5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Cover Your Air Conditioner for Winter

As the scorching summer sun starts to fade and the relief of fall starts to settle in, residents of Cocoa start preparing their homes and yards for the wintertime. For many, that leads to the question of whether they ought to cover their exterior air conditioner for the winter.

While it may seem like a great idea, the reality is there are multiple reasons why you shouldn’t cover your AC unit in the winter. Along with not being something you need to do, covering your outdoor air conditioning equipment can sometimes cause problems.

Here, the specialists at The Chilly Pig share five reasons why covering your air conditioning equipment doesn’t need to be on your fall to-do list and what you should do instead.

1. Your AC Unit Isn’t Damaged by Snow

Outside AC units are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions like snow in the winter season. These machines are built with sturdy materials and parts that can handle the outdoor elements without damage. The coils and fins of the unit are constructed to resist corrosion, and the housing is designed to protect the internal parts from moisture and debris.

2. Covering Your Air Conditioner Can Cause Mold

One of the reasons you should avoid covering your air conditioner in the cold months is because doing so can trap moisture—which is not at all what you want in your outdoor unit. That’s because allowing moisture to collect inside the unit generates the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to flourish.

Mold and mildew not only have a bad odor, but they can also create health risks, especially for household residents with respiratory issues or allergies. Also, the excess moisture can corrode the internal components of the AC unit.

As an alternative to covering the unit, instead ensure proper drainage and keep the area around the unit cleared of debris, allowing for efficient airflow and preventing moisture buildup.

3. A Covered Air Conditioner Can Host Animals

Human beings aren’t the only ones who prepare for winter. Animals that live around your home are also hunting for a warm, cozy place to hide out for the winter months. For many creatures, a covered air conditioner is an ideal winter home.

Birds, mice, chipmunks and even rats commonly make winter dens inside covered air conditioners. Animals living in a covered AC unit can cause many problems. Mice can chew through wires, insulation and other connections, causing damage that may require costly repairs. Debris animals bring into the AC to make themselves a warm and comfortable nest can impair airflow and ventilation, reducing the efficiency of the AC and potentially causing it to overheat. Additionally, animal excrement can result in unsanitary conditions and bad odors.

Leaving your air conditioner uncovered helps deter animals, because an uncovered AC offers less shelter from chilly temperatures than a covered unit. That’s better for your AC—and leaves you with less mess to throw away and things to repair when winter is over.

4. Covering Your Air Conditioner Restricts Airflow

Another reason not to cover your AC unit in the winter is because a cover limits airflow through the unit. Adequate airflow is crucial for the AC system because it helps with heat exchange and enables the unit to cool properly. When airflow is reduced, the system has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, resulting in increased energy consumption and strain on the components.

In addition, if you run your AC without realizing that the outside unit is covered or because you simply forgot, it could result in a range of problems. One issue is that the lack of correct airflow could cause the compressor to overheat, resulting in its failure or damage.  That’s why it is necessary to ensure the outdoor unit has no barriers and is not covered to maintain the best possible airflow.

5. AC Maintenance Is More Effective Than Covering Your Air Conditioner

The bottom line is, it’s lots more effective to do a little maintenance for your air conditioner than to cover your exterior AC unit.

There are a number of key maintenance projects you should prioritize to ensure the best possible performance and longevity of your AC unit. First, it’s wise to inspect your outdoor AC unit regularly and get rid of any debris such as leaves, twigs and dirt to maintain proper airflow. Second, check and clean the coils, fins and filters to make sure there isn’t any dirt and dust buildup that would hinder efficient heat exchange or airflow.

Scheduled air conditioning maintenance not only improves efficiency, but it also helps extend the unit’s life span, decreases energy consumption and protects against costly repairs. Rather than using a cover, investing time and effort into routine air conditioning maintenance is a proactive plan of action that can significantly benefit your entire HVAC system in the long run.