Cover outdoor AC unit for winter

Short answer

After the last AC run of the season, set a plywood square or top-only cover on the unit and weigh it down.

Priority: Medium
Difficulty: DIY
Time: 10 min
How often: Once a year
Season: Fall

Why It Matters

A top cover keeps icicles and falling debris from damaging the fan blades and coil.

Tools

Top-only AC cover or plywood square

How to Do It

After the last time you run the AC this season, let the unit sit for a few hours so any moisture on it can dry.
Place a plywood square or a top-only cover over the top of the unit only.
Weigh the cover down so it stays in place through wind and weather.
Avoid full wraparound covers: they trap moisture and give rodents a sheltered nesting spot.

Clean AC condenser unit Once a year
Flush AC condensate drain line Once a year
Schedule AC tune-up Once a year

Part Of

HVAC Air Conditioner

Last updated 22 September 2026

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