Should You Cover Your AC Unit in Winter?

To cover or not to cover—that is the question. There’s a common debate among homeowners about if you should cover an AC unit in winter or not. At first thought, it seems protective and like a no-brainer. However, covering an outdoor AC unit during winter isn’t always necessary.

This guide will share clear guidance based on the local climate in Kentucky. We’ll explain the pros and cons of covering your AC unit in winter so you can make an informed decision. At Dauenhauer Plumbing, we understand the complexities of HVAC systems and are dedicated to providing top-quality Kentucky HVAC maintenance and repair services.

Do You Need to Cover Your AC Unit in Winter?

The short answer? If you live in Kentucky—probably not.

Most modern outdoor AC units are built to withstand winter weather. Kentucky winters are much more moderate when compared to northern climates. The winter low averages about 23 degrees Fahrenheit, but weather varies from day to day in Kentucky. Even with temperature lows in the 20s and 30s and chances of snow or ice, most AC units should withstand these conditions just fine.

If you decide to cover your AC, we recommend using a cover made from breathable fabric and only covering the top of your unit so as not to block airflow.

Next, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of covering your AC during the winter months.

Pros of Covering an AC Unit

There are a few reasons you may still consider covering your outdoor AC unit in Kentucky. The pros of covering your AC unit include:

• Keeps out debris: Covering your outdoor AC units prevents debris, such as leaves and sticks from damaging your unit.
• Protects against ice and snow buildup: During severe winter weather, your AC unit will be protected against ice and snow buildup. It’s particularly important to protect units from falling icicles if you have overhanging tree branches.
• Can prevent rust in harsh conditions: By using a cover on your AC unit, you can sometimes prevent rusting in harsh weather conditions like ice and snow. Water will melt and drip off the sides of the cover, keeping excess moisture from the unit.

Cons of Covering an AC Unit

Since you know the pros of covering an AC unit in winter, we should look at the cons as well. Here’s why you may not want to cover your outdoor AC unit.

• Can trap moisture: Covering an outdoor AC unit can unintentionally trap moisture, leading to rust or mold. If water seeps through the cover, it can cause rust to form on your AC unit over time.
• Rodents may nest inside covers: A cover may attract rodents to nest in the area for warmth during the winter. It’s common for rodents to find their way into AC covers.
• Restricts airflow and may shorten system life: Using a cover can restrict airflow and potentially damage the compressor leading to decreased lifespan. Restricted airflow can cause the unit to work harder or overheat.

Best Practices for AC Unit Protection

Seasonal HVAC care is essential to prolonging the life of your system. What should you do to protect your outdoor AC unit? Here are our tips for homeowners:

• Clean unit before winter: Get your AC professionally cleaned before winter rolls around to keep it in top shape. An HVAC technician will remove debris, clean the coils, and check for any issues.
• Cover only the top: If you choose to cover your AC unit in winter, do not cover the entire unit. Instead, cover only the top portion to allow airflow. Covering the top protects your unit from debris and moisture while maintaining unrestricted airflow.
• Use breathable covers: When covering your AC unit in winter, it’s critical to use a cover made from breathable fabric to support airflow.
• Schedule regular HVAC maintenance: Protect your AC unit’s lifespan by scheduling annual maintenance with Dauenhauer Plumbing. Our skilled technicians will check for leaks, assess components, and perform a tune-up.

Alternatives to Covering

There are several alternatives to covering to protect your outdoor AC unit in winter.

First, you can install a top cover or board to help shield internal components from debris. This ensures your unit stays protected without restricting airflow.

The second option is to maintain landscaping to prevent clogs or damage from debris. For instance, if you have tree coverage over your AC unit, consider trimming branches or removing dead leaves.

Lastly, trust professional seasonal maintenance to maintain your AC unit’s efficiency. The pros at Dauenhauer Plumbing are trusted by homeowners in Lexington and Louisville, KY for HVAC maintenance and AC repair.

To summarize, in Kentucky, full coverage is typically not necessary for outdoor AC units. We recommend partial protection with a breathable cover and professional annual service instead.

Dauenhauer’s HVAC Services

For expert HVAC maintenance in Louisville, Lexington, Elizabethtown, Shelbyville, contact Dauenhauer today!