Learning About HVAC Equipment

« Back to Home

5 Myths About Using Central Air Conditioner Unit Covers During Cold Months

Posted on

Investing in a central air conditioning unit can cause many owners to naturally be overprotective of the device. Along with warranties and protection service plans, many home owners may want to keep the unit protected during the autumn and winter months when it is actually not in use. Just like wood piles, swimming pools, and lawn mowers, it is natural for owners to want to cover their air conditioning unit when harsh weather arrives. Before you decide to cover your unit, consider the different hazards and myths that come associated with it. The following five myths will give you a better understanding of how a unit works and the proper care it should have once it's installed.

Myth: An Air Conditioner Cover Will Keep Rodents Out

During the colder months, rodents like rats and mice are constantly seeking for a place away from the cold. Many air conditioner owners think that by covering up your unit, you can prevent rodents from getting inside. The cover to your unit will actually cause the opposite effect. When your unit is fully covered, it creates an extra place of shelter for the rodents and may attract them even more.

Rodents can crawl in very small places, and keeping your unit exposed will not make a difference in whether rodents can get in or not. Instead of covering your unit, you can look for a natural solution to keeping the rodents out. For example, surrounding the outside of your home with peppermint oil could help keep mice away.

Myth: A Cover Will Protect Your Unit from Rain and Snow

Air conditioner units are kept outside for a reason. They are manufactured to withstand extreme weather, temperatures, and snow. If snow does pile onto your unit, it's a good idea to clear it off, but a cover will not offer any additional protection. As the snow naturally melts, your unit will remain the same as it was. When it is first installed, a professional can explain this process too and give you additional tips for snow removal in the winter.

Myth: A Unit Cover Will Keep Moisture & Humidity Away From Your Unit

Instead of letting the moisture run off and vaporize naturally, a unit cover can trap moisture inside of the unit. Without the exposure to natural air, this moisture can cause corrosion inside the unit. This is why it's best to keep your unit uncovered all year long. The sun will naturally get rid of the moisture and prevent it from pooling underneath the unit.

Myth: Dirt, Dust, & Wind Will Cause Damage to Your Unit

Autumn is filled with gusty days that can send wind, dirt, and debris flying through the air. This is why air conditioning units have air filters built into them. When the units are off, the dust and debris cannot get inside. When the unit is on, any dust or dirt is filtered out before it reaches the vents in your home. Adding a cover to the unit will just create an extra area where dust can collect. As the cover is taken off, the dust and debris will fall down near the unit, creating more problems to filter.

Myth: Squirrels & Birds Will Chew on the Coils of your Air Conditioner

The unit may seem likely to attract backyard critters like birds and squirrels, but the only harm that can come to your unit is from the foods that these animals eat. Bird seeds, nuts, and other small objects can all wedge into a unit and cause potential damage. Instead of using a cover, you should relocate any feeders that you have to the opposite side of the home. This will help prevent the critters from climbing or flying over the unit with food. By moving the locations, you will have no need to cover your unit.

After a unit is installed and running for a months, you will realize how durable it actually is. A professional can also help you determine any hazards or locations near the unit that you should be concerned about. For more information, you can check out the sites of local HVAC companies.


Share