Mold, rust, and airflow concerns every homeowner should know.

When temperatures drop and your air conditioner goes dormant, many homeowners think covering the outdoor unit is a smart way to protect it from the elements. But in reality, covering your AC can do more harm than good.

At Jack Frost Heating and Air Conditioning, we often get calls about rust, mold, and even rodent nests caused by improper AC covers. If you’re preparing your system for fall or winter, here’s why you might want to ditch the cover—and what you should do instead.

1. Moisture Gets Trapped—Leading to Mold and Rust

Air conditioners are built to withstand rain, snow, and outdoor conditions. When you place a cover over the unit, moisture becomes trapped inside, especially if it’s not fully ventilated. This creates the perfect environment for:

• Rust on the condenser coils and metal frame

• Mold and mildew growth

• Corrosion on electrical connections

🌧️ Important: Trapped condensation is more damaging than letting the unit breathe naturally.

2. Covers Can Invite Rodents and Insects

That cozy cover may seem like a great idea to you—but rodents, squirrels, and insects think so too. Covered AC units can attract:

• Mice and rats, who chew on wires

• Insects, which can clog components

• Nesting animals, which bring insulation and debris

🐭 Pro Tip: Rodent damage is one of the top HVAC service calls we see in early spring.

3. Restricted Airflow Can Damage the System

If you forget to remove the cover before starting your system, restricted airflow can damage the compressor or fan motor. Even a partial cover can lead to overheating and poor system performance.

4. What You Should Do Instead

Instead of fully covering your unit, here’s how to protect it properly during the off-season:

✅ Clear debris like leaves and branches from around the unit
✅ Trim vegetation at least 2 feet from the condenser
✅ Place a board or cover only on the top of the unit (optional) to block falling ice or snow—not the sides
✅ Schedule a fall HVAC inspection to ensure all components are in good shape

🧰 Your HVAC system is designed for the outdoors. Regular maintenance is more important than a cover.

Year-Round Protection Starts with Professional Maintenance

If you’re concerned about your system’s longevity, a seasonal HVAC checkup is the best protection—not a store-bought plastic cover.

At Jack Frost Heating and Air Conditioning, we offer:

• Preventative maintenance

• Rodent and rust inspections

• Seasonal system checks

📞 Call 865-573-5777 or visit www.jackfrostheatingandair.com to schedule your fall service today!