Should I Cover My AC Unit in the Winter? Fall HVAC Tips for Oklahoma

As fall arrives in Oklahoma, your air conditioner gets a well earned break. A few simple steps now protect your system through the winter and make sure your heat is ready when the first cold front blows through.

Should I cover my outdoor unit?

If you have a heat pump, never cover it. A heat pump runs all winter to heat your home and needs open airflow.

If you have an air conditioner only, a full plastic or vinyl cover is usually not a good idea. It can trap moisture, cause rust and corrosion, and give mice and other critters a cozy place to nest and chew wires. Outdoor units are built to handle rain and snow.

If you want some protection, a breathable top cover or a piece of plywood resting on top can help keep leaves and debris out while letting the unit breathe. Remove it before you turn the AC back on in spring.

Fall checklist for your outdoor unit

• Clear leaves, sticks, and grass clippings from around and on top of the unit

• Trim back plants and shrubs

• Make sure the unit sits level on its pad

• Check that the insulation on the refrigerant line is in good shape

Get your heating ready

• Replace the air filter before heating season

• Test your heat on a mild day before you need it

• Expect a dusty smell the first time you run the heat. It should fade within an hour

• Test carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries

• Clear anything stored near your furnace or water heater

Schedule a fall heating check

A fall heating inspection checks burners, igniters, flame sensors, heat exchangers, venting, and safety controls on gas furnaces, and checks defrost controls and auxiliary heat on heat pumps. It is the best way to avoid a no heat call on the coldest night of the year.

Red Rock Mechanical serves Oklahoma City, Shawnee, Bethel Acres, and Central Oklahoma. Call (405) 305-3085 or book online to schedule your fall tune up.