With cold weather coming in Phoenix, you may be wondering when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you have to cover it at all.

Your AC unit is a tough piece of equipment. It’s engineered to resist bad} weather, including intense temperatures and relentless precipitation.

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

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

That’s because yard rubbish 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 power to cool your house.

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

How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover

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

Avoid Full Covers

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

Total AC covers can trap water inside your unit, potentially eating away at metal components. It could also make your AC a welcoming area for vermin, which could chew 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 unit. The best type of clot is one that’s breathable, 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 use it.

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 halt 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 blizzard is on the way. Snow and ice that build up inside your system can melt and refreeze, breaking condenser coils and lowering efficiency.

Although it’s not always possible to anticipate a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your system if a strong storm is coming in Phoenix. Hail can severely damage your system’s coils, altering 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 help. Give us a call at 602-971-0567 or schedule an appointment online.