CONCLUSION. Covering your air conditioner, especially with a full-length cover, leads to issues of mold, rust, and other problems. Your unit is made to withstand the snow and a cover is not needed for protection. It is recommended to only cover your AC during the fall months.
When you wrap/cover an air conditioner, you run the risk of your air conditioner rusting and your coils corroding. Because moisture and condensation can become trapped within the unit when it is covered, a tarped A/C often causes more harm than good. For these reasons, we do not recommend covering an air conditioner.
The $5,000 rule is a rule of thumb in the HVAC industry to help homeowners decide whether HVAC repair or HVAC replacement makes more sense in the long run. The $5,000 rule: Multiply the age of your equipment by the estimated repair cost. If the number is more than $5,000, then you should consider replacing your unit.
So keeping any bushes trimmed around the unit and leaving plenty of space between the bushes and the unit is a good start. Also, keep the area within at least 2 feet around the condenser Clear of storing anything that could potentially block air flowing around it.
Air conditioners are built to withstand extreme weather
Your air conditioner's coils are also designed to handle extreme weather conditions. Since A/C units are made with first-rate materials and have a solid finish, it's usually not necessary to cover them when they're not in use.
Increased Surface Temperature
One of the most immediate effects of direct sunlight on an AC unit is the rise in surface temperature. The outdoor condenser, responsible for releasing heat absorbed from your home's interior, becomes less effective as the surface temperature increases due to direct sunlight.
Does your system pull in fresh, outside air and cool it down, or does it recirculate the air that's already inside? Short answer: your central air conditioner does not bring fresh air from outside your home. It recirculates the air that's already inside your home and cools it down.
If you have a window unit, window air conditioner covers are usually not recommended either, because even the best cover won't keep the cold and moisture out.
It's important to be aware of how long air conditioners last, so you don't get the unwelcome surprise of a broken air conditioner in the peak of the summer heat. In general, air conditioners that are properly maintained can last 15 to 20 years.
Usually, it is a quick fix, but sometimes the failure can be caused by a much bigger problem. The most expensive part of an AC unit to replace and repair is the air compressor.
The New Regulations
Starting January 1, 2025, all new residential air conditioners and heat pumps must utilize A2L refrigerants. Older refrigerants like R-410, which are likely the refrigerant used by your current system, are being phased out.
Without an AC cover, fall debris like leaves, twigs, and dirt can collect inside your unit. While these may seem harmless, over time, they block airflow and cause internal damage. Debris buildup can lead to inefficient performance and costly repairs when it's time to turn the unit back on in spring.
The coils in your air conditioner are also made to work in harsh weather. Most air conditioner units don't need to be covered when they're not in use because they're made of good materials and have a good finish. Most air conditioner manufacturers say that you shouldn't cover it.
An AC condenser unit is a critical component of your home's HVAC system. It removes heat from the indoor air to cool your home efficiently. By understanding the basics of an air conditioner condenser, you can make informed decisions about your cooling needs.
Does it bring in fresh air? No, air conditioners do not bring in fresh air from the outside. That's not how they were designed. What actually happens is that your air conditioner uses a fan to draw air into the unit and disperse it through a structure.
You can't have a Central Air Conditioner without an outside unit. Most AC systems (including central air and ductless) work by extracting the heat inside a room and blowing it outside. However, there are options if you want to have a cooling system that doesn't require an outdoor unit.
Look for a gray vent hood or a white or black plastic PVC pipe. The fresh air intake leads to a duct that draws air into a vent near the furnace. It's often required in the parts of the home where a gas appliance is installed, except for the garage.
If you're considering covering your outside AC unit in the summer, whether to protect it from bad weather or to possibly save energy, the reality is that you should never cover your AC unit – not even during bad weather. For one thing, outdoor AC units are specifically designed to live outdoors.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that sunlight shining on the condenser unit for even a few hours a day can increase your monthly cooling costs by more than 10%. It is important to note that this number is based on an average across the entire country.
Install the condenser unit at least five feet above ground and in a shady location (i.e., under a tree or on a side of the house that doesn't receive the most sunlight) Avoid proximity to other outdoor appliances to maintain proper airflow and efficiency.
Ideally, the AC unit should cool your home when the temperatures get high. However, when the outdoor temperature reaches 95 F to 100 F, the unit starts getting overworked, and this can cause problems. Your air conditioner might also start malfunctioning, as it is overworking and consuming a lot of energy.
A few tips and tricks to try are: Installing an open-design HVAC fence. Keeping your lawn clean with little to no debris lying about. Purchasing an air conditioner cover for storm season and winter.