How to Cover an AC Unit for Winter

Cover your air conditioner in the winter.

While some air-conditioning units slide in and out of a window, others are wall units that are not removable. When winter comes, you should cover the inside of your wall unit to assure that cold air does not leak inside as well as the outside end of the unit to protect the air conditioner from possible snow and freezing rain during cold months.

Things You'll Need

• Two air conditioning covers (one indoor, one outdoor)
• Two tension bands
• Ladder
• Helper

Instructions

1. Close the vents of the air conditioning unit first so that air can not flow through. Unplug the unit from the wall.

2. Wrap the inside end of the air-conditioning unit with the indoor cover. Be sure to pull it all the way back to the wall. Ask a friend to hold the cover in place.

3. Wrap a tension band around the edge of the air conditioner as close to the wall as possible. The tension band is a simple, elastic tool that keeps the cover in place---it is fine for use both inside and outside.

4. Ask your helper to spot you on a ladder, if needed, to put the outdoor cover on the wall unit. Repeat the same process as described in Steps 2 and 3, but don't tie the cover to the unit as tightly. The machine parts need room to "breathe" and release water via evaporation in case moisture gets inside.

Tips & Warnings

• There are also covers for outdoor central air conditioning units. See the Resources for an example. All you have to do is slide the cover over the top of the air conditioning unit.

• Take both of the covers off completely before you try to start the unit again in warm weather.

References

• EnergyStar.custhelp: Put a Cover on Your AC Unit

Resources

• Whirlpool.com: Example of a Tension Band
• CoolerCovers.com: Example of a Central Air Cover