With cold weather approaching in Santa Clarita, 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 created to resist severe weather, including intense temperatures and relentless precipitation.

Sometimes covers create more issues because they can trap water. Additional wetness inside your equipment can cause internal components to rust or become 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 an extended period of time—fall and summer.

That’s because yard waste during those seasons—grass clippings, twigs and leaves—can accumulate and obstruct your system’s airflow. Decreased airflow means your air conditioning unit works more and may use more electricity to cool your residence.

Seeking other ways to make your air conditioner run efficiently? Routine AC maintenance from Verona HVAC heating and cooling technicians can help. We’ll clean and lubricate your unit, and inspect critical components. This often allows us to identify issues before they begin.

Find the Right 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 moving, a protective air conditioner cover should only enclose the top of your unit and a few inches on the side.

Total AC covers can trap moisture inside your unit, potentially rusting metal components. It could also make your AC an inviting 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 stop air, which could cause water to build up inside your air conditioner. The best type of fabric is one that allows airflow, like canvas or mesh.

Related: How AC Repair & Maintenance Can Actually Save You Money

When It’s Time to Cover your AC

If you want 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 freely 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 halt leaves, nuts and other debris 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 heavy snow is coming. Snow and ice that build up inside your system 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 Santa Clarita. Hail can severely damage your system’s fins, 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, Verona HVAC provides help. Give us a call at 818-306-3387 or schedule an appointment online.