10 Best Leaf Guards For Air Conditioners (Cover Your AC)

Leaves and foliage can be a nightmare for homeowners and can cause serious damage to your AC unit. This stops you from getting the benefit of the AC and can mean you have to spend a fortune repairing or replacing it.

Leaf guards are an effective way of keeping debris out of your air conditioner. In this guide, we’ll help explain the benefits of an air conditioner leaf guard and introduce you to some of the best models on the market.

Finding the Right Leaf Guard for Your AC

Leaf guards are designed to keep leaves, branches, twigs, and other foliage away from your AC unit. There are a lot of different models available on the market, and it can be difficult to know which is best for you. To make things easier, we’ve given a quick breakdown of the key factors to consider so you can find the best leaf guard for your AC:

Weather Conditions

Your cover will need to be able to adapt to the weather conditions where you live. If you regularly get snow, you’ll need an AC cover that can handle heavier weights without damage. If you have a lot of rain, then you’ll need a cover that is breathable and allows moisture to evaporate away from the AC unit.

Most leaf guards will be able to deal with most types of weather, but if you live in a more extreme climate, you’ll need a more specialist leaf guard for your AC.

Type Of Material

Your leaf guard should offer as much protection as possible to your AC unit, and it’s important you get the right material. If you live in a wet climate, you’ll want a water resistant, breathable mesh material, and in a sunny climate, you’ll want a UV-resistant fabric. Some other leaf guards are made from metal and designed to keep the larger debris out.

Ultimately, the more protective the material, the more expensive it will usually be. Try and pick a material that will work all year round and think of it as an investment.

Size Of Air Conditioner

Most leaf guards are made to a universal fit and can be installed on the majority of AC units. That being said, if you have a particularly large or small AC unit, you might want a specialist leaf guard. It’s worthwhile checking the specs of your air conditioner and the leaf guard so you can get one that will easily fit on top.

Related ArticleSizing AC Units

Breathability

Different leaf guards are made of different materials, but you need to allow airflow in and out of the air conditioner. Check the leaf guard material is breathable and won’t impact the machine. Remember, the more powerful the AC unit, the more airflow you need, and you’ll need a leaf guard that allows for this.

Water Resistance

Most leaf guards won’t be waterproof but may be water-resistant. If you live in a wet area, it can be worth investing in a leaf guard that can help limit how much water will get into your AC and prevent leaves or debris from flowing into it.

Quality & Durability

Your leaf guard is an important piece of your AC unit and needs to be just as high quality as the machine itself. Always look for a durable guard which can deal with large amounts of debris as this is a better investment. Ultimately, this will give you better value for money.

Air Conditioner Leaf Guard Compared

Product
Bestalent Air Conditioner Cover for Outside...
Air Conditioner Leaf Guard Central air...
Luxiv Full Mesh Central Air Conditioner...
AC GUARD ALL SEASON LEAF-86 -AIR CONDITIONER...
CACTIYE All Seasons Open Mesh Air Conditioner...
Lanlin Ac Unit Cover - Conditioner Top Air...
Image
Bestalent Air Conditioner Cover for Outside...
Air Conditioner Leaf Guard Central air...
Luxiv Full Mesh Central Air Conditioner...
AC GUARD ALL SEASON LEAF-86 -AIR CONDITIONER...
CACTIYE All Seasons Open Mesh Air Conditioner...
Lanlin Ac Unit Cover - Conditioner Top Air...
Sizes Available
Small, Medium, Large
32×32, 36×36
27.5 x 27.5 x 31.5; 31.5 x 31.5 x 35.5
30x3x3
28×28; 32×32; 36×36
28×28; 32×32; 36×36
Material
Woven polyester mesh
Woven polyester mesh
Polymerized material braid, surrounded with nylon cloth
Polyester Mesh
Polyester Mesh
Oxford Cloth
Universal Fit
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Product
Bestalent Air Conditioner Cover for Outside...
Image
Bestalent Air Conditioner Cover for Outside...
Sizes Available
Small, Medium, Large
Material
Woven polyester mesh
Universal Fit
Yes
Price
Product
Air Conditioner Leaf Guard Central air...
Image
Air Conditioner Leaf Guard Central air...
Sizes Available
32×32, 36×36
Material
Woven polyester mesh
Universal Fit
Yes
Price
Product
Luxiv Full Mesh Central Air Conditioner...
Image
Luxiv Full Mesh Central Air Conditioner...
Sizes Available
27.5 x 27.5 x 31.5; 31.5 x 31.5 x 35.5
Material
Polymerized material braid, surrounded with nylon cloth
Universal Fit
Yes
Price
Product
AC GUARD ALL SEASON LEAF-86 -AIR CONDITIONER...
Image
AC GUARD ALL SEASON LEAF-86 -AIR CONDITIONER...
Sizes Available
30x3x3
Material
Polyester Mesh
Universal Fit
Yes
Price
Product
CACTIYE All Seasons Open Mesh Air Conditioner...
Image
CACTIYE All Seasons Open Mesh Air Conditioner...
Sizes Available
28×28; 32×32; 36×36
Material
Polyester Mesh
Universal Fit
Yes
Price
Product
Lanlin Ac Unit Cover - Conditioner Top Air...
Image
Lanlin Ac Unit Cover - Conditioner Top Air...
Sizes Available
28×28; 32×32; 36×36
Material
Oxford Cloth
Universal Fit
Yes
Price

