With cold weather approaching in Tucker, you may be questioning when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you should even cover it at all.

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

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

While putting on an air conditioner cover is your own choice, there are two periods that are good to use 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 pile up and block your system’s airflow. Decreased airflow means your air conditioning unit works harder and may use more power to cool your house.

Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from ACS Heating and Air Conditioning heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your system, and examine critical pieces. This often allows us to identify issues before they begin.

Choosing the Right Air Conditioner Cover

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

Avoid Full Covers

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

Complete AC covers can trap water inside your unit, potentially eating away at metal components. It could also make your air conditioner a cozy area for vermin, 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 stop air, which could cause moisture to build up inside your system. The best type of fabric is one that’s breathable, 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 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 rubbish from dropping 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 snowstorm is coming. Snow and ice that build up inside your system can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and lowering efficiency.

Although it’s not always possible to anticipate a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your AC if a bad storm is coming in Tucker. Hail can severely damage your system’s exterior, affecting 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, ACS Heating and Air Conditioning offers help. Give us a call at 770-450-1539 or schedule an appointment online.