With cold weather coming in Port St. Lucie, 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 strong piece of equipment. It’s engineered to resist bad} weather, including intense temperatures and torrential precipitation.

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

While using an air conditioner cover is your own choice, there are two periods that are great for using a cover for an extended 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 more and may use more energy to cool your house.

Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Routine AC maintenance from Custom Air Systems Inc heating and cooling professionals can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and inspect critical components. 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 suggestions on choosing the ideal cover.

Avoid Full Covers

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

Full AC covers can trap water inside your equipment, potentially rusting metal pieces. 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 impede air, which could cause condensation 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 to Use an Air Conditioner Cover

If you choose 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 debris from dropping into your system.

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 approaching. Snow and ice that collect inside your system 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 system if a bad storm is coming in Port St. Lucie. Hail can seriously damage your system’s exterior, 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, Custom Air Systems Inc provides assistance. Give us a call at 772-247-2283 or schedule an appointment online.