield your air conditioning unit from harsh weather conditions.
Pergolas
Pergolas are open-structured frameworks that consist of four pillars. They are often used to create a protection for a garden or a shade over a walkway. Alternatively, pergolas can shield the top of your AC unit and provide more benefits than a regular cover:
Frequently Asked Questions to Should You Cover Your Air Conditioner In Winter
What’s a Better Way to Protect Your AC During the Winter?
A great way to protect your AC during winter is regular maintenance. Brush off excess snow and consider a protective shield for the top against heavy accumulation. Remember, full covers can trap moisture, causing damage. Your AC is tough, but a little TLC never hurts!
Will Snow Damage My Air Conditioner?
No, your AC unit is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including snow. While excessive snow can affect efficiency and cause physical damage, regular AC maintenance, like brushing off excess snow, keeps your unit running smoothly. Rest assured, your AC is well-equipped to handle winter!
What Kind of Cover Should I Use for My AC Unit?
The best cover you can get for your air conditioning unit is a breathable and weather-resistant cover that doesn’t hold moisture yet protects from unwanted critters.
What Happens If I Use a Plastic Cover?
Plastic covers can be weather-resistant yet non-breathable, meaning they hold moisture, which can lead to corrosion and mold formation on components. Full coverage in plastic cover may also cause your unit to freeze in winter, which will negatively affect the unit’s performance in summer.
What Can I Use to Protect My AC Unit from Icicles and Snow Buildup?
A breathable cover will not protect your unit from the impact of icicles falling from the rooftop. Hence, you should instead cover it with a hard top cover, like a wooden board.
Conclusion
Your AC unit is designed to withstand winter weather, including snow and ice. With regular maintenance and minimal seasonal care, it can continue to run efficiently year after year. That said, a bit of extra protection is never a bad thing. If you’re unsure whether to cover your unit or how best to prepare it for winter, we’re here to help.
For expert advice and year-round HVAC support in the North Okanagan, call Vernon Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical Services—your local comfort specialists.
