With cold weather coming in Moline, you may be wondering 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 engineered to resist bad weather, including extreme temperatures and torrential precipitation.

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

While putting on an air conditioner cover is your own choice, there are two periods that are ideal 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 accumulate and lower your system’s airflow. Reduced airflow means your air conditioning unit works harder and may use more energy to cool your home.

Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from Freed Heating & Air Conditioning heating and cooling technicians can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your system, and inspect essential parts. This often allows us to spot problems before they begin.

How to Find Your Air Conditioner Cover

If you come to the conclusion you want to cover your air conditioner, here are several tips on choosing the ideal cover.

Avoid Full Covers

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

Full AC covers can trap water inside your system, potentially rusting metal components. It could also make your system an inviting home for vermin, 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 system. The best type of clot 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 want 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 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 block leaves, nuts and other debris 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 snowstorm is approaching. Snow and ice that build up inside your AC can melt and refreeze, damaging condenser coils and reducing efficiency.

Although it’s not always possible to expect a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your AC if a bad storm is approaching in Moline. Hail can critically damage your system’s exterior, 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, Freed Heating & Air Conditioning provides help. Give us a call at 309-323-9584 or schedule an appointment online.