Updated June 16, 2026
Should You Cover Your AC Unit in the Winter?
In most of Minnesota, you should not fully cover your AC unit for winter. Snow and cold don’t damage a unit built to sit outside, and a full cover traps moisture, invites rodents, and restricts airflow. At most, place a breathable cover or plywood square over the top to block falling ice.
One question we get asked each year as winter approaches is if the outside air conditioning unit should be covered for the winter. For many reasons, the answer to that question is no; it is not necessary to cover your air conditioner for the winter.
Snow & Heat Do Not Hurt Your AC
The most important reason why not to cover your air conditioner is that it is just not necessary. Your HVAC equipment is designed to withstand the hottest heat of summer, and the extreme cold of a Minnesota winter.
AC Covers Attract Critters
By putting a cover on your air conditioner, you are creating a nice warm, safe place for rodents to nest during the coldest parts of winter. This can lead to chewed electrical connections that would require an AC repair service call come summer.
Improper Air Flow
A covered AC also blocks proper air flow allowing a buildup of moisture under the cover, resulting in mold and mildew. This can decrease the efficiency of your AC in the summer by restricting proper airflow. The increase in moisture can also damage and corrode the electrical connections.
Expert AC Services in Burnsville, MN
If you’re looking for trusted HVAC services in Burnsville, MN then look no further. Burnsville Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. For emergencies, we’re available 24/7. Call now!
Covering Your AC Unit in Winter: Common Questions
Should I cover my AC unit in the winter?
In most of Minnesota, no. It isn’t necessary to cover your air conditioner for winter. The unit is built to sit outside year-round, and a full cover traps moisture, invites rodents, and restricts airflow. At most, lay a breathable cover or a plywood square over the top to block falling ice.
Do snow and cold damage an AC unit?
No. Your HVAC equipment is designed to withstand both the hottest heat of summer and the extreme cold of a Minnesota winter. Snow and freezing temperatures won’t hurt a condenser that’s built to live outdoors all year.
Is it OK to cover just the top of my AC unit?
Covering only the top is the one acceptable option. A breathable cover or a plywood square over the top can block falling ice without sealing in moisture. Avoid any cover that wraps the sides, since that’s what traps humidity and attracts pests.
Why are full AC covers a bad idea?
A full cover creates a warm, sheltered space where rodents nest, and they can chew through electrical connections, leading to a repair call come summer. Covers also block airflow, so moisture builds up underneath and causes mold, mildew, and corrosion that lowers your AC’s efficiency.
What should I do to protect my AC for winter instead?
The best winter protection is a professional tune-up before the season, not a cover. A fall AC tune-up clears debris, checks electrical connections, and gets your system ready for spring. Burnsville Heating & Air Conditioning offers AC maintenance across the South Metro, with 24/7 emergency service.