The winter season is just around the corner or we technicians in the HVAC world call it the “heating season.” Lately, we have been getting a lot of questions from our customers whether or not they should use a winter cover for their ac unit. We’ll gladly answer that question for you!

AC covers can be found in any local home store, but are you wondering if it’s a good investment towards your unit? Outdoor air conditioning units are designed to sit outside all year round, including the harsh winter season. Manufacturers know the unit will be outside year round and they designed it to be installed several inches off the ground on a slab or mounted to your home. Some of you may think that you should cover just in case, that it won’t hurt the unit. Unfortunately, that cover can hurt your unit. The cover can trap moisture within the unit, causing it to freeze and possibly cause damage. It also become a home for animals. They can bring sticks and debris within your unit when they’re building their nest.

What you should do for your outdoor ac unit during the winter is to keep it free from debris to prevent it clogging the unit. When snow falls, shovel a small area around the unit, this will also help protect it. During the fall season, rake up any leaves that falls around the unit. If any tree branches, etc. falls on it, check for any damage and call Comfort Central if you see any or want us to check it out.

In the end, it’s best to leave your outdoor air conditioning unit alone. If you have any more questions or need some maintenance and repairs done, give us a call at 866-848-3300.