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

Your AC unit is a tough piece of equipment. It’s designed to resist severe weather, including extreme temperatures and torrential precipitation.

Sometimes covers do more harm than good because they can trap moisture. Extra wetness inside your system can cause internal components to rust or become moldy.

While putting on an air conditioner cover is an individual choice, there are two times of year that are good to use a cover for a lengthy period of time—fall and summer.

That’s because yard rubbish 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 longer and may use more energy to cool your residence.

Wanting other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Regular AC maintenance from Wallpe Heating & Cooling heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and take a close look at critical components. This often allows us to pinpoint trouble before they begin.

How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover

If you come to the conclusion you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a few tips on selecting the right cover.

Avoid Full Covers

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

Total AC covers can trap moisture inside your equipment, potentially rusting metal pieces. It could also make your AC an inviting 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 impede air, which could cause moisture to build up inside your unit. 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 It’s Time to Cover your AC

If you want to use an air conditioner cover, here are the best times to install 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 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 stop leaves, nuts and other waste 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 heavy snow is coming. Snow and ice that collect inside your AC can melt and refreeze, breaking condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.

Although it’s not always possible to anticipate a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your AC if a bad storm is imminent in Greensburg. Hail can severely damage your system’s fins, impacting 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, Wallpe Heating & Cooling provides assistance. Give us a call at 812-663-7252 or schedule an appointment online.