Air Conditioner Covers
Protect your AC unit in the cold months
Chances are you won’t be using your air conditioner year-round. Don’t neglect your unit during the winter, however. It needs to be protected against the elements so that it will be ready to go next summer. A good-quality air conditioner cover will keep the snow and ice off and prevent damage.
Air conditioner covers are available for both central air conditioning systems and window units. For best protection, the cover should be made of canvas. Specially treated canvas is waterproof yet allows the unit to breathe. Vinyl, on the other hand, can trap moisture, which may lead to corrosion and deterioration of electrical components. If you choose a vinyl cover, be sure it leaves some space at the bottom for air to circulate in and out of the unit.
Either way, the cover should be made slightly larger than the air conditioning unit, to allow for shrinkage in the fabric. Many models include a drawstring, elastic or Velcro closure around the bottom to hold the cover securely to the unit.
Custom or generic?
You can easily purchase a ready-made air conditioner cover based on the manufacturer or basic shape of the unit. This is a cheaper and more convenient option, as you will not have to wait for the cover to be made. The other option is to custom-order a cover to fit your specific air conditioner. A custom cover will exactly fit your unit, down to every corner, and will have openings in exactly the right spots for the connections. This gives better protection and a better-looking cover, but you’ll pay for it.
Covers for window units
Most people choose to take their window air conditioning units out for the winter. But it can be a hassle installing and uninstalling your air conditioner every year, and then you have to find a place to store it. You may decide to simply leave your unit in the window and protect it with an air conditioner cover.
For best protection and insulation, you will need two covers: one for the outside of the unit, and one for the inside. The outside cover is weatherproof and guards your unit from the elements. The inside cover is insulated and stops cold drafts from coming in around the air conditioner. Both types of covers can be found in a range of colors to match your decor.
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