Should I Cover My AC Unit During the Winter? For Canadians, air conditioning is usually an afterthought by this time of year, unless you’ve escaped to a warmer destination. But in order for your unit to function properly next spring and summer, it needs to survive the harsh winter elements first, which brings up the question of whether or not it should be covered during the coldest months of the year. There are pros and cons to both sides, and we’ll explain each of them to help you make an informed decision this season! Pros of covering your air conditioner: Especially in cold climates, it’s not uncommon for heavy debris like ice, sticks, branches and other yard waste to blow into your air conditioning unit or fall from the roof during the winter. Most heavy-duty air conditioner covers can protect against the snow, rain and debris that can harm your unit. Covering your air conditioner until you need to use it again can help to keep your coils a little cleaner, so it may run more efficiently when you turn it on again in the spring.

An air conditioner cover can help to prevent water from directly resting on your coils and freezing, which could potentially cause major damage. Cons of covering your air conditioner Covering your air conditioner during the winter could potentially trap moisture by creating a high-humidity environment when the sun beats down on it. Parts of your air conditioner like the wiring connections, circuit boards and electrical windings can be negatively affected by a moist environment. The warm temperatures underneath your air conditioner’s cover can be a tempting spot for small animals to take shelter when it’s cold outside. Small animals can be a detriment to your unit by chewing the wiring harness for their bedding, which could potentially lead to an expensive fix come spring time. Most experts agree that when all is said and done, air conditioners are built to withstand even the harsh conditions of a Canadian winter, and therefore don’t need to be covered. If you decide you are going to cover your unit, here are a few tips to make sure you’re doing it properly:

Clean the debris from the condensing coils Consider leaving part of the coil exposed so air continues to circulatehow does hvac units work Buy a cover made from a breathable material to prevent excessive moisture from building up due to humiditybest window ac units 2011 Remember to take off the cover in the springcost of ac repair car We’re not comfortable until you are™ Learn more about our exclusive HVAC deals – book a FREE in-home consultation today! ™ “Reliance Home Comfort”, “We’re not comfortable until you are.” and the Reliance Home Comfort logo are trademarks of Reliance Comfort Limited Partnership. Next post: How to Avoid the Home Hazards of Winter Previous post: How to Save on Energy Costs During The Holiday Season – share your tips for a chance to win!

When the weather gets cooler, it's time to turn off the air conditioners. AC units need protection from leaves and other debris, though. Instead of an expensive cover, a piece of plywood does the trick. Over at Quicken Loans' Zing blog, they say the secret to protect your AC unit is to just cover the top:Get a large square of plywood and set it on top of the system. This will help keep any falling leaves, snow or ice out of your system while preventing damage from snow and sleet.You see, by covering the unit so tightly, you wind up trapping in a lot of the things you're trying to keep out, like moisture, condensation and any residual debris. Think about it this way: the unit was made to stay outside, so don't worry about protecting it from the outside.It may not look pretty, but it's inexpensive and easy to install. Ask your service technician about your particular outdoor unit and circumstances. If you have a heat pump that works year round, then this tip isn't for you. A heat pump doesn't retire for the winter.

Hit the link to read more. How to Winterize Your Air-Conditioning Unit the Right Way | ZING BlogPhoto by ActiveSteve.Should you cover your outdoor HVAC unit in the winter? To cover or not to cover... Covering your outdoor HVAC unit during the fall and winter months has been a heated debate in the industry for many years. There are several pros and cons to covering your unit. Sila Heating and Air Conditioning will explain both sides. Pros to covering your air conditioner: Cons to covering your air conditioner: Keeps your air conditioner coils a little cleaner so it may run a little more efficiently when you use it again. Covering an entire unit may actually trap moisture by creating a high humidity environment as the sun beats down on the cover. The moisture will ruin the electrical wiring, wiring connections, and circuit boards. Prevents heavy debris like sticks, branches and other yard waste from blowing into your AC unit. During the winter months the low temperatures cause small animals to find a warm place to nest in.

Covers are enticing places for these animals to call home. Small animals can chew the wiring harness for their bedding.  This can lead to a very expensive fix for you in the spring. Helps prevent water from directly resting on your coils and freezing, which could be damaging. Most AC manufacturers don’t recommend covering the outdoor unit. The ultimate decision…is a toss-up! A piece of plywood across the top of your outdoor unit is a perfect fit.  It is inexpensive, will keep out most debris, and leaves the sides open to keep moisture and small animals out. If you insist on covering your outdoor unit you can still do so very inexpensively. There are covers in a variety of sizes available in most home improvement stores, which will cost you a little bit more than plywood. If you are still undecided, contact the experts at Sila Heating and Air Conditioning today! 12 used & new from Sold by Fresh_Colony and Fulfilled by Amazon. Indoor Air Conditioner Cover (Beige) (Large - 18 -20"H x 26 -28"W x 2"D)

DetailsAir Conditioner Heavy Duty AC Outdoor Window Unit Cover Medium 10,000-15,000 BTU FREE Shipping on orders over $49. While window air conditioners really ought to be removed during cold winter months, these indoor air conditioner covers will help to prevent drafts through most window-mounted or through-wall room air conditioners. Each package contains one beige-color washable poly/cotton fabric cover, a windblock insulating liner, and a roll of removable tape to secure and seal the windblock liner. 12.3 x 10 x 3.2 inches #6,954 in Home and Kitchen (See Top 100 in Home and Kitchen) #4 in Home & Kitchen > Heating, Cooling & Air Quality > Air Conditioners & Accessories > Air Conditioner Accessories 5 star52%4 star25%3 star9%2 star6%1 star8%See all 180 customer reviewsTop Customer ReviewsDoes the jobPerfect FitI've tried to cover units in the past with other materials but this has worked out best. Impossible to put onNot Great if You Have a Thick Cord Quick fix for cold air coming through wall ac