Just like a hot tub, an air conditioning unit should be covered in winter to prevent exposure damage. Most AC units are assembly with metal components. In addition, they have lots of entry points where pests and bugs can get inside, which are notorious for bringing debris and other materials with them. To protect an AC unit in the winter from boh the elements and external pests, consider the tips below, including putting a durable cover over the home’s unit when not in use.
No Cover During Operation
During the summer months, the AC unit works best with free flowing air around it. That is why technicians always recommend homeowners don’t grow any bush or similar around an AC unit to cover up its appearance. Instead, it needs to stand free and clear with maximum circulation capability.
A shade structure can be in place over the AC unit to help it work easier as long as the structure is a couple feet over the unit. Just make sure there is sufficient air clearance above for the fan blower on the top of the unit.
Time to Shut Down the AC Unit and Protect It from Winter
However, when the summer season is over and the AC is no longer needed, winterizing the unit is a very good idea. First, gently wash it with lightly running water after being turned off. That gets rid of all the dust and grit that might have accumulated on the outside. If you’re not knowledgable in this area, ask a professional to come do so as part of maintaining the unit.
Avoid using a hard brush, especially anywhere near the cooling coils which are extremely weak and sensitive. Instead, spray the unit down with a gentle hose and then let it air dry.
Once clean, it’s time to cover the unit with an AC unit cover and secure it to the unit so the protection doesn’t blow away on a windy day. Most AC covers are designed to be durable and exposed to the sun and elements. They will last a number of years before needing replacement, but the protection provided can prevent the premature failure of an AC unit due to corrosion or debris getting stuck in the unit.
On a sunny day during the cold season, it’s a smart idea to take the cover off and run the AC for a few minutes to confirm everything is working properly and responds correctly as well. The downtime is also a great opportunity for an AC health check by a technician. Service rates tend to be lower too since AC work is not in high demand during the cold months.
Alternatives Become Problems
With a box unit, a common alternative for AC protection during winter, it can encourage pests to make a home inside. Box units provide sturdy wall protection to the ground, so rodents will quickly use the inside as a “burrow.”
Once that happens, the same critters may also decide that the AC wiring is convenient to chew on as well, causing serious damage and a dead AC next summer. Snakes, rats, mice, squirrels, rabbits and even chipmunks all agree, an AC box is a great thing when it comes to rodent homes in winter. A winter AC protection cover wraps around the AC unit itself snugly. There is no additional spacing around the unit that rodents can use as an adopted home.
With a cover on, those pests and critters can’t get access to the inside wiring either. Instead, the snug cover definitely keeps flying debris, leaves, dirt and branches out of the AC unit, and prevents a build up of fungi as well.
Final Words on Protecting Your AC Unit in the Winter
The elements can do a tremendous amount of damage to an exposed AC unit. To save a lot of headaches, simply use a durable cover. The difference in how well the AC starts up again and how it lasts will be noticeable, especially when neighborhood ACs start dying from lack of care next summer. Taking the steps to keep your AC unit working great is worth it!