With cold weather on the horizon in Wausau, 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 created to resist inclement} weather, including excessive temperatures and relentless precipitation.

Sometimes covers do more harm than good because they can trap condensation. Too much wetness inside your equipment can cause internal parts to rust or turn moldy.

While using an air conditioner cover is a personal choice, there are two seasons 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 obstruct your system’s airflow. Decreased airflow means your air conditioning unit works longer and may use more electricity to cool your residence.

Looking for other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from Gilray Heating and Cooling heating and cooling experts can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your equipment, and take a close look at important parts. This often allows us to pinpoint problems before they begin.

How to Choose an Air Conditioner Cover

If you determine you want to cover your air conditioner, here are a couple suggestions on picking the best cover.

Avoid Full Covers

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

Complete AC covers can trap water inside your system, potentially eating away at metal pieces. It could also make your AC a welcoming home for rodents, which could eat through 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 water to build up inside your unit. 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 to Use an Air Conditioner Cover

If you want 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 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 approaching. Snow and ice that build up inside your AC can melt and refreeze, breaking condenser coils and reducing efficiency.

Although it’s not always possible to expect a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your AC if a strong storm is coming in Wausau. Hail can critically damage your system’s coils, impacting 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, Gilray Heating and Cooling offers aid. Give us a call at 715-301-0727 or schedule an appointment online.