Introduction – Do You Need To Cover An AC In Winter
The AC is one of the biggest uses of energy in a home. Keeping it a high efficiency state and as long-lasting as possible will reduce the carbon footprint of cooling. Are you wondering if you should use a window AC cover? It is a common question many homeowners have, and in this article, we will explore the do’s and don’ts of covering your air conditioner for the winter. We will look at the reasons for covering, the reasons not to cover, the best ways to cover your air conditioner and even our top 3 product recommendations. It is a very common question!
The Outdoor Unit Is The Part Thats Exposed To Winter
The part of a home air conditioner that we’re considering is the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit is the part of the air conditioner that is located outside the home and contains the condenser, compressor, and fan. The condenser contains a refrigerant and works to remove the heat from the air in the home.
The compressor works to compress the refrigerant and increase its temperature. The fan then works to expel the hot air from the condenser, which is then replaced with cool air from the home. This entire process then repeats itself in order to effectively cool the air in the home. This is an essential part of the AC!
Main Reason – Protection Against Debris And Ice
One of the main reasons to use a window ac cover is to protect it from debris and icicles. If your air conditioner is installed underneath a tree or under a section of roof where icicles form and break off, it is a good idea to cover it. This will protect it from any debris or icicles that may damage the fan or throw it off balance.
Additionally, if you have taken the time to clean your air conditioner this spring, you may want to cover it to keep it as clean as possible for as long as possible.
Other common sources of debris for you consider whether its worth covering the AC in winter:
- Leaves
- Twigs, small branches
- Pine needles
- Seeds, fruits
- Bird droppings
- Insects
- Dirt, dust
Protecting the AC against known sources of external wear and tear, not part of its use, are ways to avoid non-covered situations in the AC warranty.
When Not To Use A Window AC Cover
There are a few scenarios when you may not want to cover your air conditioner. It maybe obvious – if you live in a warmer climate and use it in the winter, or if you have a heat pump instead of an air conditioner, it is best to leave it uncovered. It is true that air conditioners are built to withstand all types of weather, so leaving it uncovered will not damage it. However, in some cases, you may want to cover it.
Watch Out For These Caveats When Covering The AC
When it comes to covering your air conditioner, there are a few things you should and should not do.
If you live in a very humid area with lots of precipitation, try not cover the entire unit, as this can trap moisture and cause rust and corrosion. If you want to use a tarp to cover your air conditioner, it is best to focus on the top and ensure that the tarp does not come down further than about six inches past the top. This will allow the unit to breathe.
Additionally, do not create a shelter for small animals looking for a winter home. Furthermore, do not forget to uncover your air conditioner in the spring, as if you try to turn it on without removing the cover, it can overheat as it will not be able to pull in enough air.
Some people may choose to cover their air conditioner in such a way that they have to disconnect the power in order for it to turn on in the spring. However, if they forget that they disconnected the power, they may think the air conditioner is not working and call a technician. Although it is fine to choose not to cover the unit, if you do, there are certain ways to do it properly.
Our Recommendations For The Top Window AC Cover
If you want to use a tarp to cover your air conditioner and there’s a chance of rust, as we mentioned above, it is best to focus on the top and ensure that the tarp does not come down further than about six inches past the top. This will allow the unit to “breathe.”
If you are interested in learning more about whether you should cover your air conditioner for the winter, there are several resources available. Online, you can find articles and videos that provide more information about the topic. Additionally, you can find covers for your air conditioner on websites such as Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowe’s. It is important to research the best way to cover your air conditioner to ensure that it is safe, clean, and functioning properly.
Top 3 Recommendations
1. Little World Air Conditioner Cover
The Little World Air Conditioner Cover is a great option for protecting your outdoor AC unit from the elements. It is guaranteed to fit square or round American standard air conditioners up to a size of 34″ long x 34″ wide x 30″ high, and is made of polyester oxford with a waterproof undercoating.
It also features an elastic hem cord with a toggle for a tight and custom fit, a vent cover to prevent snow and water from getting into the vent, and padded handles for easy fitting and removal.
It also won’t crack in cold or hot weather. There are sizes and colors to fit any outdoor unit, ranging from portable units to square and round units.
2. HAMLER Air Conditioner Cover
The HAMLER Air Conditioner Cover is perfect for protecting your outdoor AC unit from the elements. It is designed to fit most air conditioners and central air conditioners and comes in multiple sizes and colors. It is made of durable 420D oxford fabric with adjustable drawstrings at the hem and side straps to prevent the cover from being blown away in strong winds.
The air vents reduce inside condensation and avoid the AC compressor getting wet, while the sturdy and well-built padded handles make it easy to fit and remove the cover. HAMLER provides a 1 year warranty and 30 days no reason to return after-sales support.
3. Homydom Durable Winter Top Air Conditioner Cover
The Homydom Durable Winter Top Air Conditioner Cover is designed to keep your outdoor AC unit safe in cold and blustery winter weather. It is made of heavy duty and UV-stabilized material with a waterproof laminated backing and is designed to fit outdoor units between 24-28 inches.
The cover allows the sides of the unit to breathe and prevents rain, snow, leaves, twigs, and branches from entering the unit, reducing maintenance costs and electrical failures. It is easy to fasten in place with four bungee cords, and won’t blow away even in windy conditions. It is available in dark blue and comes in three sizes: 28×28 inches, 32×32 inches, and 36×36 inches.
Conclusion – Winter AC Cover
In conclusion, it is important to consider whether you should cover your air conditioner for the winter. In some cases, covering the unit can be beneficial as it can provide protection from debris and icicles, as well as keep the unit clean. However, if you live in a warmer climate or have a heat pump, it is best to leave the unit uncovered. When covering your air conditioner, make sure not to cover the entire unit if the climate is very humid, do not create a shelter for animals, and make sure to uncover the unit in the spring. Be sure to research the best ways to cover your air conditioner to ensure the best results. All the best from ShrinkThatFootprint!
