You probably already have a cover for your pool, barbecue grill, and even lawn furniture.
Pretty much everything in your backyard that's exposed to the elements has a cover.
What you may not realize is – the air conditioner in your home needs a cover as well.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Window Air Conditioner Covers
- OUR TOP PICK: Jeacent Window AC Cover
- RUNNER-UP: Foozet Double Insulation
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: BNYD Heavy Duty AC Cover
Comparison of the Best Window Air Conditioner Covers
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How to Choose a Window Air Conditioner Cover
Here are some of the most important features you need to look out for when choosing the best window AC cover for your unit.
Material
The whole point of getting a cover for your AC is to protect it against the harsh outdoor elements. Polyester is the most common material used to make these products. You'll also come across several made from mesh.
Whichever one you opt for, ensure that it has some form of laminate to waterproof your AC. PVC would be a great choice. You also want to make sure that it is made from hard-wearing materials.
Foozet Double Insulation
Size
As we mentioned before, ACs come in a wide range of sizes. Ensure that the dimensions of the cover you get match up against those of your unit. While some covers come in a specific size, some are adjustable. The point is – it should fit. A cover that's smaller than your condenser is completely useless.
Installation
You shouldn't have to call an expert technician to install your cover for you. It's a cover… It shouldn't require an entire manual to figure out how to put it on your condenser. It should either strap around or slip on the AC. Some come with drawstrings attached to adjust the size and ensure it fits snuggly onto the unit.
Review of the Best Window Air Conditioner Covers
We've reviewed the top AC covers that are hot on the market right now. Here's what we found.
Best Overall:
Jeacent Window AC Cover
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
According to buyers, although it costs slightly more than conventional covers, the material it's made from is exceptionally sturdy. It is also more aesthetically appealing compared to conventional plastic covers.
Users, however, noted that as thick as the material may be, it is not insulated. You might have to use some foam or bubble wrap instead.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Jeacent Window AC cover is no doubt one of the best in its class. We particularly like the fact that it is bottom-covered to guarantee the all-round protection of your condenser.
We found it to be quite effective in keeping dust and dirt from collecting in the AC, and also keeps out all manner of debris and insects from getting in. It comes in four sizes and is designed to fit a wide range of ACs for most standard window units.
The fact that it also prevents cold drafts from going through the condenser and into your home is a definite bonus.
Bottom Line
If you're looking for a thick, durable, bottom-covered AC cover that fits securely onto your unit, you need to check out the Jeacent. This high-quality, waterproof, weather-resistant product comes with adjustable straps and fits most 3,000-7,000 BTU air conditioner units. It delivers outstanding value for the money.
Runner-up:
Foozet Double Insulation
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Proper sizing for this particular cover has been a bit of an issue for many users. Buyers report buying the recommended size based on their AC dimensions, only to find that it doesn't quite fit. Many recommend getting a size up.
Aside from this, the majority of buyers are generally pleased with its performance.
Why it Stands Out to Us
First impressions – the Foozet AC cover looks amazing. There's something about its beige-colored, quilt-like design that blends seamlessly with any interior. We especially like the fact that it comes with double-insulation. This consists of a polyester inner lining and a cotton exterior stitched together to make it easy to install.
The fitted elastic band around the edge ensures that the cover fits snuggly onto the front of your AC to keep dirt, dust, and any small debris from getting in and clogging up your unit.
The price isn't too bad, either. The fact that it effectively keeps cold drafts of air from blowing into your home saves you a tremendous amount of money on heating costs.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Foozet looks great. The fact that it comes with double insulation is something you don't often get with many AC covers. It'll keep those cold drafts out and save you a ton of cash on energy bills. It's a worthwhile investment.
Best for the Money:
BNYD Heavy Duty AC Cover
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Several buyers indicated that while the cover is quite effective in keeping cold drafts of air out, it doesn't have any insulation properties. That aside, many users liked the open-bottom design, so you don't have to dismount the entire AC unit to slip the cover on. This makes installation quite easy.
Why it Stands Out to Us
As far as budget AC covers go, it doesn't get any better than the BNYD. At first glance, it does look a little flimsy. However, we were pleasantly surprised to find that it is quite sturdy, thanks to the heavy-duty reinforced polythene material it is made from. It offers excellent protection against the damaging effects of the sun, rain, snow, and dirt.
We also like how well it fits onto most condensers, as well as the adjustable elastic straps it comes with for a nice snug fit. It fits AC units with a rating of up to 10,000 BTUs, which is a definite bonus.
Bottom Line
All in all, for the price, the BNYD cover is a great option for the budget-conscious consumer. Although it doesn't come insulated, it is quite effective in keeping cold drafts out and preventing dirt and debris from getting into your AC.
Best Outdoor Window Air Conditioner Cover:
KylinLucky Window AC Cover
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users indicate that while it does offer a minimal amount of insulation, you might have to line it with a bit of Styrofoam to give it that extra boost you need to get you through winter. It does, however, keep the cold air drafts out.
Overall, buyers appear to be quite happy with the quality.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The KylinLucky is among the top-performing outdoor AC covers we've come across. Not only is it made from premium quality material that's designed to withstand a wide range of outdoor elements, but it is also designed to fit a wide range of condenser sizes.
We especially like the heavy-duty 420D polyester material it is made from. This makes it waterproof – a feature that protects your condenser against rust and corrosion. It blocks drafts from blowing through it, so your home stays nice and toasty throughout the winter months.
It is also easy and convenient to install, making it a definite winner in our books.
Bottom Line
If you're looking for a basic outdoor cover for your condenser that'll get the job done, you can't go wrong with this particular one. Its 420D Oxford cloth offers remarkable weather resistance and is surprisingly firm and hard-wearing.
Best Window AC Cover for Winter:
Sturdy Covers AC Defender
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users seem to be quite pleased with the quality of the material and how weather-resistant it is. They especially like that it comes with straps that secure the cover, even in the windiest of weather.
It is also remarkably effective in keeping cold drafts of air out, even in minus-30 temperatures. Overall, for the money, this product delivers outstanding value.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We wanted to see just how "sturdy" the AC Defender from Sturdy Covers was. We have to say it did not disappoint. It offers full-coverage and is designed to fit most standard window condenser units.
The fact that it is made from 600D waterproof polyester makes it one of the most durable and weather-resistant products we've encountered. Even in the cold winter months, this cover blocks out cold air drafts from blowing into your home and is built to withstand the damaging effects of snow.
What's even more impressive is that it is backed by a three-year manufacturer's warranty. If that's not the stamp of approval you need to know that it was made to last, we don't know what is.
Bottom Line
As far as condenser covers go, the AC Defender delivers on all fronts. It is made from highly-durable heavy-duty material and offers full-coverage protection against harsh outdoor elements, including rain and snow. It fits snuggly and securely over your AC to protect it from rust and corrosion.
Best Small Window Air Conditioner Cover:
A/C Safe Exterior Cover
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most users like how durable and heavy-duty the material is. Many are okay with paying a little extra for it, rather than having to buy a new cover every time fall rolls around.
It holds up remarkably well in sub-zero temperatures and doesn't get blown away in windy conditions. The neutral color it comes in is a hit among many buyers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Finding a well-fitting cover for a small window AC can be difficult, to say the least. Most are usually too big and don't offer any solid way of keeping them fastened in windy weather. The A/C Safe exterior cover is the exception.
It offers a nice tight fit on most standard condensers and comes with straps and buckles to hold the cover firmly in place. It is made from washable, heavy-duty, automotive-grade vinyl and even has a fleece liner underneath. It offers exceptional resistance to mold, mildew, and harsh weather conditions.
Bottom Line
Overall, the A/C Safe condenser cover is one of the most heavy-duty products we've encountered. It is designed to withstand a wide range of extreme weather conditions. It also works remarkably well to keep cold drafts out. It's worth the purchase, in our opinion.
What is an Air Conditioner Cover? Do I Need One?
While most outdoor ACs are built to withstand the snow and rain, they're not designed to keep out leaves, nuts, and seeds. Unless your unit is mounted indoors, you should consider getting a cover for it if it's on your rooftop or outside your window. This is particularly important during fall and winter.
