Cover A/C units or no?

[Banjorear]

I use to cover our A/C units during the winter and was told that it isn't a good idea. The person that said that claims it makes a nice place for rodents to hole up in during the winter months.

Curious on what the pros think?

 

[Rookie2]

Nope ! I cover to keep snow out that will melt and freeze, and I have a top that keeps ice and snow from my roof out.

 

[sourdough]

I have a 15K window unit permanently mounted in the window and on a AWW stand. Winter is our rainy season (very little snow) so I had my wife create a cover from an old Gore-Tex coat, secured to the stand by snaps. It has worked well for 5 years to keep out rain, dirt, and critters.

 

[Banjorear]

Thanks all. To be clear, these are the ground mounted units. Condensers?? (not sure of correct name) or units that sit outside of the house.

 

[tube_guy]

I used to cover ours every winter, and yes, some mice made one of them their winter home. Chewed through just about every wire in the whole unit. Now I don't cover them and set traps out and I've had much better luck. I just put a coat of wax on all the painted surfaces and for the past ten years or so that I've left them uncovered, they've been fine. I've done both and my vote goes towards leaving them uncovered.

 

[hayhauler71]

cover the top only to keep it from filling up with snow. ventilation will keep it from rusting and corrosion.

 

[Rockhead261]

Nope. The only thing I ever recommend is some screening over the top to keep out pine needles.

Mine has been uncovered for 21-years. No rodents or reptiles, no chewed wires, no rust.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

cover the top only to keep it from filling up with snow. Ventilation will keep it from rusting and corrosion.

:d:d:d:d:d

 

[Banjorear]

Thanks, folks!

 

[zak77]

My problem is a "thru the wall" ac I have in my bedroom. There isn't a window in the master bedroom, only a 6' slider and a smaller window in the master bath so I had to install one of these. I like it since it's quiet and makes the room COLD but in the winter I noticed that condensation was forming on some of the interior metal surfaces. The problem is the sleave the unit slides into, which is metal. The instructions said to install it as close to the finished surface as possible so the weight would be on the framing. So as warm/moist air hits the small area of the cold metal box, it forms condensation and causes small drops of water that'll run down the wall when it's really cold.

Now, I was thinking of a solution to this and have come to the conclusion I need to insulate the exterior or interior portion of the ac. I was thinking of using some 3/4" thick polystyrene to make a box to slide over the exterior of the ac and use a cover over that. I'm hoping that'll keep the metal outside a little warmer and prevent the condensation. I'm afraid that may lead to corrosion of the ac, possible critter homes, and flat out not work. I thought about an interior cover but I'm not sure that'd work and only trap the condensate inside the cover and cause moisture problems without me seeing it, and I'm sure the wife wouldn't like the look.

So, any suggestions on this one?

 

[internetdude]

I cover my outside unit that is on the ground. I'm not sure if it's really necessary but it makes me feel better LOL.

 

[sms1974]

Split system condensers are made to be out in the weather, be it rain or snow. We suggest covering the top only to keep debris ( leaves or pine needles ) out

 

[Syberia]

Dont cover it, but then again I might need to use it in January again like last year!

 

[Diesel Dan]

My York has a factory form fitting cover. Been on every winter since 1994 as far as I know.