With cold weather coming in Houston, you may be questioning 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 cause more problems because they can trap water. Too much wetness inside your unit can cause internal parts to rust or become moldy.

While putting on an air conditioner cover is an individual choice, there are two seasons 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 obstruct your system’s airflow. Diminished airflow means your air conditioning unit works longer and may use more energy to cool your residence.

Seeking other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Regular AC maintenance from Air Current AC & Heat heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your equipment, and take a close look at essential pieces. This often allows us to spot trouble before they begin.

How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover

If you decide you want to cover your air conditioner, here are several tips on choosing the best cover.

Avoid Full Covers

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

Complete AC covers can trap water inside your equipment, potentially rusting metal parts. It could also make your AC an inviting place for rodents, which could sever 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 unit. The best type of material is one that lets in air, 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 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 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 rubbish 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 blizzard is coming. Snow and ice that accumulate inside your system can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.

Although it’s not always possible to predict a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your air conditioner if a bad storm is coming in Houston. Hail can severely 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, Air Current AC & Heat provides aid. Give us a call at 713-322-4318 or schedule an appointment online.