Should You Cover Your Air Conditioner in the Winter?

Inland Empire Comfort
December 21, 2021

Your air conditioner likely gets a lot of use during Riverside, CA’s sweltering summer months. By the fall, you’ll have less use for a cooling system, and you’ll focus more on preparing your furnace for colder temperatures. Before you stop using the AC unit, you might ask yourself, “Should you cover your air conditioner in the winter?”


Many homeowners don’t realize the benefits of winterizing their AC units or understand how to complete the task. The professional HVAC technicians from Inland Empire Comfort knows air conditioning systems inside and out. Below we explain why you should consider investing in an AC cover for seasonal use.


Can Air Conditioners Handle Cold Weather?

Most modern central AC systems with outdoor condenser units can handle cold weather and winter precipitation. Some manufacturers cover the outdoor unit with a durable finish that shields the equipment against freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. The finish can also protect the system from the summer sun’s scorching heat. 


The interior components of the condenser can also stand up to extreme weather. If a home has a heat pump to provide cool and warm air, piles of snow on the unit could reduce the heating system's efficiency. However, Riverside, CA, doesn’t receive enough snow to make a significant difference in HVAC performance.


Should You Cover Your Air Conditioner in the Winter?

Though some air conditioning systems can hold up against winter weather, it is still a good idea to cover any part of the unit with exposure to the outdoors. Though the city doesn’t receive a lot of snow, excessive moisture can damage the condenser coils over time. Any winter precipitation could lead to rusting or corrosion under the right conditions.


The primary reason to consider covering your air conditioner is debris. Leaves, branches, twigs, pine needs, animal nests, and other foreign materials can accumulate inside the AC unit and reduce its efficiency.


The condenser unit houses the condenser coil. It expels heat outdoors from inside the house using refrigerant so that cool air blows inside the building. The heat exchange will fail if the coil gets too dirty and will circulate warmer air indoors. 


Since you likely won’t use your air conditioner during the winter, you might not realize your outdoor unit has a debris issue. When you’re ready to use your cooling system again, the condenser coil could have premature wear and tear and will require AC repair. 


When to Cover Your AC Unit

It would be best to cover your air conditioning system early in the fall season. During these months, the unit will likely accumulate organic debris from wind, animals, or plants close to the outdoor unit. 


The condenser coil is not only at risk for damage if it gets dirty. The accumulation of dirt, leaves, seeds, and other debris create spaces where moisture can collect, and it could block the unit’s built-in moisture drainage. Excessive condensation could lead to premature corrosion on metal components inside the outdoor unit. 


How to Cover Your Air Conditioner in the Fall and Winter Months


Central AC Unit

You can protect your AC system’s components by covering the top of the condenser unit at the beginning of fall before trees begin to shed leaves. Covering the entire system will create moisture because there won’t be enough air flowing through the equipment. The cover should only fall six inches or less from the top of the condenser unit. 


It would be best to avoid plastic AC covers or options that restrict airflow. Otherwise, your unit could experience premature rusting. Watertight covers can also entice wildlife to set up winter habitats inside the air conditioner because it will be cozier than the outside environment.


It’s more important to use the AC cover in the fall. However, you could leave the protection in place during the winter if the material doesn’t restrict airflow and the air conditioner is not in use. 


Window Air Conditioner

If your home uses window air conditioning units instead of a central model, you will not need an AC cover. Putting plastic over on these systems will trap moisture and lead to mold growth. 


Instead, you can remove the unit from the window and store it inside your home or storage space. These AC types are not for year-long use, so taking them down for the fall and winter is acceptable.


Keeping the units indoors for the winter will ensure that they are ready for use the following summer. The removal also helps your home stay warm because you could shut the window to prevent drafts. 


Ductless Air Conditioner

Some households have ductless, wall-mounted air conditioners in various zones within the residence. It is not easy to remove these units from their positions. However, you could cover them with a breathable fabric to prevent dust and moisture from accumulating inside.


AC Repair and Replacement in Riverside

Air conditioners can sustain damage from leaves, twigs, and other debris that enter the unit during the fall months. Though the system can withstand rain, snow, and ice, it has no defenses against organic materials. You could need air conditioning repair without an AC cover once temperatures rise.


Inland Empire Comfort proudly offers AC services to residents throughout Riverside, CA. Our experienced technicians perform thorough inspections for all parts of an air conditioning system to identify signs of trouble. Our 5-star rated HVAC company offers 24-hour emergency repair services to ensure that your home remains safe and comfortable. 


Sometimes, AC installation in Riverside by Inland Empire Comfort is a better solution than repair. Our qualified team can expertly install a new or replacement AC system in your home. We strive to complete installations within two to three days with minimal changes to existing ductwork. 


Contact Riverside AC Repair Expert

Should you cover your air conditioner in the winter? Inland Empire Comfort says yes, but our team is available to provide Riverside expert AC services whether or not you choose to cover the top of your air conditioner. Call (951) 336-8709 today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our professional HVAC services.

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