As the chill of winter settles over Eastern Idaho, homeowners begin prepping for snow, ice, and freezing temps. One question that often pops up: Should I cover my outdoor AC unit during the off-season? It seems logical, after all, we cover patio furniture and grills. It makes sense to think that covering your outdoor air conditioner might protect it from winter damage. But when it comes to your air conditioner, the answer isn’t so straightforward.
Understanding Your AC Unit’s Design
Your outdoor AC unit is engineered to handle the toughest winter weather Eastern Idaho can throw at it. These air conditioning units are constructed with materials that resist corrosion and damage from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. The design of your ac unit isn’t just about durability. It’s also about ensuring proper airflow. The cooling system relies on unrestricted air movement to keep internal components dry and functioning efficiently, even during the coldest winter months.
When you consider covering your air conditioner, it’s important to remember that most outdoor AC units are built to withstand harsh weather conditions without extra protection. In fact, covering your air conditioning unit too tightly can trap moisture inside, which may lead to mold growth, corrosion, and restricted airflow.
This excess moisture can do more harm than good, potentially damaging the very system you’re trying to protect. Instead, trust in your unit’s weather-resistant design and focus on keeping the area around it clear of snow and debris to maintain optimal performance all winter long.
Why Full Covers Can Do More Harm Than Good
Modern AC units are built to withstand harsh weather. Rain, snow, and cold temperatures won’t damage the coils or housing. However, fully covering your unit, as stated also in a Martha Stewart and Heating News Journal article, can actually create problems:
- Trapped moisture can lead to mold, rust, and corrosion, and cause moisture buildup inside the unit.
- Poor airflow inside a tightly sealed cover encourages condensation buildup and can block airflow, reducing efficiency and potentially damaging the system.
- Rodents and pests love cozy, enclosed spaces and may chew wires or nest inside. Small animals such as mice, squirrels, and other small animals can enter a covered unit and cause further damage.
These issues can result in costly repairs. To prevent these problems, it is best to avoid covering your unit.
Eastern Idaho’s Climate: What Makes It Unique?
Eastern Idaho winters are cold, snowy, and often windy. While snow accumulation and blowing debris are valid concerns, the region’s dry air and freezing temps mean moisture-related damage from exposure is less likely than in humid climates. However, windblown leaves, pine needles, ice chunks, and other debris such as twigs can still clog or damage your unit. In addition to these, accumulated dirt and dust buildup are maintenance concerns that can hinder airflow and reduce efficiency.
Fall cleanup is important to remove leaves, dirt, and other debris from around your outdoor AC unit and prepare it for winter. During summer, your AC works hard to keep your home cool, but in winter, it sits inactive, requiring different maintenance approaches to ensure optimal performance when the next cooling season arrives.
What the Pros Recommend
Here at RSJ Mechanical, our HVAC experts suggest a middle ground approach:
- Skip the full cover. While there are many types of AC covers available, a full winter cover can trap moisture, increase humidity, restrict air flow, and invite pests, which can damage the outside unit, outdoor unit, and equipment.
- Use a top-only cover. Protecting just the top of the unit in the winter helps shield the fan motor, compressor, and other components from falling debris and ice without sealing in moisture. This method avoids the risks associated with a full winter cover, such as trapping humidity and reducing air flow, which can harm the internal parts and entire unit. Covering your AC unit with just the top also helps maintain efficiency and protects the internal parts and other components. As an example, you can use something as simple as a piece of plywood and blocks.
- Side discharging unit. If you have systems like heat pumps or a system that discharges out the side, such as a Daikin Fit system, there is no need to cover at all.
- Clear the area. Remove leaves, branches, and snow build up around the unit regularly to prevent excess humidity and maintain proper air flow for your outside unit, outdoor unit, and equipment.
- Turn off the AC breaker. This prevents accidental startups and protects the unit from power surges, as recommended by an HVAC expert.
Bonus Tip: Winterize Your Whole HVAC System
While your AC unit rests, your furnace works overtime. Make sure to:
- Replace filters monthly.
- Schedule a winter tune-up.
- Check insulation around pipes and ducts.
Final Verdict
In Eastern Idaho, RSJ Mechanical’s certified technicians recommend not fully cover your AC unit. Instead, keep it clean, clear, and lightly protected. Your HVAC system will thank you, come spring.