As the summer winds down, you should be working on a checklist to get your home and yard ready for winter. This includes cleaning and preparing your A/C to shut down for the year. When you see your air conditioner condenser outside, exposed to the elements, you may think you should cover it with something to protect it from rain, snow and ice. But here you should be careful, because if it’s not done correctly, you can damage the equipment.
What to Do
Many HVAC experts believe that no cover is necessary to protect your external unit from winter weather. In most cases, this is correct. But if you still want to provide an extra level of protection for your air conditioner condenser, there are a couple simple things you should do. Covers should allow air to flow freely through the unit to avoid moisture buildup and possible rusting. You may choose to cover it with:
- A piece of strong plywood, with bricks to weigh it down, placed on top of the condensing unit’s cabinet. This is a simple, budget-friendly choice.
- A cover that is specifically designed for A/C condensers. These covers feature built-in ventilation and almost but not completely reach the ground, so that the vents are not the only source of air movement.
What Not to Do
Some people simply cover their air conditioner condenser with a tarp or plastic or even a box. The major hazard with this concerns ventilation. If air cannot pass through the equipment, you risk condensation buildup, which can corrode or rust the stainless-steel components of the unit.
If you need help getting your air conditioner condenser and other cooling system components ready for winter, please contact us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning Co., Inc. We have proudly served the Twin Cities area since 1974.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air conditioner condensers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock