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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Covering your AC unit is not recommended. AC units are designed to withstand outdoor conditions and are built to be durable and weather-resistant. Covering the unit can trap moisture inside, which doesn't allow for proper ventilation. It can also provide a shelter for pests, like rodents, which may damage the unit.
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.
If you have central air, experts suggest covering up your outdoor AC compressor unit in the autumn only, not in the winter, unless you choose a mesh design. Since new HVAC units are built to hold up to the elements, covering it in the winter could do more harm than good, leading to trapped moisture, mold, and rust.
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.
Keep it away from trees and dirty areas
Although shading is necessary, placing it near trees or driveway can attract leaves and dirt inside the unit. Water is a big no no as well so if there is an area where rain tends to pool, mount the unit in a elevated position.
After all, one thing we were all taught when we were very young is that water and electrical appliances don't mix. So how do you clean your outside AC unit? The good news is that you absolutely can spray water on your air conditioner if it needs a cleaning, and nothing bad will happen.
Fences. The quickest and easiest way to enclose the outdoor HVAC unit is to use lattice materials available at home centers. UV resistant vinyl lattice is a good option that's easy to handle, durable, termite-proof and inexpensive. You can either make your own supports for the enclosure, or buy them.
Air conditioners are designed for outdoor installation, so an AC unit is made to be able to withstand all types of weather, including harsh winter weather conditions – rain, snow, ice, and other forms of moisture. AC covers are not necessary to protect this equipment as it is sidelined over the winter months.
Condenser units are built to be installed outdoors and can withstand even heavy rain and winds just fine without a cover. However, you should take care to ensure that water doesn't pool around the base of the unit, as this could lead to rust or other damage.
Covering Your AC Unit
You may wonder if you need to cover your outside AC unit before a rainstorm hits, but you never need to do this. Remember, outdoor equipment is built to withstand extreme weather, even the heaviest of snow.
For example, the unit may not be able to cool the room effectively, leaving you feeling hot and uncomfortable. Additionally, inadequate ventilation can cause the air conditioner to overheat, which can damage the unit and shorten its lifespan.
Protection from Elements: A patio cover can protect the AC unit from harsh weather conditions, such as direct sunlight, rain, and snow. This can help extend the unit's lifespan and maintain its efficiency .
Efficiency ratings are regional, so the new HVAC regulations for 2024 depend on where you live. New air conditioners in Northern regions must have a minimum SEER rating of 14. In Southern regions, the minimum SEER rating is 15 for most units.
The new refrigerant changes in 2025 are part of a larger effort to make air conditioning systems more environmentally friendly, while still keeping homes comfortable. These changes are being driven by regulations to phase out older refrigerants like R-410A, which have a high global warming potential (GWP).
An HVAC replacement cost is $7,500 on average. This range could be as low as $5,000 or as high as $12,500, depending on the type and size of your unit, the brand, and labor costs. Your overall cost for a new HVAC unit could reach $22,000 if you add new ductwork and additional features like a HEPA filtration system.