Should You Cover Your Air Conditioner During The Winter?
Should You Cover Your Air Conditioner During The Winter?
08/31/2023
In the upcoming freezing winter months, you are typically not giving much attention to your AC unit. The heat waves over and it did its job. You may simply cover it and it is out of sight and out of mind.
But is covering your air conditioner helping or hurting it? This is a commonly asked question as the winter approaches. Fortunately, there is a fairly straightforward answer.
Learn how to prepare your air conditioner correctly so that it survives the winter months without issue.
Why You Shouldn’t Cover Your AC Unit During The Winter
Should you cover your AC unit for the winter? The short answer is no.
Though the intention is good and sounds logical, covering your air conditioner in the winter can actually cause quite a few problems.
Here’s why you should avoid covering your AC unit in the colder months.
Modern AC Units Are Built To Not Need Covers
First and foremost, modern air conditioners are specifically designed to be able to hold up during extreme temperatures and weather conditions. They tend to be made of high-quality materials and a durable finish to withstand the challenges of winter and any of the other seasons. Because of this, there is really no reason to cover your unit.
Covers Attract Animals
Though it may seem counterintuitive to think that covering your AC unit actually attracts animals since you would think it would deny them access, it actually does call more animals to it. They are able to slip in and find the spots under the cover that are a warm retreat from the winter.
Covers Hold Moisture And Cause Mold Growth
There is no way to prevent moisture from getting into your unit, even with a cover. The cover actually exacerbates the problem, as it traps the moisture inside and creates the ideal conditions for mold growth.
Additionally, the extra moisture can cause your air conditioner to rust, which could eventually trigger the need to replace certain parts or the entire unit.
Cover Removal Cannot Be Forgotten
If the cover is not removed before AC operation it will cause poor performance and inefficient operation of the system. It could even cause damage that results in equipment breakdown. This is one of the many reasons we do not recommend covering your AC unit.
Prepare Your AC Unit For Winter With Air-Rite Heating & Cooling
The best thing that you can do to prepare your heating and cooling system for the winter is to ensure that it is receiving regular maintenance. The air conditioner can be cleaned and checked in the spring, summer, or if the temperatures are mild enough. Maintenance can also be performed along with the furnace during the fall as part of our Bronze plan.
The team of trusted professionals at Air-Rite Heating & Cooling can help. We are dedicated to ensuring that your AC unit is always in peak condition, which is why we offer service maintenance plans that include:
- Professional furnace cleaning and inspection
- Professional air conditioner cleaning and inspection
- Lower emergency service rates
- More efficient equipment, which results in lower energy costs
Air-Rite Heating & Cooling will have you covered whether you are preparing your unit for the winter, there are repairs that need to be done, or you need to install a completely new unit.
For a limited time, we are able to offer the air conditioner to be cleaned at the same time as the furnace as part of our BRONZE PLAN. Call for more information.
The first step to a better air conditioner is as simple as requesting a service online or calling us at Air-Rite Heating & Cooling.