Outdoor AC Unit During the Winter: Should I Leave It Covered or Uncovered?

Over the past few weeks, you have usually relied on your heater more and used your A/C less. On that note, you may have been thinking of the best ways to care for your air conditioning unit, especially now that you are not using it as much. This may lead you to wonder: Should I leave my outdoor A/C unit covered or uncovered? 

This is what we’ll be discussing in the following sections: 

Outdoor A/C Units in Winter

First, it’s worth noting that most outdoor air conditioning units today are of newer models. Furthermore, modern A/C systems are built sturdily. They are designed to withstand extreme conditions, such as the fast-approaching winter season. 

The condenser, which is the big box you see sitting outside your home, is also manufactured to bear a durable finish. This enables it to hold out against the heat of the sun as well as snow and rain. Moreover, its internal parts—the mechanics and the coils—are also made to put up with extreme temperatures. 

For these reasons, it’s generally unnecessary to cover your unit in winter. 

What you will need to do, however, is make sure that no debris and other objects are building up on your unit. Always remove leaves, pine needles, branches, animal nests, and other buildups. These can cause significant damage to your system and impact its efficiency and performance. 

Other Considerations 

As previously established, you do not necessarily need to cover your outdoor A/C system in the colder months, especially if it is a modern unit. However, there are still other factors that you must consider. 

Particularly, you must think about the general climate and weather conditions in your area, as well as the location of your unit. This will help you determine whether you do need to have it covered when not in use. 

For example, in the north, you may be using your A/C for only 4-6 months of the year. Considering this, it’s a smart practice to cover it after summer. Doing so protects it from falling leaves as well as the impending snowfall. 

When covering your outdoor unit, you must not use any type of plastic or airflow-restrictive covering. This type of material will only bring about rusting and internal moisture damage. On top of that, these water-tight covers may encourage animals to find shelter inside your outdoor unit. 

To protect your unit from the weather elements while avoiding damage, make sure to use a breathable fabric. If you do not have this readily available, you can use an accessory that attaches to the top of the unit. This effectively creates a barrier against debris while redirecting water and improving airflow. Check with your system’s manufacturer if they have such a protective attachment for your unit. 

If you have a wall-mounted unit, you may also cover it with a breathable fabric to help alleviate drafts without collecting moisture. 

However, if you have window A/C units at home, it’s best to uninstall them rather than cover them. This helps prevent drafts around the appliances while prolonging the lifespan of the units. 

Conclusion 

Typically, you will not need to cover your outdoor A/C unit during the colder months of the year, especially if it is a modern unit. This is because they are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and hold up against snow and rain. However, you must make sure that it is free from any type of buildups such as leaves, pine needles, and branches. If you must cover it, especially if you only use it for six months or less, make sure to use a breathable fabric to avoid damaging it. 

Need any help when it comes to heating and air conditioning in Morris County, NJ? We’re the ones to call! We offer immediate, same-day services 24/7 for A/C repairs and maintenance. Get in touch with us at (973) 250-4969 and let’s discuss your requirements.