Some tell me to tarp it over. Others tell me to just leave it exposed, but is all the extreme cold and snow going to affect its performance this spring???
2007-02-11 03:05:59 · 6 answers · asked by dt 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I live in North Dakota and have been working in HVAC for the past 40 yrs. If manufactures where worried about their machines in winter they'd sell covers - but they don't. (aftermarket covers don't count) I've seen more damage done to air conditioners and heat pumps (I've seen more than one heat pump covered by well meaning dumbos) covered than uncovered. Mice,snakes and insects love the protection and make a mess of the electrics, but the biggest problem is forgetting to remove it in the spring! Good for my pocketbook bad for yours! RScott
2007-02-15 02:36:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not sure what sort of mold might be hardy enough to grow on ice in a Wisconsin or Minnesota or Michigan winter, but I cover mine in the winter, not only with a cover made for A/C's, but also with a box I made myself, that fits closely into the notches of the siding surrounding the A/C. We also cover the inside of the unit with plastic, that moves in and out, regularly, when the winds are particularly strong. Covering the unit is more for keeping the extremely cold air out of the home, than for protecting the A/C unit, pretty much like putting insulating trim on doors and windows.
2007-02-11 03:14:37 · answer #2 · answered by Corky R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends upon the type of A/C ?
If it's a central A/C unit, you don't really need to cover it - unless you are worried about ice falling from your roof. If ice damage is a concern, place a piece of plywood atop your unit and put a cement block on it to keep it from being blown off.
It is not recommended that any A/C be covered with plastic - unless you have a good memory, write memos to yourself, and are diligent about household chores - because if you don't remove the plastic soon enough in the spring, it may get baked, melt, and stick to the A/C cabinet.
If your A/C is a window unit cover the inside front of the unit with plastic, oilcloth, or something similar, and tape it (or tie it) in place. You needn't worry about the outside of the unit.
Hope this answers your question.
2007-02-12 02:07:10 · answer #3 · answered by Huero 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it would have been a good ideal but its a little late now. Just make sure this spring you clean the grill out really well. DO NOT bend them this will harm you air conditioner.
2007-02-11 03:10:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I was told not to let it alone, it can cause mold with a cover..I live in Ohio and mine runs perfect without a cover on in winter.
2007-02-11 03:09:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes,cover it,make sure its air tight,duck tape helps to seal it..
2007-02-11 03:14:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