Air conditioning covers are protective coverings that are placed over window air conditioning units for a variety of different purposes. Each type of cover comes with a distinctive set of advantages and disadvantages, and as such is suited for a different set of needs. Understanding what each of the four main types of air conditioner covers has to offer can help you choose the one that best fits your needs.

Dust Covers

Dust covers are extremely simple fabric covers that are both lightweight and inexpensive that are designed to fit over your air conditioning unit and act as a barrier to dust and other small pieces of detritus. Dust covers are designed to reduce the amount of dust that is sucked into your unit, and thus reduce the amount of cleaning and maintenance that you have to do. Dust covers also come in a wide variety of different colors, so that you can match them to the aesthetic of the room fairly easily.

Weather Covers

Weather covers are a special type of air conditioning cover that are designed to protect your air conditioning units from harsh weather conditions. They are usually made out of plastic or metal, and provide insulation and structural support to your air conditioning unit, allowing it to better stand up to cold weather conditions and withstand physical trauma. With a weather cover, you can leave your air conditioning unit in your window all year round, and won't have to take it down in the winter. Weather covers are more expensive than dust covers.

Insulation Covers

Insulation covers do not actually cover the air conditioner itself, but instead form a barrier around the air conditioning unit. However, some insulation covers are both insulation and weather covers, and protect the air conditioner while at the same time insulating the window. They are designed to insulate your window and home from the outdoors, and seal any leaks around the edges of your window air conditioning unit. Insulation covers are usually made out of heavy fabric or plastic, and their cost will largely depend on the size of cover required.

Vent Covers

If you have a central air conditioner, covers for your vents are still recommended during the winter, as they prevent dust and other allergens and debris from building up in your ductwork when your air conditioner is not working. Vent covers tend to be fairly inexpensive, and come in a wide variety of different designs and colors, which means you can customize them to fit the aesthetic of your home very easily.