As sad as it may be, summertime is coming to an end. Within a few weeks all traces of summer like scorching hot days and humidity will start to disappear. Although it’s sad to say goodbye to summer, fall is a refreshing and welcomed change, especially here in the Midwest (hello fall festivals and apple cider!). Along with seasonal changes in temperature comes leaves, debris, and of course, impending and dreadful Old Man Winter. Yuck!

Your air conditioner worked hard all summer long cooling your home down and keeping your indoor temperature nice and comfortable, providing relief from humidity and temperatures in the upper 90s. With cooler temperatures approaching, you’ll be using your air conditioner less and less, eventually stopping it altogether until late spring. With your unit being dormant for a few months, many homeowners ask themselves, “Should I cover my air conditioner after summer?”

The answer is really up to you; you don’t have to cover it, but if you choose to, you should only partially cover it during the fall months.

Though air conditioners are built to withstand both rain and snow, they’re not built to keep out debris like leaves, nuts or seeds that fall from trees during autumn. Covering your air conditioner during the fall will prevent these pesky things from causing damage to your unit. During wintertime when nature is pretty much at a standstill and leaves and seeds aren’t falling from trees, there’s no need to keep your unit covered. With this being said, it’s wise not to cover your air conditioner during winter to prevent critters like mice from comfortably nesting inside your unit – the cover makes a nice and toasty home! If you choose not to cover your air conditioner during the fall months, frequently remove leaves and debris from the unit.

If you do decide to cover your air conditioner during the fall season, only cover it partially. Covering your entire unit can result in a greenhouse effect; moisture becomes trapped inside your unit and can cause corrosion. If you choose to cover your unit, look for a cover made from a fabric that breathes to prevent damage caused by moisture. As an alternative, you could always partially cover the unit by placing plywood on the top to prevent leaves and debris from becoming trapped.

If you have any questions about keeping your air conditioner protected during the upcoming fall and winter months, feel free to contact our friendly team of experts here at Cates Heating and Cooling. We’d love to answer any questions you may have and would even be happy to visit your home and inspect your unit to give you advice on whether or not to cover your specific unit.  

Keep Cates in mind next spring when it’s time for you to schedule an A/C repair. We have frequent special offers, so be sure to check back in the spring for discounts!