Air Conditioner Covers for Every Unit

How to choose an air conditioner cover

Start with where your unit lives. A window air conditioner sits in a frame and needs a cover that wraps the exposed part without blocking the window. A standing outdoor condenser needs a larger cover that drops over the top and sides.

Next, think about weather. If your unit faces rain and snow, look for waterproof fabric. If it sits in direct sun, add UV resistance to the list. The Silver Shield Drape-Over AC Cover is 100 percent polyester and handles water, dust and snow. The Shield Window AC Cover uses PVC and resists water and UV light.

Finally, check how the cover stays on. Some covers simply drape. Others use hook-and-loop straps to hold tight in wind. The Shield Window AC Cover has hook-and-loop straps for that reason.

Sizes and measuring

Measure your unit before you buy. For a window AC cover, measure the width, height and depth of the part that sticks outside. For a standing unit, measure height, width and depth at the widest point.

The Silver Shield Outdoor AC Cover comes in five sizes: 30 x 10 x 22 in (75 x 26 x 57 cm), 31 x 12 x 22 in (80 x 30 x 57 cm), 34 x 14 x 24 in (86 x 35 x 60 cm), 38 x 16 x 28 in (96 x 40 x 70 cm) and 41 x 16 x 30 in (105 x 40 x 75 cm).

The Shield Window AC Cover comes in one large size: 37.4 x 18.1 in (95 x 46 cm). That suits many window units and small outdoor boxes.

The Haven Stretch Standing AC Cover fits air conditioners 67 to 73 in (170 to 185 cm) tall. It stretches over the unit, so it works on slightly different shapes.

A cover that is too small will not close. A cover that is too large will flap in wind. When in doubt, size up and use the fastening to take up slack.

Materials and weather protection

Polyester is the most common fabric here. It is light, packs down small and resists water when treated. The Silver Shield Drape-Over AC Cover, Silver Shield Outdoor AC Cover, Silver Shield AC Cover and Aegis Air Conditioner Cover all use polyester in some form.

PVC is heavier and fully waterproof. The Shield Window AC Cover uses PVC, so it stands up to steady rain and strong sun.

The Haven Stretch Standing AC Cover uses a blended fabric with a textured knit. The knit gives it stretch, which helps it hug a standing unit.

Match the material to your climate. Wet winters call for PVC or treated polyester. Hot, dry summers call for UV resistance. Dusty areas call for a dust-resistant weave.

Care and storage

Most covers here are easy to keep clean. The Aegis Air Conditioner Cover is easy to clean. The Silver Shield AC Cover is washable and reusable. The Haven Stretch Standing AC Cover just needs a rinse with water, then dry it before storing.

Before you store a cover for the season, let it dry fully. Fold it flat. Keep it out of direct sun while stored, since long sun exposure can weaken any fabric over time.

Check the cover each season for wear. A small tear can grow in wind. Replace a cover when the fabric stops shedding water.

What comes in the box

Every product on this page ships as a single cover. The Silver Shield Drape-Over AC Cover, Shield Window AC Cover, Aegis Air Conditioner Cover, Silver Shield Outdoor AC Cover, Silver Shield AC Cover and Haven Stretch Standing AC Cover each include 1 cover.

No straps, no tools and no mounting hardware beyond what is built into the cover. If a cover lists hook-and-loop straps, those are part of the cover itself.

Picking between window and standing covers

Window AC covers are smaller and often square. The Shield Window AC Cover at 37.4 x 18.1 in (95 x 46 cm) fits that shape. The Silver Shield Drape-Over AC Cover and Aegis Air Conditioner Cover also suit window units.

Standing AC covers are taller and wider. The Silver Shield Outdoor AC Cover and Haven Stretch Standing AC Cover are built for those units. The Haven Stretch version fits units 67 to 73 in (170 to 185 cm) tall, which covers most full-size outdoor condensers.

If you are not sure which type you have, look at how the unit sits. A window unit is supported by the window frame. A standing unit rests on the ground or a pad.

Colors and finishes

Silver is the main color on this page. The Silver Shield Drape-Over AC Cover, Silver Shield Outdoor AC Cover and Silver Shield AC Cover all come in silver. Silver reflects light and blends with most outdoor equipment.

The Haven Stretch Standing AC Cover comes in beige, dark gray, green, blue, orange and gray. That gives you a way to match the cover to your home or hide it against a wall.

The Shield Window AC Cover and Aegis Air Conditioner Cover do not list a color choice, so plan on a neutral finish.

A simple buying checklist

Measure your unit in inches first, then convert to cm if you need to compare with a metric listing. Write down width, height and depth.

Decide if you need waterproof, UV resistant or both. Check if the cover fastens with straps or just drapes.

Confirm the cover is meant for your unit type: window or standing. Then pick a color if the cover offers one.

With those four steps, you can choose from the 7 covers on this page with confidence.