Updated at: 14-04-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Knowledge of how to properly cover an air conditioner is an essential part of its ongoing care and feeding. In addition, there are certain seasons of the year when it’s critical to keep an eye on things. The best time to buy an air conditioner is in the spring. In the shadows of that timetable, individuals wonder if they should cover their unit when the weather cools. As of now, autumn has arrived, and winter is only a matter of time away. During the winter, air conditioning units are built to withstand the cold and rain. All of the exterior hardware was built to withstand even the most extreme weather conditions.

They are able to maintain their position even while the temperature fluctuates. While some believe that you should still cover your unit during the winter and fall, others argue that you don’t need to. We have researched this topic, and we found out that there are various upsides and downsides to covering an air conditioning unit. So, keep reading because we will touch on that before we end this post. So, how to cover the air conditioner?

Are Air Conditioner Unit Covers Worth It?

As the temperature rises and falls, they remain steadfast. While some believe that you should still cover your unit during the winter and fall, others argue that you don’t have to. We did some study on this and discovered that covering an air conditioner has a number of benefits and drawbacks. We’ll get to that at the end of this post, so stay tuned. So, what’s the best way to keep the AC protected?

When to Cover Your Air Conditioner

When it comes to protecting air conditioners from snow, ice, and other debris, most people believe that covering the top grating throughout the fall and winter months is a good idea.

Protect Your Outdoor AC Unit From Leaves and Other Debris

In reality, outdoor air conditioners are built to withstand the harsh winters in which they are used. Leaves, nuts, and other hazards associated with autumn are the main threat. It is imperative that you use an AC unit cover if you live near trees that produce nuts or acorns. The top of the unit should only be covered, as sleeve-like coverings can trap moisture and shorten the life of your device. It’s easy to find top-only covers at a reasonable price.

When Not to Cover Your Air Conditioner

According to earlier statements, your unit is not at risk during the winter months. During the coldest months, they are meant to be left out in the open. While a full-length cover is ideal in the fall, it can lead to the growth of rust in the winter.

AC Unit Coverings Attract Rodents

Winter AC covers, on the other hand, are popular among some people. They’re a big hit with the rodents. During the colder months, rodents often make their winter home in a covered AC unit. It’ll trap some heat and keep the rain at bay at the same time. And they’ll be able to create a beautiful nest in it. The rodents will love it, but your air conditioner will not.

Why cover your outdoor air conditioner in winter?

Here are some of the reasons why winterizing an air conditioner is so critical, and how to do it correctly is critical, too:

  • Your outdoor air conditioner’s condenser coil might become clogged with dried leaves and other flying debris. That means it won’t be able to dissipate heat and cool your environment. In addition to learning how to cover an air conditioner for the winter, you must also know how to clean the coils prior to the cooling season in order to prevent leaves and dust from accumulating. This will be explained in more detail shortly.)
  • The unit can be encased in inches of snowfall. Make sure the outside of the unit isn’t covered in a thick layer of ice or snow, although it’s fine to have some frost on it. Damage can occur to the fan blades and the coil fins.
  • When ice falls, it packs quite a punch, inflicting damage to the air conditioner’s exterior or even to its delicate coils.
  • Trees and gutters may drip water into the unit. When the temperature drops, the water freezes and expands, causing the fins to be damaged.

We now know why it’s important to know how to properly cover an air conditioner for the winter.

How NOT to cover an air conditioner for winter (the WRONG way)

NEVER COVER YOUR AIR CONDITIONER IN PLASTIC! Also, plastic air conditioner covers, which are readily accessible commercially, should be avoided. Why? Because plastic doesn’t have the ability to swell or contract with temperature changes. When it comes to winterizing an air conditioner, this is the most important recommendation. Using one of those plastic coverings will help keep out snow and flakes that may fall from the sky. The concern is that they also prevent evaporation by trapping condensation. Rust or mold growth can occur in your air conditioner as a result of this. Insects and vermin can also find a home in your air conditioner thanks to those plastic coverings.

How to cover an air conditioner for winter (the RIGHT way)

The following are some ideas for winterizing an air conditioner in a way that prevents moisture buildup while still providing adequate protection:

  • Consider using a breathable cover.
  • Only use plywood to protect the unit from snow and ice, and secure it in place with stones or rocks.
  • Cover the top of the unit with a wood awning or shelter attached to the building.
  • Protect the unit from wind and snow by planting bushes around it. It is imperative that you have your air conditioner serviced to ensure that it is operating at peak efficiency during the summer months.
  • Build a shelter for the unit that serves as both a winter shelter and a summer shade structure. Ingenious designs can be found on a variety of websites, including Pinterest. Make sure you leave enough space around your air conditioner when designing a cover for it in the wintertime.

Here are a few suggestions for temporary air conditioner shelters, taken from a linked article: Here Are 15 Ingenious Ideas for Hiding Your Outdoor Air Conditioner

What to do to protect your air conditioner come spring

Once you’ve mastered the art of winterizing your air conditioner, don’t just stop there! You also need to know a little little about how to keep your air conditioner safe during the sweltering months of the year.

