With cold weather coming in Boynton Beach, 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 sturdy piece of equipment. It’s created to resist bad weather, including intense temperatures and relentless precipitation.

Sometimes covers do more harm than good because they can trap condensation. Additional wetness inside your equipment can cause internal pieces to rust or become moldy.

While putting on an air conditioner cover is your own choice, there are two times of year 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 pile up and block your system’s airflow. Diminished airflow means your air conditioning unit works more and may use more power to cool your residence.

Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Regular AC maintenance from A2Z Air Inc heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your system, and examine critical components. This often allows us to spot trouble before they begin.

Find the Right Air Conditioner Cover

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

Avoid Full Covers

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

Complete AC covers can trap condensation inside your unit, potentially rusting metal pieces. It could also make your AC an inviting home for animals, which could chew 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 moisture 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 It’s Time to Cover your AC

If you decide to use an air conditioner cover, here are the best times to use it.

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 sticks 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 unit.

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 collect inside your air conditioner can melt and refreeze, breaking condenser coils and reducing efficiency.

Although it’s not always possible to predict a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your AC if a severe storm is coming in Boynton Beach. Hail can severely damage your system’s fins, altering 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, A2Z Air Inc provides aid. Give us a call at 561-270-6228 or schedule an appointment online.