With cold weather on the horizon in Florissant and St. Charles, 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 inclement weather, including excessive temperatures and torrential precipitation.

Sometimes covers do more harm than good because they can trap moisture. Too much wetness inside your unit can cause internal parts to rust or get moldy.

While using an air conditioner cover is your own 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 debris during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can build up and obstruct your system’s airflow. Reduced airflow means your air conditioning unit works more and may use more electricity to cool your house.

Wanting other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from B & B Heating & Cooling heating and cooling technicians can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and inspect critical parts. This often allows us to spot problems before they begin.

How to Find Your Air Conditioner Cover

If you come to the conclusion you want to cover your air conditioner, here are several tips on picking the right cover.

Avoid Full Covers

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

Complete AC covers can trap condensation inside your equipment, potentially rusting metal pieces. It could also make your air conditioner a cozy area 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 stop air, which could cause moisture to build up inside your air conditioner. The best type of fabric is one that allows airflow, like canvas or mesh.

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

When It’s Time to Cover your AC

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 freely 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 halt leaves, nuts and other rubbish from falling 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 blizzard is approaching. Snow and ice that build up inside your system can melt and refreeze, damaging condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.

Although it’s not always possible to expect a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your AC if a strong storm is coming in Florissant and St. Charles. Hail can seriously damage your system’s exterior, altering efficiency.

Related: How Severe Weather Can Lead to AC Repair

We Can Help Keep Your AC Protected

Whether you have questions about heating and cooling or need air conditioning service, B & B Heating & Cooling offers help. Give us a call at 314-325-7552 or schedule an appointment online.