When it comes to outdoor air conditioning units, it's not recommended to cover them when it rains. While you may be tempted to grab an umbrella for your AC unit when the rain starts pouring, the truth is that these units have been designed to withstand most of nature's elements. The outer housing of the unit will remain intact and won't suffer any damage or malfunction when exposed to rain. However, if your air conditioner is submerged in a flood, then the wiring, electronics, and motor are all at risk. The most common results of a flooded AC unit are short circuits or longer-lasting damage.
If water remains in the air conditioning system, it can cause serious corrosion to spread to other parts of the unit. Therefore, it's best to avoid covering the condensing unit at all times. Rain won't damage the condenser as long as moisture can evaporate freely, and neither will Florida's cooler winter weather. In colder climates, some people cover the condenser during the winter to prevent snow, leaves, and debris from accumulating, but this is not necessary. In fact, it can cause damage by trapping condensation under the cover, leading to corrosion and other issues.
