When temperatures drop, many homeowners wonder about the best way to protect their window air conditioning units during the winter months. Covering your window air conditioner can provide protection against harsh elements, prevent drafts, and potentially extend the lifespan of your unit. However, there are also situations where covering might cause more harm than good. The decision depends on several factors including your climate, the unit’s location, and manufacturer recommendations. This article explores the benefits and drawbacks of covering window AC units and provides guidance on how to properly protect your investment during the colder seasons.
Covering your window air conditioner during winter months offers several advantages. Protection from weather elements is perhaps the most obvious benefit, as covers shield units from snow, ice, and freezing rain that could damage internal components or cause rust and corrosion over time.
Another significant advantage is preventing cold air drafts from entering your home through the unit. Even properly installed window AC units can allow cold air to seep in, reducing your home’s energy efficiency and increasing heating costs during winter.
Covers also reduce debris accumulation such as leaves, dirt, and pollen that could clog the unit’s filters and components. This preventative measure means less cleaning and maintenance when you’re ready to use the air conditioner again in warmer months.
Additionally, quality covers can extend the lifespan of your AC unit by minimizing exposure to harsh weather conditions that accelerate wear and tear. This protection can potentially save you money by delaying the need for repairs or replacement.
Potential Drawbacks of Covering Air Conditioners
Despite the benefits, covering window air conditioners isn’t always advisable. One significant concern is that improperly ventilated covers can trap moisture inside the unit, potentially leading to mold growth, electrical component damage, and even compressor issues.
Covers can also create an attractive nesting spot for pests seeking winter shelter. Rodents, insects, and birds may find their way into the protected space, potentially damaging wiring and internal components.
Some manufacturers specifically advise against covering certain models due to their design or ventilation needs. Using covers against these recommendations might void your warranty or cause damage the manufacturer won’t cover under warranty terms.
In mild climates where freezing temperatures and severe weather are rare, covering your unit might be unnecessary and potentially problematic if the cover prevents natural air circulation that helps keep the unit dry.
Types of Air Conditioner Covers
When choosing a cover for your window air conditioner, several options are available with varying features and price points:
| Cover Type | Description | Pros | Cons | Average Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer Covers | Designed specifically for your AC model | Perfect fit, designed with proper ventilation, high-quality materials | More expensive, may be harder to find for older models | $30-$70 |
| Universal Covers | One-size-fits-most options available in various sizes | Widely available, affordable, various materials available | May not fit perfectly, potential for loose areas where drafts can enter | $15-$40 |
| Indoor Covers | Cover only the interior portion of the unit | Prevents drafts, easier to install | Doesn’t protect the exterior, limited weather protection | $10-$30 |
| Heavy-duty Winter Covers | Insulated covers designed for extreme weather | Maximum protection, often waterproof and insulated | More expensive, may cause moisture issues if not properly ventilated | $40-$80 |
| DIY Solutions | Homemade covers using tarps, plastic sheeting, etc. | Cost-effective, customizable | May lack durability, proper fit, or ventilation features | $5-$15 for materials |
Material Considerations
The material of your AC cover significantly impacts its effectiveness. Breathable fabrics like polyester with vinyl coating offer water resistance while allowing some air circulation to prevent moisture buildup. Completely waterproof materials may provide better protection against precipitation but require proper ventilation mechanisms.
Look for covers with UV-resistant properties if your unit receives direct sunlight during winter months. This feature prevents premature deterioration of the cover material and extends its usable life.
How to Properly Cover a Window AC Unit
Proper installation of an air conditioner cover is crucial to ensure it provides protection without causing damage. Follow these steps for optimal results:
- Clean the unit thoroughly before covering. Remove any debris, leaves, or dirt from the exterior and ensure the unit is completely dry to prevent mold growth.
- Check for signs of damage or wear that should be addressed before covering.
- If removing filters is recommended by the manufacturer, do so and store them separately in a clean, dry place.
- Consider placing moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packets inside the unit to reduce humidity.
- Secure the cover according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring it fits snugly but not so tight that it damages components.
- Ensure any provided ventilation features remain unobstructed to allow air circulation.
- Periodically check the cover throughout winter to ensure it remains properly positioned and free from excessive snow buildup or damage.
