5 Reasons to Not Cover Your Air Conditioner for Winter

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

While it may seem like a great idea, in reality there are several reasons why you shouldn’t cover your AC unit in the winter. On top of not being necessary, covering your outdoor air conditioning equipment can even cause problems.

Here, the experts at Air Service Co. 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. Snow won’t Hurt Your AC

Outdoor AC units are supposed to withstand harsh weather conditions like snow in the wintertime. These systems are built with sturdy materials and components 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 shouldn’t cover your outdoor air conditioning equipment 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 trapping moisture inside the unit generates the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to spread.

Mold and mildew not only have a bad aroma, but they can also present health risks, especially for people with respiratory issues or allergies. Plus, the unwanted moisture can corrode the internal components of the AC unit.

Rather than covering the unit, instead ensure proper drainage and keep the area around the unit clear of debris, allowing for efficient airflow and preventing moisture buildup.

3. Your Covered Air Conditioning Unit Can Attract Animals

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

Birds, mice, chipmunks and even rats often make nests inside covered air conditioners. Animals residing in a covered air conditioning unit can cause many problems. Rodents can chew through wires, insulation and other connections, causing damage that may require pricey repairs. Debris animals bring into the AC to create a warm and comfortable nest can obstruct airflow and ventilation, reducing the efficiency of the appliance and potentially causing it to overheat. Moreover, animal droppings can result in unsanitary conditions and bad odors.

Leaving your air conditioner uncovered helps discourage creatures, because an uncovered AC offers less shelter from cold weather than a covered unit. That’s better for your cooling system—and leaves you with less mess to throw away and things to repair when winter is over.

4. An AC Cover Restricts Airflow

Another reason you shouldn’t cover your air conditioning equipment in the winter is because a cover limits airflow through the unit. Suitable airflow is essential for the AC system because it assists heat exchange and allows the unit to cool effectively. When airflow is restricted, the system has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to additional energy consumption and strain on the components.

In addition, if you run your air conditioner without realizing that the exterior unit is covered or because you simply forgot, it could result in a range of problems. One issue is that the lack of appropriate airflow could cause the compressor to overheat, leading to its failure or damage.  That’s why it is essential to ensure the outdoor unit is free from barriers and is not covered to maintain optimal airflow.

5. AC Maintenance Works Better Than Covering Your Air Conditioner

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

There are several key maintenance tasks you should prioritize to ensure optimal function and longevity of your AC unit. First, it’s wise to look at your outdoor AC unit regularly and get rid of any debris such as leaves, twigs and dirt to maintain proper airflow. Second, inspect and clean the coils, fins and filters to make sure you don’t see any dirt and dust buildup that would impede efficient heat exchange or airflow.

Routine air conditioning maintenance not only enhances efficiency, but it also helps extend the unit’s life span, lowers energy consumption and prevents costly repairs. Rather than using a cover, committing time and effort into routine air conditioning maintenance is a proactive strategy that can significantly benefit your entire HVAC system in the long run.