Best Air Conditioner Covers For Winter

A lot of items we keep in our yards have to be covered in order to be protected from extreme weather conditions. 

The same goes for the air conditioners – they are kept outdoors and need to be sheltered from harsh winters in the same manner. 

Fortunately, there’s a rather simple product intended for this purpose – the air conditioner cover. 

In this article, I’ll be taking a look at the best air conditioner covers for winter and also provide answers to a couple of frequently asked questions related to this topic. 

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Contents

The Best Air Conditioner Cover for Winter 

CoverMates Air Conditioner Cover

Covermates

Features:

  • The best air conditioner cover you can get for the money 
  • 12-gauge vinyl & woven polyester combo 
  • UV ray, water, and fade-resistant 
  • Protects the AC unit on all fronts 
  • 360° elastic hems

The only bad thing about this AC cover is that it’s somewhat expensive. Everything else is on point – it’s the best out of all air conditioner covers in this roundup. 

The CoverMates air conditioner cover is made out of super-durable materials and is more than capable of protecting your air-conditioning unit from harsh weather and debris. 

It is also very easy to use and promotes breathability and adequate airflow with its air vents. 

If you’d like to prevent additional costs for unwanted repairs, this is one of the best air conditioner covers you can get on today’s market – it will keep your outdoor unit safe from all harm. 

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Reviews of the Best Air Conditioner Covers for Winter 

In this part of the article, I’ll be taking a closer look at the 4 best conditioner covers you can get for your money on today’s market: 

Patio Watcher Air Conditioner Cover

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Patio Watcher air conditioner cover

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Specifications: 

  • Material: Woven polyester 
  • Dimensions: 34” x 24” x 30” 
  • Colors Available: 1 

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This air conditioner cover, made by the Patio Watcher, is both affordable and durable. The main material used in its manufacture is a woven polyester. 

It’s easily one of the best air conditioner covers made by this company so far. 

In my opinion, this particular cover is very well-made and can effortlessly protect the entire unit from the sun and strong winds. 

What is more, it can also shield your AC unit from condensation caused by excessive moisture that comes with the winter months. 

One thing I especially like about this affordable air conditioner cover is that it comes with two handles – attaching and removing it is as easy as it gets. 

Lastly, this water-resistant cover is quite easy to clean and it successfully prevents dirt and debris from building up on the sides and the top of your AC unit.

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Pros:

  • A well-made and waterproof cover 
  • Easy to use due to two handles 
  • Affordable 

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Cons:

  • Only one color 

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Sturdy Covers AC Defender Air Conditioner Cover

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AC defenders cover

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Specifications: 

  • Material: PVC-coated mesh 
  • Dimensions: 3 sizes available 
  • Colors Available: 2 

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The Sturdy Covers AC Defender cover is made out of PVC-coated mesh material and works pretty well when it comes to protecting the electrical components of the air conditioner unit – it keeps the moisture away from them. 

What is more, the mesh design will also stop condensation from forming on the sides and on the top of your air conditioning unit. 

And that’s very important – after all, condensation is the primary culprit behind corrosion developing on the coils of outdoor air conditioners, which typically leads to them freezing.

With this mesh cover, you will have no such issues, as it will prevent rust from occurring. 

The AC defender mesh air conditioner cover can be used year-round. During the summer months, it will prevent leaves, bugs, sticks, and yard trimmings from falling into your outdoor unit. 

It is available in three sizes and easily fits most standard-sized AC units. 

Finally, It’s backed by a three-year warranty.

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Pros:

  • Mesh design allows ample airflow 
  • Four bungee hooks 
  • Three-year warranty 

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Cons:

  • The supplied cords are a bit short 

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Classic Accessories Ravenna Air Conditioner Cover

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Ravenna AC cover

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Specifications: 

  • Material: Woven polyester 
  • Dimensions: 34” x 34” x 30” 
  • Colors Available: 1 

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Made by Classic Accessories, the Ravena Air Conditioner Cover is a versatile and lightweight cover that can be used for a number of purposes. 

Besides covering your air conditioner with it, you can also use it to protect your patio furniture from bad weather and animal scratches. 

The build quality is great. This is one of those AC covers made out of durable material – woven polyester, in this case. 

Ravenna is both water-resistant and UV-resistant, and features reinforced padded handles as well as double-stitched seams. 

What is more, this AC cover is very breathable, as it’s equipped with mesh vents. Its elastic hem cords, on the other hand, allow quick and easy installation, while the adjustable belted hem keeps the AC unit safe from windy weather. 

By decreasing the amount of condensation on the surface of the HVAC unit, this air conditioner cover also prevents mold and mildew growth. 

