Should You Cover Your Air Conditioner in the Winter? Maintenance Tips

As winter arrives, your attention naturally shifts from cooling to heating. That often means covering pipes, pools/spas, and other outdoor elements for added protection. But what about your outdoor AC unit? Many homeowners wonder if they should cover it in the wintertime to shield it from snow, ice, and freezing winds.

While it may seem like a smart way to protect such an essential part of your home, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind before wrapping up your AC. Knowing how your system is designed (and what maintenance it really needs) can help you avoid costly mistakes.

What Is the Best Practice for Covering an Air Conditioner in Winter?

In short, you shouldn’t cover your outdoor AC unit during the winter. Most HVAC professionals agree that covers are unnecessary for outdoor AC units and can even do more harm than good by trapping moisture or attracting pests. That’s because outdoor AC units are made to withstand harsh weather conditions, including snow, ice, sleet, and freezing temperatures. Built with rust-resistant, waterproof materials and corrosion-proof coatings, they can withstand year-round exposure in any climate without requiring additional protection.

Covering them can actually introduce new risks your unit wasn’t designed for. Problems that may result from using a winter cover include:

• Trapped moisture
• Mold growth
• Pests that make a home inside
• Accidentally running the unit with the cover on
• Voiding the manufacturer’s warranty

Covering a Window AC Unit

While it’s not a good idea to cover your outdoor AC unit in the wintertime, covering a window air conditioner is beneficial. Use a breathable, mesh-style cover that keeps out leaves and debris, without trapping moisture. Window ACs are especially prone to drafts and leaks around the frame, so sealing gaps with insulating foam or weather stripping can make your home more energy efficient.

Avoid using a fully plastic, non-breathable cover that can trap condensation and encourage mold growth.

Related: Why is Your AC Making Noise? How to Fix It.

What Temperature to Set an Air Conditioner in Winter

Generally, central air systems aren’t designed to operate in freezing conditions. However, if you have a heat pump or need to use your AC briefly during mild winter days, set it to a temperature in the low 60s. This prevents the system from overworking while maintaining a stable indoor temperature, which can also save energy.

Winter Maintenance for Your AC Unit

Although you shouldn’t cover your AC unit in the wintertime, that doesn't mean there aren't other ways to care for your HVAC system during the colder months. Here are some winter maintenance tasks to keep it in good shape:

• Turn off the unit
• Clean the outer casing
• Replace air filters
• Wipe down coils and fins
• Get an HVAC tune-up

Related: Read our HVAC Tune-Up Guide to discover more benefits of this service.

Energy Efficiency Tips for Winter HVAC Use

While maintaining your AC unit is important, winter is also an ideal time to consider overall energy efficiency. Making minor adjustments to how you use your HVAC system can lower your utility bills and reduce strain on the equipment.

For example, lowering your thermostat a few degrees at night or when you’re away can save money without sacrificing comfort. Adding insulation to attics and sealing drafts around windows and doors helps your system work less to maintain warmth. You can also reverse ceiling fans to circulate rising warm air back down into living spaces. These simple steps support your AC and heating systems, ensuring they run more efficiently and last longer.

Don’t forget routine tasks, such as replacing furnace filters and scheduling seasonal HVAC tune-ups. Both can make a noticeable difference in efficiency. Even investing in a smart thermostat can help you optimize energy use, reduce costs, and maintain a comfortable home throughout the winter.

Protect Your HVAC System and More

Properly maintaining your AC system is critical to its performance and longevity. However, even with proper upkeep, your HVAC unit may malfunction. A First American home warranty can help protect your budget from costly repairs or even replacement when this happens. What’s more, coverage can also include many additional household appliances and systems, such as dishwashers, ovens, cooktops, plumbing, electrical, and more.

Ready to safeguard your comfort and your budget? Get a free quote today to learn more about our comprehensive home warranty coverage and the peace of mind it provides.

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.

Please be aware that if you disassemble a covered system or item, it can invalidate your home warranty or manufacturer's warranty.