Should I cover my outside central a/c units?
#1
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Should I cover my outside central a/c units?
My wife wants me to cover my outside a/c cental air units for the winter. I was told by the a/c contractor not to do it. So who do I listen too, My wife of the a/c contractor? Thanks!!!
#2
Outdoor units are meant to be out in the elements.
If you cover them you have the potential to trap moisture inside of the cover which can cause corrosion.
If you cover them you have the potential to trap moisture inside of the cover which can cause corrosion.
#3
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Delaware, The First State
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A/C Cover
I agree with Greg but if you have a lot of leaves which get into the A/C & want to keep them out, you can cut a piece of plywood just to place over the top grille. Weigh the plywood down with a few bricks & remember to remove it in the spring.
#4

I normally cover my outside unit when it get's cold enough that oxidation and rust slows down to a stop. IIRC, Oxidation and Rust does not happen in cold temperatures due to lack of moisture. Everything is frozen. 
When I first moved in to my home, I used POR-15 on all the nut hardware on the outside used. The nut hardware on the outside was rusted from the previous owner. Seven years later and the rust has slowed to a slow crawl on the nuts. I will probably give them another coat this year.

When I first moved in to my home, I used POR-15 on all the nut hardware on the outside used. The nut hardware on the outside was rusted from the previous owner. Seven years later and the rust has slowed to a slow crawl on the nuts. I will probably give them another coat this year.
#5
It does not require covering but, there is alot od debris that can get into the unit. I would cover it but use a cover that breathes. There are some covers on the market made to cover A/C units and will not cause rusting. I would not use plywood as when it gets wet it will hold water for days and can cause rusting.