With cold weather coming in Phoenix, 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 excessive temperatures and heavy precipitation.

Sometimes covers do more harm than good because they can trap condensation. Too much wetness inside your equipment can cause internal parts to rust or get moldy.

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

Seeking other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Regular AC maintenance from Integrity AC & Heating LLC heating and cooling technicians can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your equipment, and examine critical parts. This often allows us to pinpoint problems before they begin.

How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover

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

Avoid Full Covers

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

Complete AC covers can trap moisture inside your equipment, potentially rusting metal components. It could also make your air conditioner an inviting area 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 impede air, which could cause moisture to build up inside your unit. 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 It’s Time to Cover your AC

If you want 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 unrestricted 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 waste from getting 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 on the way. Snow and ice that build up inside your air conditioner can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and reducing efficiency.

Although it’s not always possible to anticipate a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your air conditioner if a strong storm is coming in Phoenix. Hail can critically damage your system’s coils, impacting 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, Integrity AC & Heating LLC gives assistance. Give us a call at 602-971-0567 or schedule an appointment online.