There are a few reasons why you should or should not cover your air conditioner. First off, air conditioners are designed to sit outside in any weather, so covering them is an option for each homeowner. If you do decide to cover your air conditioner, please contact your local dealer and get the correct one for your make and model.

Here are five suggestions to help you make your decision:

• If your unit sits under a large tree, you should cover it in the fall to keep the leaves off your unit.
• If you want to keep the original finish, apply a coat of wax on it, then cover it for the winter.
• Warning: do not cover with heavy plastic or a tarp. You may trap moisture in places that it is not supposed to be, electrical damage may occur.
• Sometimes, just a cover on the top is enough to keep leaves and other debris out of your unit.
• If you decide to cover your air conditioner, it is important that you remember to uncover it in the spring before you try to use it.

In closing, to cover or not to cover is up to you. As shown above, multiple factors can play into this decision. If you are still unsure, ask your servicing contractor what they would advise for your application during your next annual maintenance inspection.

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If you’re not comfortable performing any of this type of maintenance, just ask your local Bryant HVAC professional what is included in your bi-annual checkup. Most contractors will have service maintenance agreements that make it easy to properly maintain and repair your systems.