With cold weather coming in Derby, 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 strong piece of equipment. It’s engineered to resist severe weather, including intense temperatures and relentless precipitation.

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

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

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

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

How to Find Your Air Conditioner Cover

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

Avoid Full Covers

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

Complete AC covers can trap water inside your system, potentially rusting metal parts. It could also make your AC an inviting home for animals, 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 moisture to build up inside your air conditioner. The best type of material is one that’s breathable, 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 install 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 branches 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 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 on the way. Snow and ice that collect inside your system can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.

Although it’s not always possible to anticipate a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your system if a severe storm is imminent in Derby. Hail can critically damage your system’s fins, 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, Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning provides help. Give us a call at 203-772-8319 or schedule an appointment online.