With cold weather on the horizon in Payson, you may be wondering 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 designed to resist bad weather, including excessive temperatures and relentless precipitation.

Sometimes covers create more issues because they can trap water. Additional wetness inside your unit can cause internal components to rust or turn moldy.

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

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

Seeking other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Routine AC maintenance from North Mechanical Heating and Cooling heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your equipment, and inspect essential parts. This often allows us to pinpoint problems before they begin.

Find the Right Air Conditioner Cover

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

Avoid Full Covers

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

Total AC covers can trap water inside your unit, potentially rusting metal parts. It could also make your AC a cozy place for rodents, which could eat through 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 allows airflow, like canvas or mesh.

Related: How AC Repair & Maintenance Can Actually Save You Money

When to Use an Air Conditioner Cover

If you decide 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 rubbish 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 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 predict a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your air conditioner if a severe storm is coming in Payson. Hail can seriously damage your system’s exterior, affecting 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, North Mechanical Heating and Cooling provides help. Give us a call at 928-263-8570 or schedule an appointment online.