Due to needing airflow when running, air conditioners are not designed to keep out leaves, seeds, rocks, and grass. A small amount of debris won't cause much damage. But problems arise when leaves and debris start to build up.
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 cover protects their air conditioner from debris. Many believe a cover helps keep their air conditioner working efficiently as it prevents wear and tear that may be caused by debris and moisture buildup. It keeps water from directly touching the coils, lowering the chances of electrical faults like short circuits.
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.
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.
According to researcher Danny Parker from the Florida Solar Energy Center, who performed a two-year energy study, shading the unit provides “minuscule results at best” with efficiency being increased less than half a percent. While you may wish to cover your condenser since let's face it – they aren't very stylish!
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.
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.
On average, an air conditioner costs between $0.06 and $0.88 per hour to use. Let's see how much air-conditioning costs every month (assuming it runs for 8 hours per day). The cheapest option is $14.40 per month and $211.20 per month on the high end.
It is this warm air and moisture that needs to be vented out of the room you are currently cooling. Moreover, the heat extracted from the air has to leave your room, otherwise, it will mix up with the cold air again. Ventless air conditioners are a marketing scam and never work.
The cover will also protect against damage and stop leaves and other debris from entering through the top of the unit and settling inside the air conditioner, which can clog condenser coils and contribute to mold development.
When covering an AC unit, it is essential that you only cover the top part of it to prevent snow, ice and debris from getting inside. Covering it with plastic or a tarp is perfectly fine. However, you don't want to let the plastic hang down more than 6 inches or so over the side of the unit.
You don't need to cover your AC unit to protect it from the weather. Modern units easily withstand rain and snowfall. A resilient finish coats the parts inside the condenser (the AC box that sits outside your home). It needs to get airflow to allow the rain and snowfall to evaporate and keep the unit dry.
Remove the lid and flip the switch to cut power supply. This prevents the unit from turning on during a warm winter day, which keep water out of the unit that could freeze overnight and damage your HVAC unit. Install tubular foam or rubber pipe insulation with tees and elbows around pipes to protect against freezing.
As long as you are staying comfortable, your home is reaching set thermostat temperature on very hot days and airflow from vents is normal, and your energy bills are about the same as they were last year – there's likely not a problem.
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).
Part of that obligation includes having and maintaining air conditioning. If your employer does not fulfill their duty to maintain a safe environment then they may be liable for damages and you may be eligible for workers' compensation.
No, you should not cover your outdoor AC unit when it's raining. You may reach for the umbrella when the rain starts to fall, but your AC unit was designed to withstand most elements of nature. The exterior case of the unit will not break down or malfunction in any way when covered in the pouring rain.
Should I Cover My AC Unit During Summer? You should never cover your outdoor air conditioning unit during the summer when it's in peak use. While some think this will help protect the unit or lead to energy savings, it will do neither.