As autumn approaches, many Canadians are getting ready to say farewell to their central air conditioning until next year. You may have been told that as a responsible homeowner, you should cover your air conditioner for the winter to protect it from the elements, but when it comes to taking care of your outdoor unit, that advice actually does more harm than good! If you’re wondering when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner, or if you should cover it at all, you’ve come to the right place!

The Risks Of Using An Air Conditioner Cover
Putting a cover over your outdoor air conditioning unit in September and leaving it unchecked until the following June can risk the health and efficiency of your air conditioner. By putting on a cover we think we’re protecting our system from the elements, however, a cover can actually invite the worst of outside into your unit!

Firstly, your air conditioner cover creates a safe and dry environment surrounding your system that mice and other creatures are drawn to. If your air conditioner isn’t perfectly sealed, it can become the perfect cozy winter home for the mice in your neighbourhood! Mice can destroy the internal wiring of your air conditioner and render it completely useless for next summer.

Secondly, even if the spaces in your cover are too small for mice to fit through, they’re most likely not too small for water to fit through. Usually, outdoor ACs can handle getting wet, but if water is trapped in your AC cover and left to sit for months, it can breed mould and mildew, and cause corrosion and damage to your system.

When To Use An Air Conditioner Cover
Of course, we’re not saying to never use an air conditioner cover, in fact, there are some times when it’s helpful and appropriate to use one! Instead of using your cover as a bandaid to sit on top of your system all winter, bring it out for short periods of time when it’s needed to protect your system from particularly bad weather like during a hailstorm or a blizzard, then take it off when it’s not necessary anymore.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to keep your air conditioner safe and healthy this winter,
contact the home comfort specialists at Fahrhall!

Fahrhall Home Comfort Specialists have been proudly serving the HVAC needs of the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent regions for over 50 years. Our expert team of certified technicians is committed to providing our customers with reliable service and quality equipment.

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