With cold weather on the horizon in Moline, 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 tough piece of equipment. It’s created to resist bad weather, including extreme temperatures and heavy precipitation.

Sometimes covers create more issues because they can trap moisture. Extra wetness inside your system can cause internal parts to rust or become moldy.

While putting on an air conditioner cover is a personal choice, there are two times of year that are good to use 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 obstruct your system’s airflow. Decreased airflow means your air conditioning unit works harder and may use more electricity to cool your home.

Wanting other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Annual AC maintenance from J.L. Brady Company LLC heating and cooling professionals can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and examine critical components. This often allows us to identify issues before they begin.

Choosing the Right Air Conditioner Cover

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

Avoid Full Covers

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

Full AC covers can trap water inside your system, potentially eating away at metal components. It could also make your system a welcoming area for animals, 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 condensation to build up inside your air conditioner. The best type of material 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 choose 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 smoothly while keeping grass clippings and branches 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 waste from falling into your equipment.

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 blizzard is approaching. Snow and ice that collect inside your system can melt and refreeze, damaging condenser coils and decreasing efficiency.

Although it’s not always possible to expect a hailstorm, you can temporarily cover your AC if a bad storm is approaching in Moline. Hail can severely damage your system’s coils, affecting 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, J.L. Brady Company LLC offers help. Give us a call at 309-517-7511 or schedule an appointment online.