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! Thank You for visiting We are manufacturers of bespoke radiator and air conditioner covers. Ugly radiators and air condition units are a negative distraction for many home owners.