As the heating season quickly approaches, it’s time to begin thinking about furnaces and boilers. If you haven’t already scheduled heater maintenance, now is the time! But this doesn’t mean you should forget about your air conditioner. You want your AC to be in good shape when spring rolls around again.

There is a lot of conflicting advice about wrapping your AC unit. We recommend some sort of protection over your condenser—as long as you do it correctly.

Option 1: Using a Full Cover

Many homeowners choose to use a full cover to protect the fins or the casing. This is fine, but you must follow these rules:

• Use Breathable Material: Never use a large trash bag. Non-breathable materials trap moisture, causing rust.
• Prevent Humidity: On sunny winter days, a non-breathable cover creates a humid environment perfect for mold and mildew.
• Watch for Rodents: Warmer, covered areas attract rodents, which can lead to chewed wires and significant electrical damage.

Option 2: The Plywood Method

If you’re concerned a full cover will trap moisture, a sheet of plywood is an excellent alternative. Simply place a sheet over the top of the condenser and secure it with a brick. This provides several benefits:

• Prevents debris like pine needles, leaves, and snow from falling into the unit.
• Effectively keeps out heavy rain and ice.
• Allows the sides of the unit to remain open, ensuring maximum airflow and preventing moisture buildup.