Abstract: A screen guard is utilized to protect fin coils of a fin-coil heat exchanger of an apparatus such as a heat pump or air conditioner. The screen guard prevents cottonwood seeds and other debris capable of forming a filter from obstructing the air flow over the fin coils. The screen guard comprises a wide mesh screen member and an adhesive attachment strip. The attachment strip may be magnetic so that it attaches directly to a ferrous housing of the apparatus. Alternatively, a VELCRO® fastener strip is fixed to the apparatus and the attachment strip is a complimentary VELCRO® strip which removably attaches to the fastener strip. The screen guard can be repeatedly removed and reattached for cleaning debris from the screen guard. A method of protecting the apparatus includes removing the screen guard for cleaning and thereafter reattaching the screen guard.