As summer comes to an end and fall arrives at the Jersey Shore, homeowners start preparing their properties for colder weather. One question we hear often is: Should I cover my outdoor AC unit for the fall and winter?
The answer is: sometimes. It depends on the type of HVAC system you have. Covering an outdoor air conditioning condenser can provide some protection from leaves, sticks, dirt, and other debris. However, covering the wrong type of equipment — or covering an AC condenser incorrectly — can create problems instead of preventing them.
Why Would You Cover an Outdoor AC Unit?
For a traditional central air conditioning system that is used only for cooling, a properly fitted cover can provide some protection during the off-season. Here at the Jersey Shore, outdoor HVAC equipment can be exposed to plenty of fall and winter debris. Leaves can accumulate around the condenser, branches can fall during storms, and coastal homes can also deal with salty air and moisture. A properly designed AC cover may help reduce the amount of debris that gets into the outdoor cabinet.
It can also help keep the equipment looking cleaner when it is sitting unused for several months. However, there is an important distinction between using a properly fitted condenser cover and simply throwing a large tarp over the entire unit.
Why Covering Your AC Unit Can Be a Bad Idea
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is completely wrapping an outdoor condenser in a tarp. HVAC equipment needs to breathe. A tightly wrapped tarp can trap moisture inside the unit. Over time, that trapped moisture can contribute to corrosion, rust and deterioration of electrical components and other metal parts. A cover can also create a protected environment for insects, rodents and other pests. So while the intention is to protect your equipment, the wrong type of cover can actually create another set of problems. Never assume that covering your outdoor HVAC equipment is automatically the right thing to do.
Heat Pumps Are Different
This is where homeowners need to be especially careful. A traditional central AC condenser that is used only during the summer is different from a heat
pump. Heat pumps use the outdoor unit during the winter because they can provide heating as well as cooling. That outdoor equipment needs to remain exposed and able to operate. Do not cover a heat pump with a tarp during the heating season. The same principle applies to many ductless mini-split systems that provide both heating and cooling. Their outdoor units are designed to operate in cold weather and need unobstructed airflow. Covering equipment that is actively being used for heating can prevent it from operating properly and can potentially cause serious problems.
What About Daikin Fit and Other Inverter Systems?
Modern HVAC systems can operate differently than older conventional air conditioners. Systems such as Daikin Fit and other inverter-driven heat pump systems may provide both heating and cooling. If your outdoor unit is part of a system that provides heat in the winter, it should not simply be covered because summer is over. The best thing to do is identify exactly what type of HVAC system you have before deciding whether to cover it.
What Should You Do Before Winter?
Whether you cover your AC condenser or leave it uncovered, fall is a great time to make sure your HVAC equipment is ready for the changing seasons.
Homeowners should consider:
- Removing leaves and debris around the outdoor equipment
- Keeping plants, grass and other growth away from the condenserHaving the outdoor coil cleaned when necessary
- Checking the electrical components
- Inspecting the refrigerant system
- Checking condensate drainage
- Making sure the equipment is operating properly
- Scheduling heating maintenance before the first cold snap
For homes at the Jersey Shore, it is especially important to keep outdoor equipment clean and free of debris. Coastal weather, moisture and salt air can be tough on HVAC equipment over time.
So, Should You Cover Your AC?
If you have a cooling-only central AC condenser, a properly fitted cover can be an option for the off-season. But that doesn’t mean you should completely wrap the unit in a tarp. If you have a heat pump or a mini-split system that provides heat, do not cover the outdoor unit. It needs to remain operational throughout the winter. When in doubt, have an HVAC professional identify your system before covering it.
At Rostron Premium Home Services, we work on heating and cooling systems throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties. From traditional central air conditioning to heat pumps, furnaces, boilers and ductless mini-split systems, understanding what equipment you have is the first step toward taking care of it properly.
Don’t just cover it because you saw a tarp on your neighbor’s AC unit. Know what system you have first!
