10/29/2026
A customer reached out to me this evening with a question about covering his brand-new Daikin air conditioner for winter, so I figured I’d share a helpful tip! 🐭
Just about every spring, when it first gets hot, we get service calls because mice have gotten into AC units and chewed up the wiring. In my experience, nine times out of ten, those units have been covered with a tarp all the way to the ground.
A compressor crankcase heater can provide warmth, and a tarp around the entire unit creates a sheltered spot for rodents to make a home.
For those reasons, I don’t recommend fully covering your AC. If you’re one of those guys who just has to put something on there, I’d recommend a small tarp over the top, extending no more than six inches down the sides, secured with a bungee cord—like the photo shows. Some people use a piece of plywood and a brick instead.
A little protection on top—leave the sides open!
⚠️ It’s very important to remember to uncover your air conditioner in the spring before running it, or damage may occur.
If you have a heat pump, do not cover your unit.
