a/c covers need or dont

[okierver]

the question is are they a need or not; heres my story
we were at a campground in bartelsville oklahoma this weekend just a relax turned on the rear a/c and then the bedroom a/c to fan. went to eat and came back and the front a/c was making a funny sound. went up on the roof with a flashlight and found sticks sticking out of cover. the next morning i pulled the cover and there it was, a big bird nest with foam pieces, leaves, sticks, one dead starling baby and another one. cleaned it all out and washed it out, didnt think the little fellars could get in there, so is a cover a good thing or just watch and make sure its cleaned out.

[1retired06]

Used covers in the past when stored for the winter months for protection from snow and ice. Have never had the problem you describe.

[stengels]

I would just keep an eye on the vulnerable spots and keep them cleaned out.

[okierver]

iretired06
that was my thought to just in winter for ice and snow. but man can those little critters pack stuff in there i was a hour to a hour and a half just cleaning out.

[racerjoe]

Are you talking about the plastic "cover" that protects the unit? Or the one you would put on when not in use? To the latter, we live in NY and do not cover it. It is made to be in the elements (hopefully) and should not be a problem. On the first,it protects the condenser and fan from objects destroying it.

[dieselguy]

My front A/C is a Carrier low profile. The condenser fan vents straight up instead of to the rear. I bought a vinyl cover to put over the shroud in the winter to keep snow and crud out during the winter lay-up. It's worked well for me for 5 years. I reckon it fits tight enough that no birds can get in as I've never had a nest built inside.

[okierver]

should of took pics of it to post here later but didnt think about it just wanted to clean it all out and get it running before our big trip coming up.