Find out how to take away and retailer your window air conditioner

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As temperatures drop this fall, you could use your window air conditioner much less incessantly. In actual fact, you could take into account taking it out for the season and reclaiming your view.

However, is it essential to take away a window AC within the winter? We dive into eradicating, cleansing, and storing your window AC when summer time’s over.

Do I have to take away my window air conditioner within the winter?

We advocate eradicating your window AC earlier than the primary frost of the yr to guard it from the weather. 

We recommend you cease utilizing your window AC for cooling as soon as the outside temperature reaches 62℉. Most window ACs can’t function in temperatures under 62℉.

You probably have a window unit that cools and heats, you’ll be able to proceed to make use of it within the winter. Nevertheless, verify the specs to your explicit system. Some could not function in below-freezing temperatures.

If eradicating your window AC is impractical, we advise you’re taking weather-proofing measures to guard it from the winter climate. You must also insulate across the unit to maintain the chilly air out. (Directions right here.)

Find out how to take away your window air conditioner

1. Ask a pal that can assist you – window ACs will be 80+ lbs.

2. Place a towel on the ground in entrance of the window. Water could drip from the condensation pan.

3. Unplug the air conditioner.

4. Take away any insulation or different materials used to fill gaps across the unit.

5. Unscrew the unit from the window (if relevant).

6. Elevate the window and start to tip the unit ahead, shimmying it out of the window.

7. As soon as the AC is out of the window, relaxation it upright on the ground.

8. Clear it and retailer it for the season. 

Find out how to clear your window air conditioner

1. Brush off mud, filth, and particles like spiderwebs outdoors the AC.

2. Take away the filter. If it’s disposable, throw it away and substitute it. If it’s reusable, wash it.

3. Wash a reusable filter by working it beneath the tap and calmly scrubbing it with a cleansing brush. Let it air dry. 

4. Unscrew the metallic cowl behind the entrance physique grill of the unit.

5. Affix a brush attachment to your vacuum. Gently vacuum the within and out of doors, together with the inside coils. When you don’t have a brush attachment, use a humid fabric. 

6. When all elements are clear and dry, screw the quilt again on.

Use further precautions if you must clear mildew out of your window AC. 

Find out how to retailer your window AC for winter

As soon as your window AC is clear, pack it away right into a field. Ideally, you’ve saved the field and foam padding it got here in. If not, use an appropriately sized field. Safe your AC inside with previous towels or packing materials. 

Most of us don’t have room to retailer an air conditioner field inside our properties. When you do, superior! Discover a secure place for it, and don’t pile heavy gadgets on high. If not, retailer it in your storage, basement, or coated shed until the climate heats up once more.

Ensure that your AC stays upright whereas it’s in storage.

Winterizing your window air conditioner

When you can’t take away your window AC, do what you’ll be able to to organize it for the winter.

We advocate shielding your AC in a canopy like this one. If that doesn’t give you the results you want, buy plastic sheeting and duct tape to wrap the outside portion of the unit. 

Inside, cowl your AC and window to make sure chilly air isn’t sneaking in by any gaps. Think about using weatherstripping or different insulating materials. 

Unplug the system and don’t use it when it’s coated.

Will rain injury a window air conditioner?

Rain is not going to injury your window AC. You’ll be able to proceed to function it in moist climate. Nevertheless, you could take into account eradicating it throughout hurricanes or different highly effective storms. 

Will snow injury a window air conditioner?

Snow could injury your window AC. If it’s allowed to construct up, snow can turn into heavy. This may occasionally trigger elements to bend and warp.

Snow can even freeze the unit, inflicting cracks to the exterior casing and interior elements just like the condenser coils.

We don’t advocate working your window AC in snowy circumstances – until its producer designed it to warmth in temperatures under freezing. Examine your person’s handbook for specifics.

When you’re out there for a brand new window AC, take a look at our high picks for the very best window air conditioners of the yr.