With cold weather on the horizon in Alliance, you may be thinking 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 engineered to resist severe} weather, including extreme temperatures and torrential precipitation.

Sometimes covers create more issues because they can trap condensation. Extra wetness inside your unit can cause internal components to rust or get moldy.

While putting on an air conditioner cover is your own choice, there are two times of year 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 build up and block your system’s airflow. Diminished airflow means your air conditioning unit works harder and may use more power to cool your home.

Seeking other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces heating and cooling technicians can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and examine critical parts. This often allows us to identify trouble before they begin.

How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover

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

Avoid Full Covers

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

Full AC covers can trap moisture inside your system, potentially eating away at metal components. It could also make your air conditioner an inviting home 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 impede air, which could cause condensation to build up inside your system. The best type of clot 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 choose 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 branches 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 debris from dropping into your equipment.

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 snowstorm is approaching. Snow and ice that build up inside your AC can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and reducing efficiency.

Although it’s not always possible to predict a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your system if a strong storm is approaching in Alliance. Hail can severely 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, Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces provides help. Give us a call at 308-321-4703 or schedule an appointment online.