Should I Cover My AC Unit in the Fall and Winter?

As the scorching Las Vegas summer finally fades into the cool desert nights of autumn, many homeowners start thinking about winterizing their HVAC system. One of the most debated topics in home maintenance is whether to put an cover on outdoor AC units during the off-season. It seems like a logical way to protect your investment, but the reality is a bit more complicated.

In the Las Vegas Valley, our winter weather is relatively mild, which changes the game compared to a place with a brutal winter like New York. Here is our professional take on whether or not you should cover your AC unit and how to keep it in working order all year.

In most cases, HVAC experts recommend against using a full air conditioner cover. Your air conditioner is built specifically to live outside. The internal parts, such as the compressor and the condenser coils, are designed to withstand rain, wind, and the intense Nevada sun.

While covering the unit might seem helpful and protect the unit from dust, debris, and UV exposure during long Vegas summers, it often causes more problems than it solves.

Using a full-length cover that extends to the ground can lead to costly repairs for several reasons.

• Trapping Moisture: A full cover can trap moisture inside the unit. Without proper airflow, this condensation can lead to corrosion of the delicate fins and electrical components. This damp environment is also the perfect breeding ground for mold growth and mildew.
• Invitation for Critters: In winter, small animals are looking for a warm, dry place to hide. A covered AC unit provides the perfect sanctuary. These critters often chew through wiring or nest in the internal parts, causing a total HVAC system failure when you go to turn it on in the spring.
• Accidental Operation: If the sun comes out and you adjust your thermostat to cool the house without removing the cover, you will block all airflow. This can cause the compressor to overheat in just a few minutes.

While a full wrap is a bad idea, protecting the unit's top can sometimes be beneficial. If you have trees overhanging your outdoor AC unit, falling leaves, twigs, and seeds can accumulate in the fan area. This buildup can block airflow, hold moisture, and contribute to corrosion or debris buildup.

If you want to protect your unit from debris, a piece of plywood weighted down on the top of the unit is a much better solution. This protects the fan from debris while keeping the sides open for airflow, preventing moisture from getting trapped. It should be noted that plywood is only a temporary solution and should be properly weighted down to prevent it from blowing off or bending the coil fins.

In the Las Vegas Valley, many homes utilize a heat pump rather than a traditional furnace. A heat pump is an HVAC unit that runs year-round to provide both cooling and heating.

If you have a heat pump, you should never cover it. Because the unit needs to move outdoor air to heat your home, covering it will severely restrict air flow or force it to rely on an expensive backup space heater element, which will spike your electric bill.

Instead of a cover, focus on these routine maintenance steps to ensure your system is ready for winter.

1. Clear the Debris: Sweep away leaves, dirt, and weeds from the base of the condenser.
2. Rinse the Coils: Use a gentle stream of water from a garden hose to wash away the summer dust buildup. This helps maintain high energy efficiency by allowing the system to run without blockages.
3. Check for Pests: Inspect the unit for any signs of small animals trying to make a home near the electrical panels.
4. Schedule a Tune-Up: Have a professional HVAC technician perform a seasonal checkup. This ensures all internal parts are healthy and your warranty remains valid.

At Dr. Cool, we know that protecting your HVAC equipment is a top priority, and we are here to provide the know-how to do it right. Whether you need a seasonal tune-up, a repair for a unit damaged by pests and moisture, or advice on a new air conditioner for our desert climate, our licensed team is here to help.

We provide stress-free service across the Las Vegas Valley, ensuring your air conditioning unit is always in peak working order. We handle the technical stuff so you can focus on enjoying a comfortable home.

Not sure if your AC is ready for the off-season? Call Dr. Cool at (702) 608-6939 or schedule your HVAC maintenance online today.