We had a new outdoor AC unit condenser installed this year. The HVAC installer had recommended that we leave it uncovered for the winter in Michigan as " covering it up just creates a dry place for rodents that will make problems worse than the elements on the unit."


For the last few years, I have put an appropriately sized piece of plywood on top, then wrapped the unit with a tarp to keep debris, and any ice/snow that would potentially slide off the roof from crashing into the unit. Was this overdoing it? What are your tips and practices for protection during the winter months?

Thanks for the advice folks.

I like his response. Maybe the top cover is ok?

Leave it uncovered. Fix it so giant hunks of snow and ice are deflected. Might involve some ladder work. When I lived in the Great White North, mice built a nest in my engine overnight. Found out when I started it up in 11 below weather the next morning.

I leave mine uncovered, and place moth balls around it to discourage any rodents every winter.

I cover mine with a tarp. Never had any rodent problems.

I was told to just leave it as-is.

The only advice my HVAC guy gave me when doing his biannual maintenance/checks service was to cut some Pachysandra back I have growing around it for maximum airflow.

I put a piece of plywood on top of mine. Sits on some protrusions so there’s about an inch of space between the plywood and most of the top of the unit.

Leave it uncovered.

If you must, cover the top to keep leaves, small branches and other tree material from entering the top.

Wrapping the unit not only builds a nice shelter for critters, but traps moisture. Which can lead to premature rusting of the bottom plate and other possible condensation issues.

Uncovered and turn the breaker off. That's all I've done.
About May, I call the furnace company and have them do a check on everything. One part replaced in the past 10 years.

My heatpump is uncovered and I am burning wood once it gets cold and stays cold..

My Lennox came with its own mini cover but it needs something under it to shed water. It only extends about 6” down the sides. The reason I was told is to keep ice from building up on the blades bending them plus other junk.

Looks like this
https://m.lennoxpros.com/b1-03...r-13acd13acx/p/X8560

Mine runs year around so never gets covered.

quote:

Originally posted by jjkroll32:
We had a new outdoor AC unit condenser installed this year. The HVAC installer had recommended that we leave it uncovered for the winter in Michigan ...

Both HVAC guys we've had have recommended exactly the opposite.

quote:

Originally posted by jjkroll32:
... as " covering it up just creates a dry place for rodents that will make problems worse than the elements on the unit."

We've never had that happen.

But I don't wrap the thing in a tarp. I cover the top to keep leaves, ice, and snow out of it. I leave the sides exposed.

I use to cover mine with a tarp type cover fitted for AC units. After several blew away to god knows where I stopped.

I have also converted to believe covers hold moisture which create rust. Ex. I had a grill outside which I covered. The frame rusted out and the grill was trash. A family member had the same grill which was left uncovered and theirs looks great several years later.

Instead of a tarp or solid piece on top, how about a fitted hardware cloth -- heavy coarse screen -- on top? It'd keep more stuff out and allow for air circulation.

No cover here because living far enough south that we might see a ight dusting of snow or sleet once every 5 to 7 years if we are lucky or unlucky enough.... That type of weather down here in south Louisiana throws the public into utter panic. ........................ drill sgt.

Yes any sort of tarp is going to trap rain and melted snow and it’s going to rust that steel out way faster than if you just left it be and allowed it to dry naturally.

Uncovered.

Thanks for the input fellas. I am grateful.

I use Coil King cleaner in the spring to clean the fins. Dilute 3 parts water to 1 part CK. Put it on with a pump up sprayer, let it sit for 10-15 minutes and spray off with a low pressure garden hose. Amazon is where I bought mine but it is out of stock now.

https://www.comstarproducts.co...tener-1-quart-90-099

Professional Grade Concentrated Akaline External Condenser Coil Cleaner
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Coil King is environmentally safe
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Coil King cleans and brightens all metal parts
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