Not only is it difficult to get rid of leaves, nuts, and seeds once they get into the unit, they can also cause serious damage to the mechanical operation of your condenser if they get stuck inside. Your AC may also get damaged in extreme weather conditions like blizzards and hail storms.
Foozet Double Insulation
Are Air Conditioner Covers Universal?
Before you go off and buy the next AC cover you come across, you need to ensure that you get one that fits your specific unit. Air conditioners come in different dimensions, although most window units come in standard sizes. Make sure you have the precise measurements of your condenser beforehand. It's safer to get a cover that's slightly bigger if you can't get the exact size to fit your unit.
Most of the window AC covers we've come across fit standard 3,000 to 7,000 BTU units. If your model is in the 8,000 to 15,000 range, there are plenty of cover options available for households with bigger cooling systems.
How to Clean a Window Air Conditioner Cover
AC covers are designed to keep your condenser clean and in good working condition by preventing dirt, dust, and debris from getting in and damaging the delicate components within. This, however, also means that they can get quite dirty over time.
Therefore, you need to make a point of cleaning them every so often; once a week would be ideal. Here are two cleaning techniques you can use.
Using a Vacuum Cleaner
Since window ACs are mounted right outside your window, it is quite easy to give it a quick once-over with your vacuum cleaner. Most vacuum cleaners come with a dual function that allows you to either suck in or blow out air.
Flick the switch to change it to the Blow setting, and direct the air over the surface of the condenser cover to blow away any dust and debris that may be on it.
Wiping it
The other option would be to give it a good old-fashioned wipe-down. Most covers are designed to be waterproof, after all. Simply mix a solution of:
- Six cups of warm water
- Half a cup of white vinegar
- One tablespoon of mild laundry detergent
Use a soft cloth to apply the solution to the surface of the AC cover and wipe it using a light dabbing motion. Follow it up with a clean cloth dipped in fresh water and wrung out to rinse away the solution.
Sturdy Covers AC Defender
How to Cover a Window Air Conditioner
To cover your AC, here's what you need to do:
- First, ensure the AC is clean before you slip on the cover. Wipe the surface of the condenser with a wrung-out cloth dipped in a mild solution of warm water, white vinegar, and a little detergent
- Next, follow it up with a clean cloth dipped in fresh water and wrung out to rinse away the solution
- Leave it for a few minutes to dry completely
- Next, take your AC cover and slip it onto the unit. If you have an open-bottomed cover, ensure it covers the top, back, and sides of the condenser. If it's a full-coverage cover, slip it on from the back of the A/C and pull it towards the front
- Use the adjustable straps that come with it to secure it tightly on the surface of the condenser. That way, it stays on even in windy weather
- Ensure that it has no visible gaps that could allow water to sip into the AC
BNYD Heavy Duty AC Cover
Conclusion
Air conditioner covers save you the hassle of having to mount and dismount your AC every time summer rolls around. You can leave it on your window throughout the year without having to worry about the rain, snow, dirt, and debris damaging your unit.
Ensure the cover you get is made from durable material and can hold up well in extreme outdoor conditions. We recommend checking out any of the products we've reviewed in this guide.
People Also Ask
Below are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions by users.
Should I Cover My Window Air Conditioner in the Winter?
Yes, you should. Snow can damage your AC and cause rust and corrosion. An air conditioner cover provides a physical barrier between the surface of your condenser and the ice, subsequently extending the lifespan of your unit.
How Often Should I Replace My Window Air Conditioner Cover?
Ideally, if you get a durable cover made from heavy-duty material, you won't need to replace it for several years. High-quality covers can last for more than a decade.
If your current cover has visible tears or seams that have come apart and can no longer offer the weatherproofing required to keep your AC protected from the harsh outdoor elements, you'll need to get a new one.
How Expensive is a Window Air Conditioner Cover?
AC covers are pretty affordable. A basic cover retails for anywhere between $7 and $15. However, if you're looking to get a hard-wearing one that comes with added insulation, it will set you back around $20 to $22.