With winter quickly approaching, you may be looking for ways to protect your outdoor HVAC unit from the freezing temperatures. Covering it may sound like a great idea. However, the heating installation pros at Woodall Heating & Cooling in Enterprise, AL, say that is probably not a good idea. Here’s why.

3 Reasons to Leave an Outdoor HVAC Unit Uncovered

1. Invitation to Rodents

During the winter months, rodents and pests are on the hunt for someplace warm and safe to nest. A covered HVAC unit provides the perfect environment to take shelter for the winter. When rodents take over, they’ll likely chew on the wires, which could lead to repairs or the need for a costly new heating installation down the road.

2. Perfect Environment for Mold & Mildew

While a cover may keep the cold air out, it does little in the way of warding off the water. The unit may still accumulate moisture from evaporation. This buildup of moisture leads to the growth of mold and mildew. Mold spores making their way through the air vents into your home is bad news for allergy suffers. A mildew infestation could also affect the efficiency of the unit and make it work harder to force the air into your home.

3. Not Really Necessary

Most current models of air conditioning units are made with sturdy materials that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Also, most units are installed within a few feet of the home, which means yours already has protection on at least one side. 

Covering your unit during the winter months isn’t really necessary. The disadvantages to covering it often far outweigh the benefits of doing so. If you are looking for trusted heating installation and repair experts to ensure your HVAC system is ready for the cold season, turn to the team at Woodall Heating & Cooling. Contact them at (334) 347-1243 or online to schedule an appointment.