With cold weather approaching in Marshalltown, 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 created to resist severe weather, including excessive temperatures and heavy precipitation.

Sometimes covers do more harm than good because they can trap water. Additional wetness inside your unit can cause internal components to rust or turn moldy.

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

That’s because yard debris 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 energy to cool your residence.

Wanting other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Routine AC maintenance from B & G HVAC heating and cooling professionals can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your equipment, and examine essential parts. This often allows us to spot issues before they begin.

How to Find Your Air Conditioner Cover

If you determine you want to cover your air conditioner, here are several suggestions on choosing the right cover.

Avoid Full Covers

To keep air flowing, a protective air conditioner cover should only encompass the top of your equipment and several inches on the side.

Total AC covers can trap condensation inside your unit, potentially rusting metal components. It could also make your AC a welcoming place for vermin, 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 block air, which could cause water to build up inside your air conditioner. The best type of material is one that lets in air, like canvas or mesh.

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

When You Should Cover Your Air Conditioner

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 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 stop leaves, nuts and other rubbish from dropping 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 blizzard is on the way. Snow and ice that accumulate inside your air conditioner 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 imminent in Marshalltown. Hail can severely damage your system’s fins, affecting 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, B & G HVAC provides help. Give us a call at 641-316-3360 or schedule an appointment online.