Still dont get why everyone covers their AC units in the winter

Last November my neighbor wrapped his whole outdoor unit in a tarp and bungee cords. Ive been a mail carrier for 15 years now and I see this every fall. But the manual for my 3 year old Trane says specifically not to cover it. Moisture gets trapped, rust forms, mice nest under it anyway. I left mine uncovered through 3 Vermont winters now and it still runs fine. My neighbor had to replace his condenser fan motor last spring after the cover held moisture against the coils. Who actually benefits from covering these things?

3 comments

3 Comments

mason.brian18d ago

Oh man, I read somewhere that some HVAC techs actually call covered units "rust buckets" because the traps moisture so bad! My neighbor's brother is a repair guy and he told me the same thing your manual says, he's seen more damage from covers than from snow and ice. The freeze-thaw thing is real, ice can expand and crack the copper lines if moisture gets trapped in the wrong spot. Plus a tarp flapping in the wind can actually dent the fins or scratch the paint, which is where rust starts. I think people just like the look of a covered unit like it's tucked in for a nap, but the science says let it breathe.

susanm5628d ago

I mean is it really that big of a deal either way? Seems like people get super worked up about covering or not covering their AC units but mine's been fine for years uncovered in the rain and snow.

wendy39127d ago

Wait, has yours actually been through a Vermont winter without issues, or is it in a milder climate? Because up here the freeze-thaw cycles are brutal, and moisture getting trapped under a cover can turn into ice that expands and cracks the coils or fins. I've seen it happen to a few neighbors who thought they were protecting their units. Leaving it open lets the snow blow off and the metal dry out faster.