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

If you’re like most people, it’s probably hard to imagine staying comfortable year round without your air conditioning unit. This is probably the case if you live someplace where heat, humidity, and uncomfortable climates are a fact of life during the summer and warmer months.

However, many people often aren’t sure how to go about maintaining their units despite wanting to make sure they remain in optimal working condition for as long as possible. One of the most commonly asked questions in regards to air conditioning units that we have found addresses whether or not it’s best to cover the unit during the cooler months of the fall and winter when inclement weather calls for the protection of anything left out doors.

Some experts say it’s better to do so while others feel it can do more harm than good. Let’s take a closer look at the facts to better help you determine which option would be better for you and your air conditioning unit.

The Pros and Cons of Covering Your Unit

Those who recommend keeping your air conditioning unit adequately covered throughout the fall and winter months do so because it’s pretty much the easiest way to keep unwanted elements out of the vents. The fall time can find higher winds blowing leaves, twigs, dirt, and all kinds of debris into the vents and working parts. The winter can find storms doing the same with rain, snow, sleet, and ice, wreaking havoc on the vents, fans, and other various parts. A good quality cover ensures that nothing like this will be a problem.

Those that are against covering units generally feel the way they do because of condensation. Moisture can easily become trapped in between the cover and the unit it’s protecting. This can sometimes lead to rust, corrosion, and other similar issues, especially over time. Mildew, mold, and other forms of fungal growth can also be problems in certain environments.

Should You or Shouldn’t You?

The answer to this question will depend somewhat on what the climate is really like where you live. However, many experts do consider it advisable to cover your A/C unit if it’s not going to be in use during the fall and winter. Just make sure to check it periodically to make sure condensation isn’t becoming a problem. Ultimately, vigilance is the key!