Although available in just one color (dark taupe), it has a universal fit and it will provide a dry environment for your outdoor unit and protect it from heavy storms.

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Pros:

  • Elastic hem cords 
  • Air vents 
  • Tight fit 

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Cons:

  • Could be a bit too large for your air conditioner 

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CoverMates Air Conditioner Cover

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Covermates AC cover

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Specifications: 

  • Material: Woven polyester, 12-gauge vinyl 
  • Dimensions: 14 sizes available 
  • Colors Available: 6

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As far as I’m concerned, the CoverMates air conditioner cover is the best product of this type you could get for your outside AC unit. Simply slip it over your air conditioner and worry not about leaves, grass clippings, bugs, and all other things that could otherwise fall into the unit. 

This is one of those genuinely durable conditioner covers – the main material used in its manufacture is 12-gauge vinyl. There is also a second layer of polyester. 

This combination allows the cover to easily withstand strong wind and penetration by bugs and small animals (it also won’t let them nest inside the air conditioner). 

Since it’s also resistant to UV rays and doesn’t fade that easily, this air conditioner cover can be used year-round. It also has water-resistant double-stitched seams and air vents that promote airflow. 

All in all, this AC cover is truly a complete package, especially when compared to other covers in this roundup. 

In the off-season, this water-resistant air conditioner cover will protect your outdoor unit from harsh weather and in the summertime, it will prevent bugs, sticks, trimmings, and other debris from falling into the air conditioner.

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Pros:

  • The best AC cover available on today’s market 
  • Protects an outdoor unit on all fronts 
  • 14 sizes available 

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Cons:

  • Expensive 

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Should I Cover My AC Unit in the Winter?

Large house AC units

An air conditioner is always manufactured in such a way that it can withstand both high and low temperatures. 

However, a buildup of moisture – brought by rain and snow – can freeze the condenser coils of an air conditioner. 

For that matter, covering an outside air conditioner during winter is never a bad idea – as long as the cover can breathe, that is. 

Fortunately, most AC covers are made out of breathable materials and/or have mesh vents. 

Another reason why you’d want to cover your AC unit with an AC cover is in order to protect it from animal nests, branches, pine needles, leaves, and all other kinds of debris.

What If I Run My Air Conditioner With the Cover On? 

Running an air conditioner while it’s covered with one of these handy conditioner covers is bound to restrict airflow. 

This typically leads to a buildup of condensation which can seriously harm the internal components of an AC unit. 

To put it simply, running an air conditioner while there’s still a cover on it will prevent the heat from leaving the unit. 

This can lead to overheating and cause the air conditioner to shut down. 

How to Prevent an Air Conditioner from Freezing?

Man sets up an AC unit

Here are the most common methods of preventing an air conditioner from freezing in wintertime: 

Keep the Vent Ducts Clean 

The airflow inside an air conditioner – as well as in the entire HVAC system – can be negatively affected by dusty or clogged vents. 

Keep the vent ducts clean as well as the air conditioner itself. 

Check the Condenser Line 

By absorbing and transferring heat, air conditioners make the rooms in our homes more comfortable to spend time in. 

The humidity sucked in by an air conditioner is transferred via the condenser line, which, unfortunately, can become blocked over time. 

You can use a mixture of diluted bleach or diluted vinegar to unclog your condenser line. 

Frequently Inspect the Air Filter 

Air conditioners cannot function properly without adequate airflow. 

If your particular air conditioner has a dirty filter, it will experience restricted airflow and this can lead to all sorts of issues, such as frozen evaporator coils.

I’d recommend changing the air filter every two months to keep these kinds of troubles at bay. 

Have a Professional Check for Freon Leaks 

It’s easy for the ice to form on the coils of an air conditioner that has low refrigerant levels. 

In case there’s a leak in the refrigerant, make sure to hire a professional to fix this issue for you. 

Not repairing this problem as soon as possible can lead to an air conditioner experiencing all kinds of issues later on. 

How Do I Winterize My Air-Conditioning Unit?

Small AC unit

Winterizing air conditioners at the beginning of autumn is never a bad idea. Here’s how to do it: 

  • Ensure that your HVAC system is completely shut off before touching anything. 
  • Air conditioner covers are typically kept inside sheds or somewhere outside, which is why they’re usually dirty. 

Clean your AC unit cover with a damp cloth and let it air-dry for about half an hour. 

  • In case there are exposed pipes around your AC unit, make sure to protect them from the low temperatures by using a foam pipe cover. 

Apply some duct tape if necessary. 

The Takeaway 

In this article, I took a closer look at four immensely popular AC unit covers and found out everything you need to know about their advantages and disadvantages. 

Hopefully, one of these covers will suit your specific needs and help you protect your unit from harsh weather and all sorts of debris. Good luck!