In the winter months, you might wonder when it’s time to cover your A/C condenser. An A/C unit is a sturdy piece of equipment. It can handle bad weather including extreme temperatures and torrential rain. But covers can possibly create more problems than they solve. Wetness can seep inside your unit causing rust or mold. So, a cover for your air conditioning system should be an individual choice. Fall and summer are fantastic times to use one. However, in those seasons, yard debris, such as grass clippings, twigs, and leaves can build up as well as clog your system. If your airflow is reduced, your A/C will work much harder and use more energy. Here are a few tips on selecting the right cover for your A/C. A protective air conditioner cover should only cover the top and a few inches on each side. A/C covers can trap moisture inside your equipment, potentially eating away at the metal. Also, it could attract rodents, which can cut the wires. Vinyl or plastic covers block air, which may cause moisture to build up inside your unit. Cloths like canvas or mesh are best during the summer. A lightweight mesh cover allows the A/C to run freely while keeping grass and sticks out. Leaves, nuts, and other debris will not fall into your system with a breathable canvas cover. If you know a snowstorm is coming, you can temporarily cover your A/C system. Ice that collects inside your A/C can melt and then refreeze, harming the condenser coils. Although you can’t predict a hailstorm, you can cover your A/C temporarily if a major thunderstorm is expected. Hail can severely destroy the exterior of an A/C unit.