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

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

Sometimes covers create more issues because they can trap moisture. Too much wetness inside your equipment can cause internal parts to rust or get moldy.

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

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

Seeking other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from Assured Appliance & Heating & Air heating and cooling professionals can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your system, and inspect critical parts. This often allows us to spot issues before they begin.

How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover

If you decide you want to cover your air conditioner, here are several tips on selecting the best cover.

Avoid Full Covers

To keep air moving, a protective air conditioner cover should only enclose the top of your equipment and a few inches on the side.

Full AC covers can trap moisture inside your unit, potentially corroding metal components. It could also make your AC an inviting place for vermin, 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 block air, which could cause water to build up inside your air conditioner. The best type of fabric is one that lets in air, like canvas or mesh.

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

When You Should Cover Your Air Conditioner

If you want 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 unrestricted while keeping grass clippings and twigs 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 rubbish from getting into your system.

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 on the way. Snow and ice that build up inside your air conditioner can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.

Although it’s not always possible to expect a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your air conditioner if a severe storm is coming in Genoa. Hail can seriously damage your system’s exterior, 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, Assured Appliance & Heating & Air offers aid. Give us a call at 847-306-8990 or schedule an appointment online.