With cold weather on the horizon in Safford, you may be questioning 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 engineered to resist bad weather, including excessive temperatures and relentless precipitation.

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

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

That’s because yard waste during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can build up and obstruct your system’s airflow. Decreased airflow means your air conditioning unit works harder and may use more power to cool your house.

Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from B&D Air Conditioning heating and cooling professionals can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your system, and inspect critical components. This often allows us to spot problems 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 several tips on choosing the best cover.

Avoid Full Covers

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

Total AC covers can trap water inside your unit, potentially eating away at metal pieces. It could also make your system a welcoming home for rodents, 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 condensation to build up inside your air conditioner. The best type of fabric is one that lets in air, 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 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 debris 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 a snowstorm is coming. Snow and ice that collect inside your AC can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and lowering efficiency.

Although it’s not always possible to expect a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your AC if a strong storm is imminent in Safford. Hail can critically damage your system’s coils, 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&D Air Conditioning provides help. Give us a call at 928-432-6018 or schedule an appointment online.