With cold weather coming in Lincoln, 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 strong piece of equipment. It’s created to resist severe weather, including excessive temperatures and heavy precipitation.

Sometimes covers create more issues because they can trap condensation. Extra wetness inside your equipment can cause internal parts to rust or become moldy.

While putting on an air conditioner cover is your own choice, there are two periods that are ideal for using a cover for a long period of time—fall and summer.

That’s because yard waste during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can accumulate and block your system’s airflow. Reduced airflow means your air conditioning unit works longer and may use more energy to cool your residence.

Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Routine AC maintenance from AW Heating & Air Conditioning heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and take a close look at critical components. This often allows us to identify problems before they begin.

Find the Right Air Conditioner Cover

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

Avoid Full Covers

To keep air circulating, a protective air conditioner cover should only encompass the top of your unit and a couple of inches on the side.

Full AC covers can trap water inside your unit, potentially eating away at metal parts. It could also make your AC a welcoming 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 block air, which could cause water to build up inside your air conditioner. 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 install it.

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 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 rubbish from falling 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 coming. 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 predict a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your AC if a bad storm is coming in Lincoln. Hail can seriously damage your system’s coils, impacting 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, AW Heating & Air Conditioning provides aid. Give us a call at 402-438-7992 or schedule an appointment online.