As the scorching summer heat starts to fade and the refreshingly cool weather of fall starts to settle in, residents of Los Angeles start preparing their homes and yards for the winter. For many, that leads to the question of whether they ought to cover their outside air conditioner for the winter.

While it may seem like a smart idea, the reality is there are several reasons why you shouldn’t cover your AC unit in the winter. Along with not being necessary, covering your outdoor air conditioning equipment can sometimes cause problems.

Here, the professionals at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating share five reasons why covering your air conditioning equipment doesn’t need to be on your fall to-do list and what you should do instead.

1. Your AC Unit Isn’t Damaged by Snow

Outdoor AC units are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions like snow in the wintertime. These systems are built with sturdy materials and components that can handle the outdoor elements without damage. The coils and fins of the unit are constructed to resist corrosion, and the housing is manufactured to protect the internal components from moisture and debris.

2. Covering AC Systems can Encourage Mold

One of the reasons you shouldn’t cover your AC unit in the winter is because doing so can trap moisture—which is not at all what you want in your outdoor unit. That’s because trapping moisture inside the unit creates the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to thrive.

Mold and mildew not only have an unpleasant smell, but they can also pose health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory issues or allergies. Additionally, the excess moisture can corrode the internal components of the AC unit.

Rather than covering the unit, instead ensure proper drainage and keep the area around the unit clear of debris, allowing for efficient airflow and preventing moisture buildup.

3. A Covered Air Conditioner Can Attract Animals

You and your family aren’t the only ones who get ready for winter. Animals that live around your home are also searching for a warm, cozy place to hide out for the cold months. For many creatures, a covered air conditioner is an awesome winter home.

Birds, mice, chipmunks and even rats frequently make nests inside covered air conditioners. Animals living in a covered air conditioner can cause many problems. Mice can chew through wires, insulation and other components, causing damage that may require expensive repairs. Debris animals bring into the AC to construct a warm and comfortable home can obstruct airflow and ventilation, lowering the efficiency of the unit and potentially causing it to overheat. Moreover, animal excrement can result in unsanitary conditions and potent odors.

Leaving your air conditioner uncovered helps dissuade wildlife, because an uncovered AC provides less shelter from the elements than a covered unit. That’s better for your cooling system—and leaves you with less mess to pick up and things to repair when winter is over.

4. Covering Your Air Conditioner Restricts Airflow

Another reason you shouldn’t cover your air conditioning equipment in the winter is because a cover blocks airflow through the unit. Proper airflow is crucial for the AC system because it assists heat exchange and allows the unit to cool properly. When airflow is constrained, the system has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, resulting in increased energy consumption and strain on the components.

In addition, if you use your air conditioner without knowing that the outside unit is covered or because you simply forgot, it could result in a range of problems. One issue is that the lack of correct airflow could cause the compressor to overheat, leading to its failure or damage.  That’s why it is necessary to ensure the outdoor unit is always cleared of any obstructions and is not covered to maintain maximum airflow.

5. AC Maintenance Offers More Benefits Than Covering Your Air Conditioner

The bottom line is, it’s much more effective to do a little maintenance for your air conditioning unit than to cover your exterior AC unit.

There are numerous key maintenance tasks you should prioritize to ensure maximum operation and longevity of your AC unit. First, it’s smart to examine your outdoor AC unit regularly and get rid of any debris such as leaves, small branches and dirt to promote proper airflow. Second, inspect and clean the coils, fins and filters to make sure you don’t see any dirt and dust buildup that would hinder effective heat exchange or airflow.

Scheduled air conditioning maintenance not only enhances efficiency, but it also helps extend the unit’s life span, decreases energy consumption and protects against costly repairs. Rather than using a cover, investing time and effort into routine air conditioning maintenance is a proactive plan of action that can substantially benefit your entire HVAC system in the long run.