Ventilation Considerations
Proper ventilation is perhaps the most critical aspect of safely covering your window air conditioner. Without adequate airflow, condensation can build up inside the unit, potentially causing water damage and creating conditions conducive to mold growth.
Many quality covers include built-in vents specifically designed to maintain appropriate air circulation. If your cover doesn’t have this feature, consider creating small ventilation openings at the bottom of the cover or periodically removing the cover on dry, mild days to allow the unit to air out.
Alternative Winter Options for Window AC Units
Covering isn’t the only option for winter AC care. Consider these alternatives based on your situation:
Complete Removal
Removing and storing your window air conditioner indoors is often the ideal solution, especially in regions with severe winters. This approach eliminates concerns about drafts, moisture, and weather damage while freeing up the window space.
Proper storage involves cleaning the unit thoroughly, allowing it to dry completely, wrapping it in a breathable material, and storing it in a dry, temperature-controlled environment like a closet or storage room.
Insulation Options
If removal isn’t practical, consider using insulation kits designed specifically for window air conditioners. These typically include materials to seal around the unit’s perimeter and sometimes include an interior cover component.
Foam insulation boards cut to size can be placed around the unit’s interior portions to reduce drafts while leaving the external portion uncovered for ventilation.
Weatherproofing Without Full Covers
Rather than covering the entire unit, some homeowners opt to seal only the areas where drafts occur. Weather stripping, caulk, or foam tape can be applied around the window frame and AC unit to reduce air infiltration while leaving the unit itself uncovered.
When to Cover vs. When to Remove
The decision to cover or remove your window air conditioner should be based on several factors:
Climate Considerations
In regions with extreme winters featuring heavy snow, ice, and temperatures regularly below freezing, removal and indoor storage is generally the safest option. If removal isn’t possible, heavy-duty covers with proper ventilation features are recommended.
For moderate climates with mild winters, covering may be unnecessary or even problematic. In these regions, simple weatherproofing around the unit might be sufficient without a full cover.
Building and Installation Factors
The installation method affects your winter care approach. Permanently installed units that can’t be easily removed obviously require in-place protection, while temporary summer installations should generally be removed entirely.
Consider the window location and exposure to elements. Units on the windward side of buildings or under eaves without protection may need more robust covering solutions than those in protected locations.
Manufacturer Recommendations
Always consult your air conditioner’s manual for specific guidance on winter care. Manufacturers design their units with specific maintenance needs in mind, and following their recommendations helps ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Some manufacturers explicitly advise against covering certain models, particularly those with specific ventilation requirements or built-in winter protection features.
Contact the manufacturer directly if you’re uncertain about the appropriate winter care for your specific model. Most have customer service departments that can provide guidance based on your unit’s design and your local climate conditions.
Winter Maintenance Tips for Window AC Units
Whether you choose to cover, remove, or leave your window air conditioner as is during winter, these maintenance practices can help preserve your unit:
- Conduct thorough pre-winter cleaning of both interior and exterior components, including filters, condenser coils, and drainage channels.
- Remove and safely store the unit’s filter separately in a clean, dry location if recommended by the manufacturer.
- Check for and repair any water damage, rust, or corrosion before winter sets in.
- If keeping the unit in the window, ensure the tilt angle remains appropriate to allow any condensation to drain outward.
- Schedule periodic winter checks to ensure covers remain secure and no issues have developed.
- After winter, inspect the unit thoroughly before restarting, looking for signs of moisture damage, pest intrusion, or other issues.
Spring Preparation
When warmer weather returns, proper de-winterizing steps help ensure your air conditioner performs efficiently:
- Remove covers or unpack stored units at least 24 hours before planned use to allow any trapped moisture to evaporate.
- Thoroughly inspect for any signs of winter damage, pest nesting, or moisture issues.
- Clean or replace filters according to manufacturer recommendations.
- Check that all components move freely and that no debris has entered vents or components.
- Test the unit briefly to ensure all functions work properly before the cooling season begins in earnest.
By taking appropriate winter precautions and following manufacturer guidance, you can help extend the life of your window air conditioner and ensure it continues to provide efficient cooling for years to come.