With cold weather approaching in Menomonie and western Wisconsin, you may be thinking when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you should even cover it at all.

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

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

While putting on an air conditioner cover is a personal choice, there are two seasons that are great for using a cover for a lengthy period of time—fall and summer.

That’s because yard debris during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can accumulate and lower your system’s airflow. Decreased airflow means your air conditioning unit works longer and may use more power to cool your residence.

Seeking other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Routine AC maintenance from Halverson Brothers Inc heating and cooling technicians can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and inspect critical components. This often allows us to pinpoint trouble before they begin.

Find the Right Air Conditioner Cover

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

Full AC covers can trap water inside your equipment, potentially eating away at metal pieces. It could also make your AC a welcoming area for animals, 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 material 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 install it.

Cover Your Air Conditioner During Summer

A lightweight mesh cover during the summer allows your air conditioner to run smoothly 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 debris from getting into your unit.

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 accumulate inside your system 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 imminent in Menomonie and western Wisconsin. Hail can seriously damage your system’s coils, 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, Halverson Brothers Inc offers aid. Give us a call at 715-352-4052 or schedule an appointment online.