Should You Cover Your Air Conditioner?

Along with raking up the leaves and winterizing your sprinkler system this fall, you may be considering whether or not you should cover your air conditioner.

air-conditioner-maintenance

There’s been some debate in the industry for some time now regarding whether homeowners should cover their air conditioner. Most air conditioning manufacturers don’t specifically recommend covering the air conditioner. However, depending on where you live, especially if it’s an area prone to ice and snow, covering your unit may be a good idea.

Unfortunately, there is no perfect answer. The truth is, it’s entirely up to you. There are good reasons you should cover your air conditioner. Conversely, there are good reasons not to cover it. So, while we can’t give you a concrete answer, we can give you the pros and cons of covering your air conditioner so you can decide which course of action you’d like to take.

Pros

Covering your air conditioner provides protection from falling ice. It may also keep the coils cleaner so it runs more efficiently the next summer.

A cover stops debris like leaves, sticks, branches and other yard waste from becoming lodged inside the unit. You can find Bryant factory-approved covers here.

Covering the condenser prevents water from resting directly on the coils and freezing, which could damage them.

Cons

Trapped moisture can lead to rusted components if the condensation freezes. It may also bend the condenser coils.Depending on where your unit is located, it may be susceptible to damage caused by ice and other debris falling from the roof or eaves.

A cover can create the perfect habitat for critters, such as mice, to nest in during the winter, leading to chewed wires and damaged components.

If you do decide to cover your unit for the winter, here are a few tips to help the winterization process go smoothly:

  • Clean the debris from the condensing coils
  • Consider leaving at least 12” of coil exposed so air continues to circulate
  • Use a breathable material to cover your air conditioning unit
  • Remember to take the cover off in the spring!
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If you’re still unsure whether you should cover your air conditioner or not, give us a call. We can help you weigh the pros and cons. We’ve been serving Metro Detroit since 1983, and our goal at Accu-Temp Heating & Cooling is to provide comfort you can feel from a family company you can trust. Give us a call today at 586-598-2828.