When winter hits, should you cover your outdoor air conditioner? We asked HVAC pros for their thoughts, and what to do if you didn't cover your AC this winter. Below, we've consulted experts on whether it's necessary to cover your AC unit in winter, including when to cover it, the best types of AC covers, and tips for protecting your unit without covering it. Wondering how to care for your AC in winter? An HVAC expert shares what you should never do.
In the north (where A/C might only be used for 4-6 months of the year), one of the reasons you might be advised to cover your A/C unit after summer is to protect it from the weight of falling leaves, and from impending snowfall and ice build-up. Though the units are certainly tested to withstand icy conditions, excessive snow and ice can be damaging to the coils over time. The AC unit cover also provides a lovely warm and dark place for outside critters to hide over winter.
By using a cover then, you might be making a very costly mistake. Should you cover your AC unit in the winter? Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of air conditioner covers for winter. At Moyer, we're frequently asked this question-and in most cases, our recommendation is not to cover your air conditioner during the winter.
Why Covering Your AC Unit in the Winter Isn't Usually Necessary Modern air conditioners are designed to live outdoors year. You don't use your AC unit in the winter, so should you keep it covered, and if so, how? Experts from around the country weigh in. No, you should not fully cover your air conditioner in winter.
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Most HVAC professionals and manufacturers recommend against it because covers trap moisture, attract pests, and can cause more damage than they prevent. Your AC unit is designed to withstand outdoor conditions year. Some of these, the AC can handle by itself or the cover won't help, for others, it is useful to protect your air conditioner by covering it in the winter.
The threats include: Snow is gathering on the air conditioner. Snow can penetrate your uncovered outdoor AC unit.
