AC Cover Guide: Why Use an Air Conditioner Cover (Plus, How to Pick One)

air conditioner cover blog picture 1 from daoseal
Your AC unit protects you from the sweltering heat of summer. But, what can you do to protect it so that it keeps working in good condition? Regularly changing the air conditioner filter is one thing you probably already do. Another thing you can do is to get an air conditioner cover – for both the inside and outside parts of the unit. Keep reading as we look into the benefits of having a cover for an AC unit. Air conditioner covers come in different types. So, we will also guide you in how to choose an AC cover and how to use it properly.

Why Should I Use an Outdoor Air Conditioner Cover?

The outdoor unit of a central air conditioner or a window AC is built to be tough. It can stand up to hot, windy, and rainy weather and still function without a hitch. So, why should you ever think of using an air conditioner cover? It is true that the AC unit can withstand different kinds of weather. But, each season, in particular harsh winters, can pose problems for the unit.

Protection from snow, ice, and rain

A lot of built-up snow and ice can damage parts of the AC unit. These include both its coil fins and fan blades. What’s more, rainwater can collect on or settle around parts of the inside of the unit. When the temperature drops, this water freezes, expands, and can damage the unit.
air conditioner cover blog picture 2 from daoseal

keeps out pests and vermin

Rodents and bugs that get into the unit may start gnawing at some of its parts. An ill-fitting air conditioner cover can create a warm, safe space that is attractive to pests. However, a secure, breathable air conditioner cover can keep them out. Daoseal’s 420D Oxford Cloth Air Conditioner Cover, for example, features bottom straps and an adhesive design that keep the cover in place.                  Image by publicDomainPictures from Pixabay

Barrier to leaves, dirt, etc.

Leaves, twigs, and other forms of debris can get jammed into the moving parts of your air conditioner. This can cause it to malfunction. Dust and dirt can form a thick coating on the air conditioner coils. This affects the unit’s ability to transfer heat. As a result, you could see much higher energy bills once winter is over and you get back to using your AC.

Extends the life of the unit

Protecting your AC unit from all the hazards listed above helps to keep it in proper working order. This leads to less frequent need for repairs and protects your investment. So, even though buying an air conditioner cover is an added cost, it does pay for itself over time. This 1-minute video offers some more handy air conditioner cover tips.

Why Should I Use an Indoor Air Conditioner Cover?

air conditioner cover blog picture 3 from daoseal
An air conditioner that is not in use during the winter months can let cold drafts into your home . This then leads to higher heating bills. An air conditioner cover, like Daoseal’s option shown here, goes over the inside AC unit. It stops those drafts in their tracks. The indoor air conditioner cover is also a dust cover. Months of inactivity can see dust settling on the vents and inner parts of the unit. When the weather warms up and you turn the unit back on, that dust gets blown around the room. The dust can also form an insulating layer that lowers the air conditioner’s cooling ability. While we are on the subject of indoor air conditioner covers, there are cleaning covers you can consider, too. They work as dust and draft stoppers but their primary use is to aid cleaning of the unit. They keep the area around the unit dry and clean while you clean your air conditioner. They come equipped with a built-in external water outlet.

Which Air Conditioner Cover Should I Use?

We’ll kick this section off by looking at the type of air conditioner cover you should NOT be using. Avoid non-breathable covers. Also, never wrap your AC unit in plastic – no matter what! These tend to trap moisture inside the unit, leading to an array of problems. The moisture promotes the growth of mold and mildew. These form a coating on the evaporator coils, making the unit work harder at heat transfer. Plus, moisture can negatively affect the electrical wiring in the unit. It can also affect any circuit boards the unit might contain. So, what type of AC cover should you be looking for?

Material

Look for materials that are waterproof, strong, and breathable. Good choices help to keep moisture out and will not trap any that manages to get in. They also do not rip easily and so prove to be quite durable. Also, look for materials that can withstand weather conditions. Material like 420D Oxford Cloth is a notable option.

Securing mechanisms

Check what features the air conditioner cover has for securing it once you fit it in place. Some use bungee straps or straps with buckles. Others have hook-and-loop fasteners for easy closing and opening. Does it have a drawstring, instead? Or, is it made with an elastic hem so that it stretches to go over the unit then contracts snuggly around it once in place?

Appearance

We know AC units are meant to be purely functional. That does not stop you, however, from putting some thought into how you want the covered unit to look. Should it blend in as possible? Or, are you hoping to make it stand out against the surroundings? You choose – you have several options. Outdoor air conditioner covers are often black, gray, tan, or white. They can also be found in two-toned styles. Indoor air conditioner covers come in many different styles. These range from plain white to some more colorful and textured options.

Warranty

It goes without saying that manufacturers are well aware of the quality of their products. They know if it’s any good and if it is something they are willing to stand behind. You can get a hint of this by looking at how much warranty accompanies the air conditioner cover. Better-made ones will give you a longer warranty and along with that, greater peace of mind. Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

How to Use an Air Conditioner Cover

There are two important things to consider when it comes to using an air conditioner cover.

Ease-of-use

Fitting and removing your air conditioner cover should not be rocket science. It should be a simple job that you can easily do and get on with the rest of your day.

Size

It is important to get the proper fit from your air conditioner cover. Measure the unit and try to find a cover that matches its dimensions. One that is slightly smaller but has some stretch to it could also work. One that is slightly larger could also be used if it has a drawstring or some other method of taking up the extra width.

Bottom Line: Should You Be Using an Air Conditioner Cover?

An AC cover is not an absolute necessity. It does offer benefits, however, in terms of protecting and maintaining your air conditioner. You save on both your repair and energy bills. It is worth it to remember how much we depend on our air conditioners. That’s why using an air conditioner cover or any other helpful air conditioner accessories is always a good idea.
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