With cold weather approaching in Yukon, you may be wondering 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 designed to resist bad weather, including intense temperatures and relentless precipitation.

Sometimes covers cause more problems because they can trap moisture. Additional wetness inside your unit can cause internal pieces to rust or get moldy.

While installing an air conditioner cover is an individual choice, there are two periods that are great for using a cover for a lengthy period of time—fall and summer.

That’s because yard rubbish during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can pile up and lower your system’s airflow. Reduced 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? Annual AC maintenance from Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning heating and cooling professionals can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your equipment, and inspect essential pieces. This often allows us to pinpoint problems 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 picking the best cover.

Avoid Full Covers

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

Complete AC covers can trap water inside your system, potentially eating away at metal components. It could also make your AC an inviting area for vermin, 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 stop air, which could cause water to build up inside your unit. The best type of clot is one that allows airflow, 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 put it on.

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 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 AC can melt and refreeze, harming condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.

Although it’s not always possible to expect a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your system if a severe storm is coming in Yukon. Hail can severely damage your system’s coils, affecting efficiency.

Related: How Severe Weather Can Lead to AC Repair

We Can Make Sure Your AC Is Always Covered

Whether you have questions about heating and cooling or need air conditioning service, Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning gives assistance. Give us a call at 405-494-7444 or schedule an appointment online.