In the fall and winter, homeowners often need to take preventative measures like covering outdoor furniture or swimming pools, but have you ever wondered: should I cover my AC unit in the winter? In this post, the experts at SBPHA/C discuss when and how to cover your A/C unit.
Should I Cover My A/C Unit in the Winter?
In the course of regular system maintenance, it’s wise to schedule an annual tune-up and inspection for your cooling system in the spring, and for your heating system in the fall. This helps ensure the unit is in great shape to carry you through the new season before you really start depending on it.
When it comes to caring for your A/C unit after the summer, you only need to consider covering it during the fall. This can prevent debris like leaves, seeds and nuts from getting into the unit and trapping moisture. Trapped moisture can lead to corrosion inside the unit over time.
The good news is your unit was built to withstand rain and snow, and often has built-in drainage systems to prevent moisture from getting trapped. This is where the kinds of debris abundant in the fall can cause trouble by blocking drainage systems or creating areas for moisture to collect.
How to Cover Your A/C Unit
Depending on your unit and location, it’s possible you won’t need to cover it at all. If you do cover your unit, it’s important to note you should only cover the top loosely. Covers should come down the sides only about six inches, as completely covering the unit runs the risk of trapping moisture and causing corrosion. Remember, the main reason for covering an A/C unit is to prevent debris from entering the top of the unit during the fall season. Your unit is built to withstand the harsh weather conditions of the fall and winter.
If you have questions about HVAC maintenance, SBPHA/C can help! Our team offers expert workmanship and customer service. If you live in Montgomery, Bucks, Philadelphia, Delaware or Chester County, contact us at 215-584-2098 for all your plumbing, heating and air conditioning needs!