With cold weather coming in York, you may be questioning when you should cover your outdoor air conditioner. Of if you have 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 relentless precipitation.

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

While using an air conditioner cover is an individual choice, there are two times of year that are ideal for using a cover for a long period of time—fall and summer.

That’s because yard debris during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can pile up and lower your system’s airflow. Decreased airflow means your air conditioning unit works longer and may use more electricity to cool your home.

Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Routine AC maintenance from Strine's heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and inspect essential parts. This often allows us to pinpoint problems before they begin.

Find the Right Air Conditioner Cover

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

Avoid Full Covers

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

Full AC covers can trap moisture inside your unit, potentially corroding metal components. It could also make your AC a welcoming area 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 block 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 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 block leaves, nuts and other debris 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 on the way. Snow and ice that collect inside your system can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and lowering efficiency.

Although it’s not always possible to expect a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your system if a bad storm is imminent in York. Hail can critically damage your system’s coils, 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, Strine's provides help. Give us a call at 717-383-4479 or schedule an appointment online.