Your outdoor air con unit lives outside all year. It cops full sun, summer storms, salt air if you’re near the coast, and whatever drops out of the gutters or comes in from your apartment balcony.
So wanting to cover it makes sense. The catch is that the wrong cover can do more damage than the weather ever would.
Below we answer the four questions people ask most, so you can protect your unit without hurting how it runs.
Should you cover your outdoor air conditioner?
Yes, as long as the cover lets the unit breathe. An outdoor unit needs a steady flow of air across its coil to work properly. A ventilated cover with open louvres protects it from sun and debris while keeping that airflow clear. A fully enclosed fabric cover should never go on a unit that’s in use.
A lot of the covering advice online comes from the US, where people shut their systems down for winter and wrap the outdoor unit until spring.
Australian homes mostly run reverse cycle split systems. The outdoor unit cools in summer and heats in winter, so there’s no off season to wrap it up for. Whatever cover you choose has to work while the unit is running.
Is it safe to cover an AC outdoor unit?
It’s safe when the cover leaves plenty of open area for air to move, respects the manufacturer’s clearances and lifts off for servicing. Running a unit under a sealed or tight-fitting cover is where the problems start.
Here’s what can go wrong with the wrong cover:
- Hot air recirculates. The unit pulls its own exhaust air back in, works harder and uses more power to do the same job.
- The system trips out. Most units have built-in protection that shuts them down when they overheat or airflow is blocked. On a 40 degree day, that’s the last thing you want.
- Moisture gets trapped. In heating mode the outdoor unit runs defrost cycles and drains water. Under fabric, that moisture sits against the coil and casing and speeds up corrosion.
- Pests move in. A dark, dry, sheltered box is prime real estate for mice, cockroaches and wasps.
Check your unit’s installation manual for its clearance distances. Every brand is different, and boxing a unit in tighter than the manufacturer allows can cause problems if you ever need to make a warranty claim.
Nobody builds a house to show off the air con unit. But it’s often the first thing you see down the side path or from the back deck.
What is the best way to cover an outdoor air conditioner?
The best way is a ventilated, made-to-measure cover with an airflow system that shields the top and sides, keeps the front louvred so hot air can escape away from the unit, and comes off easily when your technician needs in. The material you choose decides how long it lasts.
Here’s how the common options compare:
| Option | Airflow | Weather and lifespan | Looks | Upkeep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric cover | Not in use while operational | Fades and perishes in UV | Looks temporary | Has to come off to use the unit |
| Timber or lattice screen | Can be limited | Can rot, warp and grey off | Can suit the house | Regular oiling or painting |
| Plants or hedging | Fine if kept well back | Leaves and debris end up in the unit | Soft and natural | Constant trimming |
| Aluminium SplitStream™ Vortex louvred cover | Designed around airflow | Won’t rot or rust, powder coat stands up to UV | Clean, can match the facade | An occasional wipe down |
| Steel | Can be limited | Rusts within months to years in coastal regions | Industrial | Rust removal and treatment |
Fabric covers belong in storage, on a unit that isn’t being used.
For a set and forget option that still lets the unit do its job, aluminium is hard to beat.
What is the best outdoor air conditioner cover?
The best outdoor air conditioner cover is one built for your unit and your site. Look for louvres that keep air moving, a material that won’t rot or rust, a finish that suits your conditions and a design that gives your technician easy access.
When you’re comparing covers, check for:
- Louvres angled for airflow. They should direct hot air away from the unit so it isn’t breathing its own exhaust.
- Vertical or horizontal louvres. Plus a system that prevents hot exhaust from being recirculated.
- Aluminium construction. It’s light and won’t rust, which makes a difference on coastal properties.
- A durable powder coat finish. It handles the Australian sun and can be matched to your window frames, gutters or cladding.
- Made-to-measure sizing. One-size-fits-all covers often leave gaps, or sit too close to the coil.
- Easy service access. A removable front or lift-off design saves your technician time, and saves you a bigger service bill.
That’s the thinking behind SplitStream™, our aluminium outdoor air conditioner cover. Each one is made to measure and powder coated in-house at our Sydney factory, in any colour you like:
- 10 Year warranty, built for coastal conditions.
- No structural fixings, completely freestanding.
- Standard and custom sizes available.
- Cost effective and competitively priced.
We’ve also built covers that do more than hide the unit. See how we designed an air conditioner shroud that doubles as an electric BBQ station and balcony kitchen.
Ready to tidy up your air con unit?
Send us your unit’s model number, and we’ll work out a cover that fits your unit and your home.
Greg Wallis, Manager, Alumac Industries and Strip Drains Sydney. Greg is a skilled business management and product design professional with years of hands-on experience. Greg has designed myriad innovative metal building products that blend quality, craftsmanship and architectural products for the building and construction industry.