10 Air Conditioner Leaf Guards Reviewed

1. Bestalent Air Conditioner Cover

Specification Summary
Sizes Available Small, Medium, Large
Material Woven polyester mesh
Universal Fit Yes
Cords Included Yes (4 bungee cords)

The Bestalent Air Conditioner Cover looks pretty simple, and it is, but quite a lot has gone into the design. It’s made from a breathable mesh that allows air to vent through it without issue, but it’s durable enough to keep all leaves and foliage out of the device. An affordable option, we think this is great value and can help you get the most from your AC unit.

The cover itself has a universal fit which will work on most air conditioners. It comes with 4 bungee cord connections that keep it securely fastened but allow a bit of flex as needed. Solid metal hooks are used to secure it, but they have protective covers to prevent any damage to the unit. It even has a separate winter and summer layer so that you can switch between them throughout the year.

We like that this AC cover hasn’t been overengineered, but still works well. You can get it up in minutes and leave it on all year round as it’s more wind resistant than some other models. It’s easy to clean and folds in half so it can be stored easily. Genuinely one of the most simple but effective covers that will help keep your AC running. Perfect for homeowners who don’t have a huge budget but need protection from the elements.

What We Like
  • Affordable
  • Easy storage
  • Year-round usage
What We Don’t Like
  • Awkward fit

2. LED Step Air Conditioner Leaf Guard

Specification Summary
Sizes Available 32×32, 36×36
Material Woven polyester mesh
Universal Fit Yes
Cords Included Yes (4 bungee cords)

The LED Step AC leaf guard is designed for year-round usage. It has a durable cloth cover that can be used for heavy winter debris and UV resistance to prevent your AC unit from getting too hot in the summer months.

Modern leaf guards are made to be simple, and this one is no different. There are 4 bungee hook cords with tipped hooks that hold it in place but don’t damage your AC. It will fit comfortably over all modern AC units, but you might have to mess around with it a little to get it on securely.

The best feature of this leaf guard is the water resistance. It helps you keep the electrical components dry in wet weather and works particularly well in snowy conditions. Despite offering this protection, it isn’t too heavy, and air will still be able to flow in and out of your device.

This is an affordable solution for protecting your air conditioner, and the mesh cover is surprisingly durable. So if you’re tired of having to clean out your AC unit every few weeks and want to save time and money, then this cover is a good one for you. It is well suited to wet and snowy environments, but don’t let too much debris get on the top of it can impact the efficiency of the device.

What We Like
  • Affordable
  • UV resistance
  • Breathable water resistance
What We Don’t Like
  • No full cover

3. Luxiv Full Mesh Central Air Conditioner Cover

Specification Summary
Sizes Available 27.5 x 27.5 x 31.5
31.5 x 31.5 x 35.5
Material Polymerized material braid, surrounded with nylon cloth
Universal Fit Yes
Cords Included Yes (4 bungee cords)

The Luxiv full mesh cover is designed to give complete protection to your AC, and unlike other covers, it goes all the way around the device. This oversized protective cover is great if you have a lot of leaf fall in your area and need to stop debris from getting into your machine from all angles.

Luxiv has opted to design its cover using a polymerized mesh with a nylon cloth. Basically, this means there are several layers to help protect against debris and moisture, which can negatively impact your AC. It’s very durable and can deal with a lot of leaves, but it is still breathable, so your conditioner can ventilate properly.

The Luxiv mesh central air conditioner is easy to install and lift off, and we’ve found it pretty easy to clean and maintain. It will struggle in very windy conditions, but it should serve well as all-year-round protection for your AC.

What We Like
  • Durable materials
  • Easy installation
  • Quick cleaning
What We Don’t Like
  • Struggles with high winds

4. All Season LEAF AC Guard

Specification Summary
Sizes Available 30x3x3
Material Polyester Mesh
Universal Fit Yes
Cords Included Yes, with telescopic poles to secure

The integrated LEAF AC guard is more intelligent than most leaf guards. It works with your AC and opens when your AC cycle starts. This allows it to protect your unit but also allows adequate airflow, so your AC maximizes efficiency.

