Heat Pump Covers For Winter: Is it Necessary?

Maintaining the appliances and equipment in your home during the winter can be daunting. The colder weather often creates additional challenges for homeowners, from frozen pipes to inefficient heating and cooling systems. Fortunately, you can protect your system during the winter season by properly maintaining your heat pump unit.

In this article, we'll discuss whether heat pump covers for winter are necessary and explain what to look for when purchasing one. Additionally, we'll share some information about Columbia's heat pump repair experts, Dr. Cool, who can help if you have any questions about keeping your system working properly this winter.

What Are Heat Pump Covers?

Heat pump covers refer to protective coverings that help keep your HVAC system clean during the winter season. Most heat pump covers for winter consist of all-weather vinyl material with insulating properties that help keep the system's components shielded from moisture buildup and debris caused by snow, ice, or rain.

Homeowners will also find other types of covers available, including retractable models they can easily remove once spring arrives.

How To Install a Heat Pump Cover?

The first step includes selecting the size cover for your heat pump. To do this, measure your unit and then match it with the appropriate cover size on the manufacturer's website or other sites that provide this information. Next, you'll use the supplied hardware to attach the cover to the unit.

If you need assistance, consult the manufacturer's instructions or contact your local HVAC experts. Once you install the cover, follow any additional instructions to ensure maximum performance. Be sure to install the cover properly to prevent damage to your heat pump.

Are Heat Pump Covers Necessary?

Although it may seem unnecessary to purchase a heat pump cover during winter, they prove very beneficial for protecting your equipment. Not only will a cover help to keep snow, ice, and rain from damaging your system, but it will also prevent pests from getting inside it. Pests can cause significant damage by chewing through wires, requiring expensive repairs to your system. A cover can help prevent this by allowing outdoor units to maintain proper airflow.

Heat pump covers for winter also provide crucial insulation to your unit, which will help keep it working efficiently throughout the winter months. Most units with a hard shell will require additional insulation to perform correctly. An insulated cover provides these benefits in addition to preventing damage to moving parts and preventing dirt and debris from getting inside your unit.

How To Choose the Right Heat Pump Cover for You?

Homeowners have a few different types of heat pump covers available to consider.

Soft Covers

The most common type of cover is an elasticized cover that fits over your unit like a tarp. This type of cover proves relatively easy to install and usually does not require special equipment. You can find these covers at most home improvement stores, typically at an affordable price. However, they are not very durable and will only last for a short time under heavy weather conditions.

Hard Shell Covers

Other types of covers include manufactured plastic covers that slide over the top of your unit. These covers provide better protection from extreme weather conditions and tend to last longer than a tarp cover. However, they are more challenging to install and are much more expensive than a standard tarp cover.

You can purchase these types of covers online at most appliance retailers or local hardware stores.

Which Type of Cover To Choose?

For homeowners who want to provide maximum protection to their heating equipment, hardcovers offer the ideal choice. Soft covers can provide temporary protection but will require replacement far more often. However, it's always wise to consult an HVAC professional before choosing a heat pump cover, as they can quickly determine which cover best suits your particular system.

Get Help Preparing Your Heating System for the Winter

At Dr. Cool, we understand the importance of ensuring your heating system is ready to handle cold weather conditions. Proper maintenance of heat pumps can contribute significantly to keeping them functioning properly throughout the season.

In addition, our team of professionals can help you find the perfect heat pump cover for your outdoor heat pump unit and provide heat pump repair services so that you can stay warm this winter. Call us today at (803) 368-5500 to schedule a consultation and learn more about heat pump covers for winter from the experts at Dr. Cool.