With cold weather coming in Savage, you may be questioning when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you have to cover it at all.

Your AC unit is a strong piece of equipment. It’s engineered to resist bad} weather, including extreme temperatures and relentless precipitation.

Sometimes covers do more harm than good because they can trap condensation. Additional wetness inside your equipment can cause internal parts to rust or become moldy.

While putting on an air conditioner cover is your own choice, there are two seasons that are great for using a cover for a long period of time—fall and summer.

That’s because yard debris during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can accumulate and block your system’s airflow. Reduced airflow means your air conditioning unit works longer and may use more energy to cool your residence.

Wanting other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and examine important pieces. This often allows us to pinpoint problems before they begin.

How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover

If you determine you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a few ideas on selecting the best cover.

Avoid Full Covers

To keep air circulating, a protective air conditioner cover should only encompass the top of your system and a few inches on the side.

Complete AC covers can trap moisture inside your equipment, potentially corroding metal components. It could also make your AC an inviting area for rodents, which could sever wires.

Related: What New Homeowners Need to Know About Their Air Conditioner

Don’t Use Plastic or Vinyl Covers

Plastic or vinyl covers impede air, which could cause condensation to build up inside your unit. The best type of material is one that lets in air, like canvas or mesh.

Related: How AC Repair & Maintenance Can Actually Save You Money

When to Use an Air Conditioner Cover

If you decide to use an air conditioner cover, here are the best times to install it.

Cover Your Air Conditioner During Summer

A lightweight mesh cover during the summer allows your air conditioner to run unrestricted while keeping grass clippings and sticks out.

Related: How Do I Know if My Air Conditioner is Running Properly?

Cover Your Air Conditioner During Fall

A breathable canvas cover will halt leaves, nuts and other debris from getting into your unit.

Related: Tips for Cleaning Your System

Cover Your Air Conditioner Before Severe Weather

You can temporarily cover your air conditioner in the winter when you know a blizzard is coming. Snow and ice that collect inside your system can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.

Although it’s not always possible to predict a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your system if a strong storm is coming in Savage. Hail can severely damage your system’s coils, impacting efficiency.

Related: How Severe Weather Can Lead to AC Repair

We Can Help Your AC System Run Efficiently

Whether you have questions about heating and cooling or need air conditioning service, Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning provides assistance. Give us a call at 952-373-0377 or schedule an appointment online.