With cold weather coming in Mount Horeb, you may be thinking when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you need to cover it at all.

Your AC unit is a strong piece of equipment. It’s created to resist severe weather, including excessive temperatures and torrential precipitation.

Sometimes covers cause more problems because they can trap moisture. Extra wetness inside your system can cause internal components to rust or turn moldy.

While using an air conditioner cover is a personal choice, there are two seasons that are great for using a cover for an extended period of time—fall and summer.

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

Seeking other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from JW Brager Heating and Cooling heating and cooling professionals can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and inspect important parts. This often allows us to pinpoint trouble before they begin.

Find the Right Air Conditioner Cover

If you decide you want to cover your air conditioner, here are several ideas on picking the ideal cover.

Avoid Full Covers

To keep air flowing, a protective air conditioner cover should only encompass the top of your equipment and a couple of inches on the side.

Total AC covers can trap water inside your system, potentially eating away at metal pieces. It could also make your air conditioner a cozy place for rodents, which could chew wires.

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

Don’t Use Plastic or Vinyl Covers

Plastic or vinyl covers stop air, which could cause moisture to build up inside your air conditioner. The best type of material is one that’s breathable, 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 use it.

Cover Your Air Conditioner During Summer

A lightweight mesh cover during the summer allows your air conditioner to run smoothly 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 block leaves, nuts and other waste 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 heavy snow is coming. Snow and ice that collect inside your AC can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and reducing efficiency.

Although it’s not always possible to anticipate a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your AC if a severe storm is imminent in Mount Horeb. Hail can critically damage your system’s coils, altering 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, JW Brager Heating and Cooling provides aid. Give us a call at 608-447-0555 or schedule an appointment online.