In the winter months, you might be wondering if you should cover your condenser. An A/C is a durable piece of equipment and can handle bad weather, including serious hot and cold temperatures and heavy rain. Moisture inside your A/C can cause rust or mold to grow. Fall and summer are the best times to use one. During those seasons, yard debris such as grass, twigs, and leaves can build up and clog the system. If your airflow is reduced, your air conditioning will work harder and use more energy. Here are a few tips on selecting the right cover for your A/C if you decide to cover it. A protective air conditioning cover should only cover the top and a few inches on each side. Total A/C covers can trap moisture inside your equipment, potentially eating away at metal. Also, it could attract rodents, which can damage the wires. Vinyl or plastic covers block air, which may cause moisture to build up inside your unit. Cloths such as canvas or mesh are best. During the warmer months, a lightweight mesh cover allows air conditioning to run freely, while keeping grass and other debris away. Leaves, and nuts will not drop into your condenser with a breathable canvas cover. If you know a snowstorm is coming, you can temporarily cover your air conditioning. Ice that collects inside your A/C can melt and then refreeze, causing damage to the condenser coils. Although you can’t predict a hailstorm, you can cover your AC temporarily if a terrible thunderstorm is expected.