Covering your outdoor ac condenser

[jw31bn]

Can you cover your outdoor AC condenser for the winter or are these units made for that weather

 

[Jeff Handy]

You can cover it, but just cover the top.
Like a piece of plywood or a small section of tarp with a very short overhang, held down by some bricks.

Covering the entire unit right to the ground will rust it out, the moisture gets trapped inside.

 

[Jeff Handy]

Most people don’t cover them at all and they still last twenty or thirty years, but I am in favor of a top cover.

Keeps leaves out, and should protect the guts from rain and snow.

You should also rinse out the fins with a hose at least once a year.
Don’t use high pressure, it can bend the soft metal.

 

[pjones]

Keep in mind if you happen to have a heat pump then you need to have it uncovered because it is used for heating mode also, or if you want to use the AC in winter (Christmas party or large get together) then you need to uncover it, however if you are using it in winter then you will need to have a head pressure control and sump heater installed (among other considerations as well)

 

[Jeff Handy]

Or just lower the furnace thermostat, run the blower full time, and crack some windows.