Cover the air conditioner?

[kphvac]

Hi - I live in Chicago area where we can only wish about having more opportunities to use our air conditioner. I recently received conflicting advice and was wondering what y'all think.

One HVAC maintenance person suggested that covering the outdoor central air conditioning unit was recommended when not being used in the winter months because protecting it from the elements like rain/sleet/snow as much as possible would extend the life.

Then a different company showed and told me that covering the outdoor central air conditioning unit was not recommended because there is always some amount of condensation inside and covering the unit prevents this from evaporating and parts rust out sooner.

And of course, assume that I remember to remove the cover before starting the unit in the spring (I know that would cause damage).

Thanks.

[Twilly]

We actually recommend only covering 3/4 of the unit so air can circulate in and out.

[rimek]

cover the top to keep the cr*p out, leave sides open to keep moisture at bay.

[James 3528]

Just bring it inside the house.

[Twilly]

Too bad they did away with quick connect fittings

3/4 or top it's up to you just don't cover it all the way.



[Edited by twilli3967 on 04-22-2005 at 09:21 PM]

[dec]

Do you see the comercial buildings cover up their roof top units in the winter? .....theres your answer.

[Toolpusher]

I like that James,

They are built to be outside.
So just cover the top as stated and all is well.

[tinknocker service tech]

put a piece of ply wood on top of it then a cover have way only. the ply wood will protect it fron falling icecycles
if they are big enough they can damage the unit
i have seen this happen

[mayguy]

This what I did last fall, and it didn't move an inch over the winter.




The cover is a little bigger than the unit itself. I first had it made for the York we used to have, not knowing I was getting a new unit.

[Twilly]

I didn't think anything could cover a Trane....

[Panama]

Migh as well go first class:

http://www.accovers.com/

[mcewans]

I have used a garbage can lid to protect the top of the unit. It should protect it from falling ice and at the same time provide enough venilation from trapped moisture. Granted this was on a cyliner shapped condenser unit.

[chillbilly]

Originally posted by mayguy
This what I did last fall, and it didn't move an inch over the winter.

The cover is a little bigger than the unit itself. I first had it made for the York we used to have, not knowing I was getting a new unit.

You shoulda' made the sides extend downward a little so as to cover that nameplate

[kphvac]

Hi - Thanks everyone for your replies - much appreciated.