  • It’s possible that flooding at the unit’s bottom will obstruct drainage and damage the electrical system. To avoid minor flooding, place your unit on a slab rather than the ground.
  • The unit has a hard time doing its function if it is constantly exposed to direct sunlight. In addition to providing shade for your air conditioner in the summer, an awning or a built-in shelter will help keep it running at its peak efficiency.
  • Preventive maintenance, such as coil cleaning, should not be overlooked. Before turning on your system in the spring, remove any dust, leaves, or other debris from the fins by cleaning them. Your system’s safety, comfort, and energy efficiency will all be improved with regular maintenance. Think it’s too expensive to maintain a vehicle? You’ve got to rethink this! Learn more about how preventative maintenance saves you money by reading this article: It’s Free to Maintain Your Air Conditioner. It’s worth it..

Make sure you know how to protect your air conditioner during the cooling season and how to protect your air conditioner throughout the winter. Learn how to properly maintain your air conditioner so that it can keep you cool and comfortable this summer. For additional details, download our free guides:

Suggestions To Cover Air Conditioner

To what end is it important to know how to properly conceal an air conditioner?

When the summer is done, you need to cover your air conditioning unit. To be sure, it’s not simply for winter’s sake. Snow and rain are no match for air conditioning systems, as was previously said.

Although we should not overlook the inclusion of nuts, seeds, and leaves in the unit. As a result, you should protect your unit in the autumn as well. In the event that seeds and leaves are allowed to enter the unit, moisture will build up. Corrosion will occur as a result of this. They can even impede the system’s built-in moisture drainage. Only the top of the unit should be covered if you decide to do so. If you’re going to make your own cover, it should extend about six inches past the top and bottom of the book. If you don’t want to run into problems later, don’t entirely cover your unit. Corrosion and rust will set in if the unit is entirely submerged in water.

3 Disadvantages To Cover Air Conditioner Unit

List the disadvantages of having your equipment covered in this area.

#1. Leads to damages

Remember that if you completely cover the unit, moisture will be trapped within. The reason for this is that it will produce an environment that is extremely humid.

There is a danger to the wiring connections and electrical wiring from corrosion and rust. Circuit boards can also be damaged by theist environments.

#2. Obstruct the airflow

The design of an air conditioner is based on allowing fresh air to enter. You can, however, prevent optimal ventilation by covering your unit. Mold will grow on the evaporator coils as a result of this. The efficiency of an air conditioner will diminish if mold grows on the coils, which blocks the passage of air.

#3. Animals can find shelter on the cover

It’s possible that animals seeking protection from inclement weather might take up residence in an outdoor air conditioning unit if the cover is present. Those animals may think this is a mouse house because it’s so little and cramped. Somebody could be to blame for this. Additionally, this can lead to difficulties like gnawing on wiring. The rodents may also remove the Freon lines to build their nests, leaving them uninsulated. It won’t be long before your storage unit is home to a litter of puppies.

2 Advantages To Covering The Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit

Now that we’ve covered the benefits of air conditioning, let’s move on to the downsides.

#1. Cleaner coils

The coils will be a little cleaner if the unit is covered with a sheet. So when it’s about time to use your unit again, it will become more efficient. The cover will also prevent sticks, leaves, and other debris from getting into the unit.

#2. Keep water away

The coils will be a little cleaner if the unit is covered with a sheet. You’ll notice a boost in efficiency when you’re ready to utilize it again. The cover will also prevent sticks, leaves, and other debris from getting into the unit.

AC Unit Covers Aren’t Necessary for Winter

Cleaning the coils is made easier by covering the unit. So when it’s time to get back to using your unit, it will be more efficient. In addition, the cover will keep detritus like sticks and leaves at bay.

Air Conditioner Unit Winter Maintenance

Despite the frigid temperatures, turn your AC on for a few minutes a month. This gets the parts moving a few times during the cold season and can help prevent equipment seizures. Only run it for a few minutes, and preferably when it is not below zero. If the oil becomes too viscous due to the outside air temperature, it may not lubricate enough to prevent the unit from overheating. A minute or two per month will keep your AC at the ready for when you really need it.

Although it’s freezing, run your air conditioner once or twice a month. Equipment seizures can be avoided if pieces are moved a few times a week during the cold season. The best time to use it is when the temperature isn’t below zero. Depending on the ambient temperature, the oil may become too viscous and fail to keep the compressor from overheating. It only takes a few seconds a month to maintain your air conditioner ready to go when you need it most.

It’s A Wrap!

Covering an air conditioner is generally not recommended by air conditioner manufacturers. Because they are built to endure the elements, they may be used all year round. Air conditioners are not covered by insurance. However, if you truly want to cover it, there are a number of options. There are many ways to cover the top of the device, including utilizing plywood. Despite its low price, this is an effective way to keep out dirt and water. Covering an air conditioner isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue. Make sure you simply cover the top of it. Debris will be kept at bay, but ventilation will be unimpeded. Keep in mind, however, that the best course of action is to have a technician perform routine maintenance on your machine. They will thoroughly inspect the unit and clean out any leaves and debris that have accumulated throughout the winter and fall.