With cold weather coming in Port St. Lucie, you may be thinking when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you need to cover it at all.

Your AC unit is a tough piece of equipment. It’s created to resist bad weather, including excessive temperatures and torrential precipitation.

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

While putting on an air conditioner cover is your own choice, there are two times of year that are good to use a cover for a long period of time—fall and summer.

That’s because yard rubbish 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 energy to cool your home.

Seeking other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from Custom Air Systems Inc heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your equipment, and examine important parts. This often allows us to identify trouble before they begin.

How to Find Your Air Conditioner Cover

If you determine you want to cover your air conditioner, here are several suggestions on picking the ideal cover.

Avoid Full Covers

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

Total AC covers can trap water inside your unit, potentially rusting metal parts. It could also make your AC a cozy home for rodents, 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 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 put it on.

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 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 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 accumulate inside your air conditioner can melt and refreeze, harming 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 imminent in Port St. Lucie. Hail can seriously damage your system’s fins, impacting 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, Custom Air Systems Inc provides help. Give us a call at 772-247-2283 or schedule an appointment online.