With cold weather on the horizon in Booneville, 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 sturdy piece of equipment. It’s created to resist bad} weather, including extreme temperatures and heavy precipitation.

Sometimes covers cause more problems because they can trap water. Extra wetness inside your unit can cause internal parts to rust or get moldy.

While using an air conditioner cover is an individual choice, there are two times of year that are great for using a cover for an extended period of time—fall and summer.

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

Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Regular AC maintenance from Booneville Heating & Cooling heating and cooling professionals can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your system, and examine important components. This often allows us to spot problems before they begin.

How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover

If you decide you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a couple tips on choosing the right cover.

Avoid Full Covers

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

Full AC covers can trap moisture inside your unit, potentially rusting metal components. It could also make your system an inviting place for animals, 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 water to build up inside your air conditioner. The best type of clot 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 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 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 collect inside your AC can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and reducing efficiency.

Although it’s not always possible to anticipate a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your air conditioner if a strong storm is coming in Booneville. Hail can severely 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, Booneville Heating & Cooling offers help. Give us a call at 662-269-8716 or schedule an appointment online.