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

As the sweltering summer heat starts to fade and the cooler temperatures of fall starts to settle in, residents of Shamokin and Sunbury start preparing their homes and yards for the the upcoming cold weather. For many, that leads to the question of whether they need to cover their outdoor AC for the winter.

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

Here, the experts at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. share five reasons why covering your air conditioner doesn’t need to be on your fall to-do list and what you should do instead.

1. Snow won’t Hurt Your AC

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

2. Covering AC Systems can Encourage Mold

One of the reasons you should avoid covering your air conditioner in the winter is because doing so can trap moisture—which is definitely not what you want in your outdoor unit. That’s because sealing moisture inside the unit generates the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to thrive.

Mold and mildew not only have an undesirable smell, but they can also present health risks, especially for household residents with respiratory issues or allergies. Also, the trapped 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. Covered AC Systems 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 winter months. For many critters, a covered air conditioner is the perfect winter refuge.

Birds, mice, chipmunks and even rats often make winter dens inside covered air conditioners. Animals dwelling in a covered AC unit can cause several problems. Rodents can chew through wires, insulation and other components, causing damage that may require expensive repairs. Debris animals bring into the AC to create a warm and comfortable place to get out of the cold weather can block 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 dissuade 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 in the spring.

4. Covering Your Air Conditioner Restricts Airflow

Another reason not to cover your air conditioning equipment in the winter is because a cover restricts airflow through the unit. Suitable airflow is vital for the AC system because it assists heat exchange and permits the unit to cool efficiently. When airflow is constrained, the system has to work harder to reach the desired temperature, resulting in increased energy consumption and strain on the components.

In addition, if you run your air conditioner without knowing that the outside unit is covered or because you simply forgot, it could result in a range of problems. One issue is that the shortage of appropriate airflow could cause the compressor to overheat, leading to its failure or damage.  That’s why it is necessary to ensure the outdoor unit has no blockages 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 a whole lot more effective to do a little maintenance for your cooling system than to cover your exterior AC unit.

There are numerous key maintenance activities you should prioritize to ensure maximum function and longevity of your AC unit. First, it’s wise to examine your outdoor AC unit regularly and get rid of any debris such as leaves, twigs and dirt to promote proper airflow. Second, examine and clean the coils, fins and filters to make sure you don’t see any dirt and dust buildup that would prevent effective heat exchange or airflow.

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