As the scorching summer sun starts to fade and the cooler temperatures of fall starts to settle in, residents of Lodi start preparing their homes and yards for the the upcoming cold weather. For many, that leads to the question of whether they ought to cover their outdoor AC for the winter.

While it may seem like a great idea, the fact is there are many reasons why you shouldn’t cover your AC unit in the winter. On top of not being needed, covering your outdoor air conditioning equipment can even cause problems.

Here, the specialists at Tokay Heating & Air share five reasons why covering your AC doesn’t need to be on your fall to-do list and what you should do instead.

• Your AC can Handle Snow: Exterior AC units are built to withstand harsh weather conditions like snow in the winter. These machines are built with sturdy materials and parts that can handle the outdoor elements without damage. The coils and fins of the unit are specially developed to resist corrosion, and the housing is designed to protect the internal components from moisture and debris.
• Covered AC Systems may Encourage Mold Growth: One of the reasons you should not cover your air conditioner in the winter is because doing so can trap moisture—which is not at all what you want in your outdoor unit. That’s because sealing moisture inside the unit produces the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to flourish.
  Mold and mildew not only have an undesirable aroma, but they can also create health risks, especially for people with respiratory issues or allergies. Also, the excess moisture can corrode the internal components of the AC unit.
  As an alternative to covering the unit, instead make sure the unit has proper drainage and keep the area around the unit clean of debris, allowing for efficient airflow and preventing moisture buildup.
• Your Covered Air Conditioning Unit Can Attract Animals: Human beings aren’t the only ones who prepare for winter. Animals that live around your home are also searching for a warm, cozy place to live for the wintry months. For many animals, a covered air conditioner is the perfect winter home.
  Birds, mice, chipmunks and even rats commonly make homes inside covered air conditioners. Animals dwelling in a covered air conditioning unit can cause several problems. Mice can chew through wires, insulation and other components, causing damage that may require expensive repairs. Debris animals bring into the AC to make themselves a warm and comfortable bed can obstruct airflow and ventilation, decreasing the efficiency of the unit and potentially causing it to overheat. Moreover, animal excrement can result in unsanitary conditions and potent odors.
  Leaving your air conditioner uncovered helps discourage animals, because an uncovered AC provides less shelter from cold weather than a covered unit. That’s better for your air conditioner—and leaves you with less mess to throw away and things to repair once the snow melts.
• A Winter Cover for AC Units Restricts Airflow: Another reason it’s better that you don’t cover your AC unit in the winter is because a cover blocks airflow through the unit. Adequate airflow is crucial for the AC system because it assists heat exchange and permits the unit to cool properly. When airflow is reduced, the system has to work harder to achieve the desired temperature, causing increased energy consumption and strain on the components.
  In addition, if you use your AC without noticing that the outside unit is covered or because you simply forgot, it could result in a range of problems. One issue is that the absence of correct airflow could cause the compressor to overheat, leading to its failure or damage. That’s why it is necessary to ensure the outdoor unit has no blockages and is not covered to maintain optimal airflow.
• AC Maintenance Works Better Than Covering Your Air Conditioner: The bottom line is, it’s a lot more effective to do a little maintenance for your air conditioning unit than to cover your outdoor AC unit.
  There are several key maintenance projects you should prioritize to ensure the best possible operation and longevity of your AC unit. First, it’s a good idea to examine your outdoor AC unit regularly and pull out any debris such as leaves, sticks and dirt to allow proper airflow. Second, examine and clean the coils, fins and filters to make sure there isn’t any dirt and dust buildup that would hinder efficient heat exchange or airflow.

Regular air conditioning maintenance not only improves efficiency, but it also helps extend the unit’s life span, decreases energy consumption and prevents costly repairs. Rather than using a cover, investing time and effort into routine air conditioning maintenance is a proactive plan of action that can substantially benefit your entire HVAC system in the long run.