Designed for year-round use, the LEAF AC Guard helps protect from rainwater that can damage your unit and from the sun, which can overheat the machine. The cover is made from polyester bubble fabric which adjusts to the load put on it, allowing it to flex and manage heavy ice and snow. The only downside is that there’s only one size for this cover, and it won’t work on very large AC units.

It fits really closely to your air conditioner using nylon wires attached to telescopic poles. This keeps it in position closely and means heavy winds do not really impact it. This is slightly more expensive than other leaf guards but is well suited for more extreme weather conditions. The fact it opens and closes with your device means your AC can operate as efficiently as possible and can help lower your energy bills. All in all, a good investment that will save you money in the long run.

What We Like
  • Opens and closes
  • Very secure fit
  • Strong materials
What We Don’t Like
  • One size

5. CACTIYE All Seasons Leaf Guard

Specification Summary
Sizes Available 28×28
32×32
36×36
Material Polyester Mesh
Universal Fit Yes
Cords Included Yes (4xbungee cords)

The Cactiye lead guard is one of the lighter mesh guards which offers an effortless way to protect your air conditioner. It can be used all year round and is easy to fit and maintain with durable, machine washable materials. It’s an affordable way to increase the longevity of your machine.

The best feature of this leaf guard is that it offers good moisture resistance. This helps to prevent bacteria and mold from developing in your AC and becoming a health hazard. It’s also a reasonably durable material for the price and will be able to keep leaves and debris out of your unit.

It comes with 4 bungee cords and secure hooks to hold it in place. These allow the leaf guard to stretch when the conditions get windy and prevent it from snapping off. It will work well against some ice and snow but doesn’t give as much UV protection as other leaf guards.

This is affordable, simple, and effective. It’s a similar design to some others on this list but provides good protection. Perfect if you don’t have to deal with too much extreme weather and have a tight budget.

What We Like
  • Affordable
  • Breathable
  • Moisture protection
What We Don’t Like
  • Flammable

6. Lanlin AC Unit Cover

Specification Summary
Sizes Available 28×28
32×32
36×36
Material Oxford Cloth
Universal Fit Yes
Cords Included Yes (4xbungee cords)

The Lanlin AC cover is a cut above many mesh covers, and you can feel the difference in quality. It’s made from Oxford cloth which is thicker and more durable than some polyester covers but still allows for adequate airflow to and from your unit.

What’s great about this AC cover is that it can handle heavy loads. Ice, hail, and snow are no issue and contain the moisture. This helps stop the AC unit from rusting or becoming damaged by excess water.

Installation is pretty straightforward, and it includes the bungee cords and hooks so you can get it on in minutes. It’s easy to clean and maintain and folds away when not in use. In addition, the cover offers protection for leaves, snow, and sunshine with a UV-resistant coating. This makes it an asset all year round.

This AC leaf guard is best suited for those who have wet, icy winters and need that extra level of protection. It is a bit more expensive, but it’s durable and longer-lasting than cheaper models, so it offers a bit more value.

What We Like
  • Premium cover
  • Heavy duty
  • Easy installation
What We Don’t Like
  • No side cover

7. MODERN WAVE Central Air Conditioner Cover

Specification Summary
Sizes Available 28×28
32×32
36×36
Material Polyester Mesh
Universal Fit Yes
Cords Included Yes (4xbungee cords)

The Modern Wave air conditioner cover actually surprised us because it’s a lot more than it appears. At first glance, it seems like a fairly thin cover, but once you get your hands on it, you can feel the heavy duty nature of the mesh. It’s designed well and provides excellent protection against leaves, debris, and electrical failure.

This AC cover is made to be oversized and fit easily over your device. The hooks and cords hold it in place well, and it should hold unless there’s a very strong wind. It’s simple enough to put up and take down, so if you do see a storm rolling in, you can just take it down to stop it from blowing away.

The best feature of this leaf guard is how well it keeps out leaves and moisture. The mesh is fine enough to keep smaller leaf particles out of the AC, and very little water can pass through. This helps prevent any internal rusting of the air conditioner or electrical faults. It also helps to stop bacteria and mold from spreading within the AC.

There is definitely more to this leaf guard than meets the eye, and it’s one of the cheapest on the list. It should last several years, and for the price, it’s a great value.

What We Like
  • Cheap
  • Durable mesh
  • Easy cleaning
What We Don’t Like
  • Not suitable for windy climates

8. Coastacloud Air Conditioner Covers

Specification Summary
Sizes Available 32×32
36×36
Material Polyester Fibre Braid Mesh
Universal Fit Yes
Cords Included Yes (drawstring and buckle)

The Coastacloud leaf guard offers full protection to your AC unit and can prevent debris from entering the device from the top and sides. It’s made from polyester fiber braid, which has been shown to effectively stop moisture going through but still allows air to pass through it. The design even helps to dissipate the heat from the AC unit more effectively, so you get more efficiency from the machine.

