Many homeowners wonder whether they should put a cover over their outdoor air conditioning unit once they are finished using it for the season. The simple answer is – no! It was built to withstand harsh weather conditions, including snow, ice and extremely cold temperatures.
Some homeowners incorrectly believe that covering their outdoor AC unit will help to keep it protected. However, this may actually do more harm than good, as you will learn below.
Keeping moisture out
Regardless of whether you have your AC covered or not, moisture will seep inside the unit from humidity in the air or from the wind blowing precipitation around the system. Keeping the unit covered may actually trap moisture inside, and this can lead to a variety of problems.
Trapped moisture inside the air conditioner can lead to mold growth. Then, when you turn your system on next spring, you will be unpleasantly surprised by the musty odor blowing through your home. Mold growth inside your AC can be dangerous as fungus-filled air is not something you want to breathe in!
Additionally, trapped moisture can freeze on the unit’s condenser coils, and this will cause serious damage.
Keeping mice and rats away
You may think that covering your air conditioner will keep unwanted critters out of the unit. This isn’t always the case. During frigid, unpleasant weather, these pests will be searching for a place to hide from the elements. They may find a nice home after digging their way through the cover of your AC unit. Remember, these critters can easily find their way into small, dry areas.
Keeping out the elements
Your air conditioner was built with weather-resistant materials to help it withstand any unpleasant weather conditions, such as snow, ice and bitterly cold temperatures.
Also, you don’t need to worry about dust building up inside the unit during the winter because it won’t be on. When you are using the AC during the spring and summer, the unit draws in dirt from the air. When the unit isn’t on, it won’t be drawing anything in.
Be sure to keep these things in mind this fall if you are considering adding a cover to your outdoor air conditioning unit.