With cold weather approaching in Lafayette, 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 tough piece of equipment. It’s engineered to resist bad weather, including extreme temperatures and heavy precipitation.

Sometimes covers cause more problems because they can trap condensation. Too much wetness inside your system can cause internal parts to rust or get moldy.

While putting on an air conditioner cover is a personal choice, there are two times of year that are great for using a cover for a lengthy period of time—fall and summer.

That’s because yard debris 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 energy to cool your house.

Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Regular AC maintenance from AC Sales heating and cooling professionals can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your equipment, and inspect important parts. This often allows us to identify problems before they begin.

Choosing the Right Air Conditioner Cover

If you decide you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a few tips on picking the right cover.

Avoid Full Covers

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

Full AC covers can trap water inside your system, potentially rusting metal pieces. 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 condensation to build up inside your system. 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 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 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 halt leaves, nuts and other debris 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 a snowstorm is coming. Snow and ice that accumulate inside your air conditioner can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and lowering efficiency.

Although it’s not always possible to anticipate a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your AC if a strong storm is coming in Lafayette. Hail can seriously damage your system’s fins, altering 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, AC Sales provides assistance. Give us a call at (337) 234-2345 or schedule an appointment online.