Should You Cover Your AC Unit in the Winter in Addison, TX?

If there’s one question sure to stir up debate among HVAC professionals, it’s “Should you cover your AC unit in the winter?” Unlike many other air conditioning maintenance issues, like the importance of changing the unit’s air filter, which everyone can agree on, covering the outdoor unit seems unnecessary for some and a good idea for others.

As the leader in AC services in Addison, TX, homeowners often ask us whether a cover should be part of their winter care plan for their air conditioners. Although there may be some benefits to investing in a cover in colder climates, in Texas, our opinion is that there’s no real benefit to doing so – here’s why.

To Cover or Not To Cover Your Air Conditioner in the Winter in Addison, Texas

AC unit protection is the primary reason that homeowners consider covering outdoor equipment during the colder months in certain climates. Heavy snowfall, ice, and falling debris could potentially damage the unit. In that case, a cover provides a layer of protection against inevitable damage.

Here in Addison, however, that type of weather doesn’t pose much of a concern. Winters tend to be mild, and even on the rare occasion that it does snow, accumulations rarely amount to more than an inch or two before melting away. There’s also little risk that water will get into the unit and freeze or cause damage to internal components. 

Even when Addison’s weather turns chillier than normal, the equipment design ensures it can withstand extreme conditions just fine without covering concerns. Should you cover your AC unit in the winter to prevent debris like leaves and sticks from accumulating inside? A cover could be helpful in maintaining a clean system, but there’s also a chance that doing so could do more harm than good.

Three Reasons You Shouldn’t Cover Your Addison AC Unit in the Winter 

Despite the slight advantage that a cover offers in terms of keeping the AC unit clean, it pales in comparison to the damage that could occur with a cover on the unit.

1. Moisture and Mold Buildup – Putting a cover over the outdoor air conditioner can trap moisture inside the unit, which supports mold and mildew growth. Organic growth would be significantly more harmful in your air conditioner than exposure to the elements. It will certainly have a detrimental effect on your indoor air quality as soon as you turn the cooling system back on in the spring.
2. Pest Infestations – Nothing’s more inviting to rodents and other pests than a safe, warm spot that provides protection from the cold — a place like an air conditioner underneath a cover. If creatures take over the unit, they wreak havoc, chewing through wires and insulation, leaving droppings, and causing other mayhem. 
3. Reduced Airflow – Manufacturers design air conditioners to withstand outdoor conditions in places with far more extreme weather than Addison. However, that same design also requires adequate airflow to prevent moisture buildup inside the unit, which can cause mold and corrosion. Putting a cover over the unit restricts airflow, which hinders rust prevention. 

Best Practices: Winter Care for Your Air Conditioner in Addison, Texas

Given Addison’s mild winters and the covering-related concerns, we typically caution against covers when customers ask, “Should you cover your AC unit in the winter?” Instead, we might recommend these alternative seasonal preparation steps:

• Schedule professional maintenance. Experts ensure your cooling unit is in good shape and ready for its peak season.
• Clear debris like leaves, twigs, or dirt from around the unit. Cleaning prevents unit blockages.
• Turn the system off for the season. Doing so may avoid accidental activation during a warm spell.

If you feel the need to protect your air conditioner from falling debris, why not invest in a top cover that doesn’t enclose the unit? Combined with regular maintenance and cleaning, this will more effectively protect the system over the winter.