Your outdoor air conditioning unit probably isn't one of the household appliances you give much thought. It is left outside all year. It is exposed to all of the elements as well as the high temperatures of summer and low temperatures of winter. Have you ever wondered if the continued exposure to all of the elements of nature causes your outdoor air conditioning unit any damage? During the winter, for example, when you aren't using it – could you protect it by covering it? Unfortunately, this isn't a question with a black and white answer.

Reasons You Should Cover Your Unit

There are a few extreme circumstances that you might need to cover your air condition unit. One of these circumstances that would require coverage would be if you live in extreme frigid conditions where the temperatures get below freezing at night then above freezing during the day. This pattern of warming up then freezing causes moisture to accumulate on parts of the unit then when it freezes overnight the moisture on the unit refreezes. This is a problem because it can cause damage to the inner parts of the unit.

Another good reason for covering the unit is if you are experiencing a harsh weather condition such as hail. Hail—especially in large pieces—can cause damage such as denting to the outside of your unit. In extreme circumstances, the hail could also break smaller and more fragile pieces of the unit.

Reasons You Should Not Cover Your Unit

While some manufacturers do supply covers specifically for your outdoor air conditioning unit, there are just as many that do not recommend using them. The covers provided by some manufacturers are made with water resistant materials in order to keep rain water out and off of the unit. The covers are also insulated to protect the air conditioning unit from freezing temperatures.

While these covers sound great, they do not completely shield the unit. They go over the top and are opened at the bottom. The opening at the bottom allows for moisture that has evaporated from the surrounding areas to enter the open areas. Since the covers are water and cold resistant, this makes for a perfect environment for rodents, birds, and many other pests to gain reprieve from the harsh conditions. These pests can tear up anything from wiring to the piping in your unit.

Whether or not your air conditioning unit outside should be covered up during the winter is ultimately a decision for you to make. For the most part, the unit really doesn't need to be covered except for short periods of time during harsh weather to protect the unit. For more questions about whether or not you should cover your unit, talk to a professional at High Tech Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.