When cold weather arrives, it’s time to store your window air conditioner for the winter. Properly storing your A/C unit will help prevent damage and keep it running efficiently when summer returns. Here are some tips on how to safely store your window air conditioner for the winter months.
Why You Should Store Your Window A/C
There are a few key reasons why you’ll want to store your window air conditioner during the winter:
- Prevent weather damage – Exposure to winter elements like snow, ice, and cold can damage your A/C unit. Storing it indoors protects it.
- Save energy – Keeping the A/C unit in your window during winter can let cold air leak into your home, driving up heating costs.
- Free up space – Removing the air conditioner frees up window space and gets rid of an eyesore during the winter.
- Extend lifespan – Storing the unit properly helps prevent strain on internal parts that could lead to premature failure.
So if you want your A/C to last and be ready for next summer, storing it for the winter is highly recommended.
When to Store Your A/C
The ideal time to remove and store your window air conditioner is at the end of the cooling season when you won’t need it anymore for the year. For most regions, this is around late September to mid-October. If fall temperatures linger, you may be able to push this back by a few weeks.
Some tips on WHEN to store your A/C unit:
- When daytime highs are consistently under 70°F
- When nighttime lows drop under 50°F
- When you’ve turned on your heater for the season
- Before the first frost of the season
Use your best judgment based on weather forecasts. The key is to remove it before cold weather and frost arrive but after you’ve gotten your last use from it. An early to mid-October removal works well for most northern climates.
Prepping Your Air Conditioner for Storage
To ensure your window AC survives the winter safely, some prep is required before you unmount the unit and pack it away. Here are some tips for getting your air conditioner ready for seasonal storage:
Clean the Filters
Start by sliding out the filter and giving it a good cleaning. You can vacuum the filter or wash it under warm water if it’s reusable. Let air dry completely before replacing in the unit. A clean filter prevents mold and dust buildup during months of storage.
Clear Out Debris
Use a vacuum with a narrow hose attachment to gently suction out debris, dirt, and dust that may have accumulated inside the unit or ventilation areas. Pay close attention to the exhaust and intake vents where most debris collects.
Inspect for Leaks
Check along the seal of the A/C housing for any cracks or gaps that could leak warm air into your home during winter. Resealing with caulk or weatherstripping can solve minor leaks.
Insert Support Brackets
If your air conditioner didn’t come with support brackets, pick some up and carefully insert them into the slide channels on the base. This helps prevent sagging and damage to the internal components during months of storage.
Drain Condensation
To remove moisture that may have collected, place a shallow pan under the unit tilt it toward the outside to drain condensation. If your AC has a drain plug, ensure you’ve removed it before tilting.
Removing Your Window A/C Unit
Once you’ve prepped your air conditioner for storage, it’s time to remove it from the window. Here are some tips for this process:
Unplug from Power Source
Before doing anything else, be sure to turn off and unplug your AC unit.
Remove Exterior Cover
Use a screwdriver to remove any screws securing the decorative cover to the exterior of the housing. Set aside the cover and screws for later.
Remove Mounting Brackets
From inside the house, use a screwdriver to detach the mounting brackets or side panels that keep the unit secured in the window frame. Set hardware aside.
Slide Unit Out
Carefully grab the air conditioner housing from both sides and lift up while tilting the top outward. Continue easing the unit out of the window and into your room.
Replace Window Panel
Once removed, replace the window with the original glass pane or insert a panel designed to close the window for winter.
Ask a helper to assist with lifting the unit from the window, as they can be quite heavy and awkward to maneuver. Never tilt the air conditioner too far and risk straining internal refrigerant lines.
Storing Your Air Conditioner
Once removed from the window, you’ll need to find a good storage spot for your air conditioner unit. Here are some tips for choosing a storage location:
Indoors
Always store your window AC indoors, in a temperature controlled area like a basement, garage, or storage room. Don’t leave it outside exposed to the elements.
Upright
Keep the unit upright, level, and supported underneath to prevent damage to internal components. Never lay it flat or upside down.
Off the Floor
Choose shelving or place blocks underneath to keep the air conditioner elevated off the floor. This discourages rodent nesting and damage from dampness or flooding.
Cover It Up
Use an old sheet, tarp, or plastic sheeting to completely cover and protect the unit from dust, pests, and debris. Avoid airtight materials that trap in moisture.