This cover is durable and is resistant to tearing and damage. It’s strong enough to keep pretty large amounts of debris out and is fine enough to filter out dust and other contaminants. It will be able to handle some snow and ice, but not as much as other air guards, so if you live in a cold climate, this might not be the best option for you.

It operates using a plastic buckle with a drawstring to keep it in place. It holds in place well and is relatively resistant to windy conditions. The mesh cover doesn’t block airflow and shouldn’t impact how the AC works in your home.

The Coastacloud helps you filter the air coming into your home and protect your AC. If you live in a moderate climate and live with allergy sufferers, then this is the perfect AC cover for you.

What We Like
  • Full coverage
  • Helps heat dissipation
  • Easy cleaning
What We Don’t Like
  • Not suitable for colder conditions

9. Ailelan Air Conditioner Covers

Specification Summary
Sizes Available 30x30x34
34x34x30
Material Oxford Cloth
Universal Fit Yes
Cords Included Yes (toggles)

The Ailelan air conditioner cover looks like something out of an alien ship, but it works really well. The black Oxford cloth material completely covers the AC unit and provides robust protection against the outside elements. This is a great cover for those who live in an extreme climate.

The material itself is strong enough to manage a lot of snow and ice. It uses a series of vents and pads to help direct the heat coming from the AC unit and get it away from the machine. This helps to improve the efficiency of the air conditioner and make the cover more effective. There’s also a UV-resistant coating on the cover to stop sun or excess heat from damaging the AC unit.

The Oxford cloth has very fine gaps in the mesh to prevent water from coming into the device, and it provides effective protection against rust and electrical faults. It has a more oversized square fit which works on larger AC units and can be tightened in place using toggles. We’ve found this to be very secure, and it’s resistant to windy conditions.

This is a premium cover and one of the best on the market. The design and materials make this a very effective cover, and it should last several years—a great investment that will help you get more from your AC.

What We Like
  • Great protection
  • Intelligent panels
  • Long-lasting
What We Don’t Like
  • Loose connections

10. Kylinlucky Air Conditioner Cover

Specification Summary
Sizes Available 24x24x22
24x24x30
25x25x29
26x26x32
30x30x32
30x30x36
32x32x36
34x34x30
36x36x39
Material Oxford Cloth
Universal Fit Yes
Cords Included Yes (drawstring nylon)

The Kylinlucky air conditioner is designed to provide complete protection for your AC unit before covering all vents and entry points. It uses 600D Oxford fabric which is known for its durability and is exceptionally resistant to water. This makes it a great leaf guard for wet environments.

This cover has very tiny holes in the outer layer to allow air to pass through. Cushioning is used to control the amount of moisture from the AC, but you will need to lift the cover off and properly vent it from time to time. The square fitting makes it easy to install, and it seems to hold in place really securely with the drawstring attachments.

The Kylinlucky air conditioner cover offers complete protection. It keeps leaves, dust, and small debris out, and can comfortably manage heavy loads of snow and ice. Very little moisture can get through the outer layer which prevents any damage to your AC unit.

If you live in an area with fine debris like pine needles and extreme rain or snow, then this AC unit is exactly what you need. It will help keep your machine running all year round and make it much easier to clean and maintain the device. In addition, it’s a really great value cover which could save you a lot in the long run.

What We Like
  • Complete protection
  • Secure fitting
  • Durable
What We Don’t Like
  • Excess moisture

People Also Ask (FAQ)

Can you use leaf guards when AC is running?

Yes, most AC leaf guards are designed to be breathable so that they won’t impact the running of the machine.

How long do leaf guards last?

Typically, leaf guards can last 1-2 years if properly maintained. Some premium models will last longer and can be better value.

How much do leaf guards typically cost?

A cheap leaf guard can be as little as $10, but a premium one may cost over $50.

How do you clean AC leaf guards?

Most leaf guards can be cleaned easily by lifting them off the device and wiping them down. Some are even machine washable to make it even simpler.

Conclusion

Leaf guards have an important role to play to help protect your AC unit. They keep the worst of the debris out and can make it much easier to clean. All the leaf guards on our list are of good quality and will do their job well. Hopefully, this guide has given you some useful information and helped you find a leaf guard that works well for you.

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Josh Mitchell

Josh Mitchell

My name is Josh and I am obsessed with DIY and improving my family home. HVAC topics can be tricky for homeowners so I decided to share my knowledge on the subject. When I am not working on DIY projects, you can find me at the beach or my local coffee shop.