Should You Cover Your Air Conditioner in the Winter? Everything to Know

Dress your AC for the season

Photo: cherryandbees / Adobe Stock
Photo: cherryandbees / Adobe Stock
Jenna Jonaitis
Written by Jenna Jonaitis
Contributing Writer
Robert Tschudi
Reviewed by Robert Tschudi
Expert Reviewer
Updated Mar 7, 2024
Highlights

  • It’s better to clear ice and snow off your AC unit periodically during winter than to use a solid, non-breathable cover.

  • Covering your AC unit all the way can lead to problems with moisture, rust, and unwanted critters.

  • A breathable cover can keep leaves and twigs out of your AC unit in the fall, however.

  • You can find breathable covers for $15 to $40 from home improvement stores.

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As the cooler months arrive, you may wonder if you should cover your air conditioner in the winter. However, completely covering your AC unit can cause moisture and rust and attract unwanted critters. Instead, use a partial, breathable cover during the fall to prevent debris from entering your unit, and leave the AC uncovered in the winter. Here’s everything you need to know about covering your AC unit in the winter. 

Should I Cover My AC in the Winter?

outdoor ac unit in the winter
Photo: JJ Gouin / Adobe Stock

You should not cover your AC unit in the winter because it can lead to moisture buildup and rust and attract unwanted critters—all of which could damage your unit. The condenser on your outdoor AC is made of a durable metal that is designed to withstand winter weather, including snow, hail, sleet, and rain. If you have large icicles that could fall into your unit, remove the icicles periodically or use a sturdy top cover or piece of wood to prevent icicles from damaging your unit. 

If you have trees and other shrubbery around your AC unit, you can use a cover in the fall to protect it from sticks, leaves, and other debris. Choose a breathable cover, which costs $15 to $40 from a hardware or home improvement store. Covers that don’t allow moisture to dissipate can cause condensation on the interior of an AC unit, leading to rust and corrosion.

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AC Units Need Covers When:

  • There are leaves and other debris falling on the housing or inside it.

  • There is a buildup of snow or ice that can freeze inside the housing.

  • Snow and ice are falling from the roofline and could fall into the AC unit from above.

AC Units Should Remain Uncovered When:

  • There is no danger of snow or ice buildup.

  • It is protected and away from trees that can shed leaves and twigs onto the housing.

  • The unit is wet from being cleaned or from the weather.

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Pros and Cons of AC Covers

Take a look at the good and the bad of using AC covers.

ProsCons
Protects unit from leaves, berries, twigs, and other debris during the fallHolds moisture, which can freeze and damage interior parts
Protects unit from falling icicles, but only a hard top cover should be usedMay attract unwanted critters
Can lead to rust, corrosion, and damage

Maintaining Your AC Unit and HVAC System

Angi Tip

Get your HVAC system serviced and inspected at least once per year. For extra peace of mind, call in a pro twice annually: once before the hottest months of the year and again before the coldest time of year.

Kassidy Barber
Kassidy Barber
Content Editor, Angi

You may not need to add a cover to your AC unit, but maintenance is a must. Year-round maintenance can help lower energy bills, improve your home’s air quality, and increase the life span of your HVAC system. Depending on your skills and experience, you can perform some HVAC maintenance, including: 

But if you're unsure about how to complete these tasks, hire a local HVAC expert to help. HVAC maintenance costs between $450 and $1,000 for an AC tuneup.

Frequently Asked Questions

You should use a breathable, weather-resistant cover with ventilation. It can be a top cover or a full cover that has mesh to allow airflow. A full, non-breathable cover can cause moisture to build up, leading to rust, frozen parts, and corrosion. A full cover also attracts unwanted critters, such as mice, that can damage the wiring and your unit. If you need to protect your AC unit from falling icicles, choose a sturdy top cover or piece of wood that prevents icicles from damaging your unit.

You can protect your air conditioner in the winter by turning off the power at the thermostat and performing routine HVAC maintenance in the spring. Regular maintenance, cleaning, and repair of your AC unit helps protect it and extend its life span. If you have a window AC unit, remove it from the window and store it in a dry place during the winter. Window units cannot withstand freezing temperatures. Keeping them in your window also allows cold air to seep into your home.

Yes, it is bad for an AC unit to freeze up, as it can cause the parts to wear out and overheat your unit. Even on hot days, your outdoor AC unit can form a layer of ice from moisture buildup. Reasons your AC freezes include blocked airflow, damaged fans, dirty air filters, and leaking coolant. Turn off your AC unit at the thermostat and check your filters to see if you need to clean or replace them. If the issue isn’t a dirty air filter, contact a local HVAC repair pro to fix the problem. Improper AC repair can cause damage to the unit or yourself.

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Learn more about our contributors
Jenna Jonaitis
Written by Jenna Jonaitis
Contributing Writer
Jenna Jonaitis is a professional freelance writer with over seven years of experience. She covers wellness, parenting, and lifestyle topics.
Robert Tschudi
Reviewed by Robert Tschudi
Expert Reviewer
Robert Tschudi has 16 years of experience in general contracting, home building and home remodeling. He and his wife currently co-own a remodeling business that they started in 2004.

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