Climate Controlled
If possible, store in a space that maintains a moderate temperature and humidity year-round, such as 50-70°F. This prevents condensation issues.
A dry, pest-free basement or storage room works perfectly. Just avoid anywhere that gets too hot, cold, damp, or humid.
Alternative Storage Options
For those short on space, you may be wondering about alternative storage solutions besides keeping it inside your home. Here are a few options to consider:
Self-Storage Unit
Renting a climate controlled self-storage unit is convenient if you have no room at home. Look for units that maintain 50-80°F temperatures and moderate humidity. Avoid units prone to dampness or pests.
A/C Storage Bag
Special air conditioner storage bags are available that protect the unit from moisture, dust and pests. Look for heavy duty, rip-resistant materials.
Vinyl Sheet Wrap
You can create a DIY seal with heavyweight vinyl sheeting or sheets. Wrap the A/C completely and seal with duct tape. Just avoid completely airtight materials.
Give to a Friend
Ask a friend or family member with available storage space if they can keep the unit for you for the winter months.
If these options aren’t feasible, storing inside your home is still best to protect your investment.
Maintenance Tips for Stored ACs
To keep your air conditioner in working order throughout its hibernation, follow these maintenance tips while it’s stored:
Inspect Occasionally
Periodically check on the stored A/C, watching for any signs of water damage, rust, or pest intrusion. Address any issues immediately.
Plug In Indoors
If storing indoors where possible, plug in the unit occasionally for 30 minutes to circulate the lubricants and maintain parts.
Keep Parts Together
Store any dismounted hardware like support brackets and exterior covers together with the unit so they don’t get lost.
Avoid Bumping/Jarring
Be gentle when moving the stored unit, avoiding bumps and jolts that could knock parts loose inside.
Keep Batteries Removed
Leave remote control batteries uninstalled so they don’t corrode and damage the remote.
Installing Your A/C in Spring
Once the weather warms up in spring, it will be time to re-install your trusty window AC unit. Here are some tips for getting your air conditioner safely back into service each year:
Inspect Closely
Unwrap and thoroughly inspect for any signs of damage after months of storage. Test functionally if possible.
Clean and Deodorize
Wipe down the housing and vacuum dust. Use a disinfectant or deodorizing spray made for A/Cs to freshen it up.
Check Filters
Remember to install clean air filters. Replace with new ones if needed.
Re-Mount Carefully
Refer to manufacturer instructions to properly re-mount the air conditioner in your window. Replace any aging window brackets or supports.
Ensure Proper Pitch
When installed, gently pitch the unit toward the exterior to encourage proper condensation runoff.
Test Functionality
Plug in and test your window AC, setting modes and fan speeds to ensure all is working properly after its long break.
With proper seasonal care and storage, a quality window air conditioner should provide many years of reliable cooling before needing replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean my window air conditioner before storing?
Before storing, clean your A/C filters and vacuum out any debris from inside the housing. Drain out accumulated moisture by tilting the unit outside when removed. A clean, dry unit stores best.
What’s the ideal temperature to store a window air conditioner?
Ideally store your window AC in a controlled environment maintaining 50-70°F year-round. Avoid spaces that get excessively cold, hot or humid.
Where should I store my window AC unit in the winter?
It’s best to store window ACs upright indoors in a protected space like a basement, closet or storage room. Self-storage units also work if climate controlled. Don’t leave outside.
How do I keep my window AC from getting damaged while stored?
Use an AC cover, wrap in plastic sheeting, or cover loosely with a sheet or tarp to protect from dust, moisture and pests. Keep unit upright and elevated off the floor. Inspect occasionally.
Do I need to plug in my stored window AC occasionally?
It can help to plug in an indoor stored unit every month or so for 30 minutes to circulate the refrigerant and lubricate parts. Outdoor stored units should stay unpowered.
Conclusion
Storing a window air conditioner correctly over the winter is important to protect your investment and ensure years of reliable cooling. By properly removing, maintaining, and re-installing your A/C each season, you can avoid expensive repairs or replacement and keep cool even during the hottest summers. Just be sure to clean, cover, and store your unit somewhere indoors, dry, and pest-free. With the right winter care, your trusty window AC will be ready to keep you comfortable when the weather warms back up again next year.