Should I Cover My A/C Unit in the Winter?

As the summer temperatures fade and fall arrives, that means it’s time to power down the AC unit and crank on that heater. However, before saying goodbye to your air conditioner, there are a few maintenance tips to keep in mind. While you always want to change your air filters and take care of other maintenance tasks, many homeowners have the same question every single year:

“Should you cover your air conditioner in the winter?”

To know if it makes sense to purchase an AC cover for winter, it really depends on your situation. 

Keep reading to learn about a few factors that can help you make this decision.

Most AC units can handle extreme weather

The air conditioners of today are built to withstand tons of different weather events. From harsh rainstorms to brutal winds, AC units handle a lot. The condenser, which is the bog box outside your home, is made with durable materials that can stand strong in the most extreme storms. This includes rain, snow, and severe heat. 

Inside the condenser, you’ll find coils and other components that are also designed to withstand the elements. Due to these durable materials and system parts, it’s never required to utilize an air conditioning winter cover. However, as you never know what can happen, purchasing an AC unit cover can help to prevent the unexpected.

Your location matters

Thinking you want to cover AC unit in winter? Before buying an expensive cover, think about the weather in your area. This will not only help you decide on if you should cover it, but also how you should cover it.

The colder the climate, the more reason you have to cover your AC unit. In the north where there may be significant snow and cold weather, a cover may be the smart move. In these areas, an air conditioner may be used for a few months every year. Since leaves and ice can build up on your AC unit, covering it is recommended.

If you fail to cover your unit in very snowy areas, the ice build-up can cause damage to the coils over time. However, you shouldn’t purchase an airtight cover that restricts airflow. Not only can that lead to excessive moisture that can harm system components, but using this cover can also encourage animals to make their home inside your air conditioner. These are two situations you want to avoid! If you plan to use an AC cover for winter, always make sure there’s an adequate amount of airflow.

Removing smaller AC units

Where to buy an air conditioner cover for winter

If you’ve decided that it’s best to cover your AC unit, you may be wondering where you can find some high-quality options. For starters, you can look online and find tons of different varieties. Another option is to head over to your local home improvement store. Many HVAC businesses also carry these AC unit covers, so call them today to check their inventory.