DIYbanter - View Single Post - Necessary to cover top of central AC intake in winter?

JimT[_2_]

On 1/17/2012 9:07 AM, wrote:
On Jan 17, 9:31 am, Name wrote:
Hi ,
I have central air in my house and I live in the northeast.
There is an outside unit that sits on a slab that I think brings in
the air. Its a box and every side is metal screen.
I was driving around my neighborhood yesterday and I saw that some
people in my neighborhood had their AC units covered, just the top,
with plastic. This would cut down on the air intake but maybe it is
more important that ice and snow do not get inside? Are you supposed
to cover the top of the intake in the winter? Thanks
It's optional. If you have trees around, covering just the top
will keep leaves out and would be a good idea.
I would not cover the whole thing as
trapping moisture in there, keeping it constantly wet, will
contribute to rust, corrosion, etc. I just replaced one that
was 27 years old, never covered and it was still working OK.

Ditto.