With cold weather coming in Siloam Springs, you may be thinking when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you should even cover it at all.

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

Sometimes covers do more harm than good because they can trap water. Additional wetness inside your equipment can cause internal components to rust or turn moldy.

While putting on an air conditioner cover is your own 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 rubbish during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can pile up and obstruct your system’s airflow. Diminished airflow means your air conditioning unit works more and may use more electricity to cool your house.

Wanting other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from Siloam Springs Heating & AC heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your equipment, and inspect essential parts. This often allows us to spot issues before they begin.

How to Find Your Air Conditioner Cover

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

Avoid Full Covers

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

Full AC covers can trap water inside your unit, potentially rusting metal parts. It could also make your AC a cozy home for animals, 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’s breathable, like canvas or mesh.

Related: How AC Repair & Maintenance Can Actually Save You Money

When You Should Cover Your Air Conditioner

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 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 stop 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 a snowstorm is coming. Snow and ice that accumulate inside your air conditioner 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 AC if a severe storm is coming in Siloam Springs. Hail can critically damage your system’s fins, impacting efficiency.

Related: How Severe Weather Can Lead to AC Repair

We Can Help Keep Your AC Protected

Whether you have questions about heating and cooling or need air conditioning service, Siloam Springs Heating & AC gives assistance. Give us a call at 479-308-8176 or schedule an appointment online.