With cold weather approaching in Macon, you may be wondering when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you have to cover it at all.

Your AC unit is a sturdy piece of equipment. It’s engineered to resist severe weather, including extreme temperatures and heavy precipitation.

Sometimes covers create more issues because they can trap moisture. Too much wetness inside your equipment can cause internal parts to rust or turn moldy.

While using an air conditioner cover is a personal choice, there are two times of year that are good to use a cover for a long period of time—fall and summer.

That’s because yard rubbish during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can pile up and obstruct your system’s airflow. Reduced airflow means your air conditioning unit works more and may use more energy to cool your house.

Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Routine AC maintenance from Air Temperature Control heating and cooling professionals can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your equipment, and examine essential parts. This often allows us to identify problems before they begin.

How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover

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

Avoid Full Covers

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

Complete AC covers can trap water inside your system, potentially rusting metal parts. It could also make your system an inviting place 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 block air, which could cause condensation to build up inside your air conditioner. 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 want to use an air conditioner cover, here are the best times to put it on.

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 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 falling 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 approaching. Snow and ice that collect inside your AC can melt and refreeze, damaging condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.

Although it’s not always possible to predict a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your air conditioner if a strong storm is imminent in Macon. Hail can severely damage your system’s fins, altering efficiency.

Related: How Severe Weather Can Lead to AC Repair

We Can Make Sure Your AC Is Always Covered

Whether you have questions about heating and cooling or need air conditioning service, Air Temperature Control gives aid. Give us a call at 478-202-3170 or schedule an appointment online.