Shield Window AC Cover

What this cover is

The Shield Window AC Cover is an outdoor cover made for a window air conditioner. It fits over the unit to keep rain, dust and direct sun off the cabinet and the vents. The material is PVC, which is waterproof and UV-resistant. That combination matters for an AC unit that sits in a window all season, because water and sun are the two things that wear on the outer housing.

The cover is a simple barrier. It is not a running cover and it is not meant to be used while the air conditioner is turned on. Use it during the off season, or any time the unit sits idle and you want it protected.

Size

One size is available.

Measure your air conditioner before you order. Check the width and the height of the part that sits outside the window, then compare those numbers to 37.4 x 18.1 in (95 x 46 cm). A cover that is close to the unit size sits best. If your unit is much smaller, the cover will hang loose. If your unit is larger, the cover will not close around it.

Styles

You pick the style when you order.

• With hook-and-loop straps: the straps hold the cover in place against wind and let you adjust the fit around the unit.
• No straps: a plain cover that rests over the unit. This style suits a sheltered window or a unit that stays out of strong wind.

Both styles use the same PVC material and the same Large size. The only difference is how the cover is held down.

How to fit and use it

1. Turn the air conditioner off and let it come to room temperature.
2. Clean and dry the outside of the unit so grit does not get trapped under the cover.
3. Slide the cover over the outdoor section of the unit.
4. If you chose the strap style, pull the hook-and-loop straps snug and press them closed.
5. Check that the cover sits flat and does not block anything you need to reach.

To use the air conditioner again, undo the straps or lift the cover off, then store it indoors. Do not run the unit with the cover on. The cover blocks airflow, and an air conditioner needs open vents to work.

A few habits help the cover last. Put it on before a storm rather than during one. Keep sharp edges away from the PVC, since a cut lets water in. If the cover is wet when you take it off, let it dry flat before you fold it for storage.

Care

Wipe the cover with a damp cloth and mild soap, then rinse and let it air dry. Do not machine wash it and do not put it in a dryer. Keep it away from open flame and from hot surfaces such as a grill or a heater. When the season ends, fold the cover loosely and store it in a dry place. A dry cover stored flat holds its shape and is ready for the next off season.

Why PVC for an outdoor AC cover

PVC is a dense material, so water does not pass through it. That is the main job here: keep rain off the unit so moisture does not sit on the housing. PVC also resists UV light, which means the cover itself holds up through a sunny season instead of cracking early. The trade-off is that PVC is not breathable, so the cover should come off when the unit runs and should dry fully before storage.

This cover is made for a window air conditioner. It is not a cover for a central unit, a mini split head or a portable floor unit. Check your unit type first, then check the size.