Just because winter is approaching doesn't mean you don't need to do anything to care for your air conditioning system. Even though you probably won't be using it too much during the cold season, it still needs to be covered and properly maintained, that way you won't have any issues to worry about later on. You should invest in a good cover that can withstand harsh weather and keep out the water, wind, and debris. Keep in mind, that with the arrival of cold weather comes the appearance of pests. If you don't want any critters or insects making their home in your unit, then you need to make sure you have a sturdy and durable cover. Covering this unit will help to extend its life, prevent the coils and other internal parts from being worn out prematurely and keep your unit looking nice.

When it comes to choosing a good cover, try to look for one that is properly sized for your unit. You may need to measure your ac unit before you go shopping for a cover. Look for material that is breathable, yet sturdy. While these covers come in a wide variety of colors, try to stick with colors that don't absorb too many of the sun's rays. You should also make sure that it is waterproof.

Even though you will have the air conditioning unit covered, you have to remember that it still needs to be cleaned and serviced during the colder months, preferably with the arrival of spring. Start looking for companies that can provide you with regular maintenance and service visits. Ask your neighbors for recommendations, check with the Better Business Bureau and do a little research on your own so that you can find a credible service you can rely on. It is easy to forget that you have your unit covered while it is not in use and when you go to turn it on, you won't remember that the cover is still there. A good way to keep this oversight from happening is to turn off the power to the unit. You can do this by turning off the circuit breaker to the air conditioning unit.

If you think that your unit has been well cared for throughout the year, it doesn't hurt for you to take extra precautions. When spring arrives, you can't afford to get lazy and assume that it is safe for you to leave the cover on the air conditioning unit. It needs fresh air and an open space in order to function properly. Before you go to use it for the very first time, you need to make sure there is nothing covering it up. If you don't, you could end up doing some irreparable damage to your unit and end up having to replace it.