With cold weather on the horizon in Neptune City, 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 sturdy piece of equipment. It’s designed to resist bad} weather, including extreme temperatures and heavy precipitation.

Sometimes covers create more issues because they can trap water. Additional wetness inside your system can cause internal pieces to rust or turn moldy.

While using 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 rubbish during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can build up and lower your system’s airflow. Decreased airflow means your air conditioning unit works harder and may use more energy to cool your house.

Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Routine AC maintenance from Aggressive Mechanical heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your equipment, and take a close look at essential pieces. This often allows us to identify issues before they begin.

How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover

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

Avoid Full Covers

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

Complete AC covers can trap condensation inside your equipment, potentially corroding metal pieces. It could also make your AC a cozy 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 impede air, which could cause condensation to build up inside your air conditioner. 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 want 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 stop leaves, nuts and other rubbish 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 build up inside your AC can melt and refreeze, damaging condenser coils and lowering efficiency.

Although it’s not always possible to predict a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your system if a bad storm is coming in Neptune City. Hail can severely damage your system’s exterior, 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, Aggressive Mechanical gives help. Give us a call at 732-806-5536 or schedule an appointment online.