Knowing how to properly store a window air conditioner for winter is key to making it last longer and run well next summer. This guide helps you do just that. We will walk through every step, from taking the unit out of the window to finding the best place to keep it safe and sound until warmer days return. Properly preparing your AC unit for the cold means you protect your investment. It also ensures it works right when you need it again. It’s all about getting your AC ready for the off-season. This is often called winterizing your air conditioner unit. Taking these steps now saves you trouble and money later.
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Why Good Winter Storage Matters
Putting your window AC away for the winter is more than just getting it out of the way. It protects the unit from harsh weather. Snow, ice, and cold air can damage the inside parts. Water can freeze and break things. Cold weather can also make plastic parts brittle.
Storing the unit inside keeps it safe. Leaving it in the window, even covered, is not the best idea. Wind can blow rain and snow into small gaps. Pests can also find their way in. Proper storage prevents rust, keeps parts clean, and stops pests from making a home inside. This work now means the AC is ready to go when summer arrives. It helps prevent problems and can even make the unit last longer.
Getting Your AC Ready for Removal
Before you take the AC out of the window, you need to do a few things. This makes the job easier and safer.
Safety First: Unplugging Your Unit
This is the most important first step. Always unplug the air conditioner before you touch it. Find the power cord. Pull the plug straight out of the wall outlet. Make sure it is completely disconnected. This prevents electric shock. Electrical work can be dangerous. Always turn off the power before working on any appliance.
Gathering Your Tools
You will need some basic tools to take the AC out and clean it. Get these ready beforehand.
Here is a list of tools you might need:
- Screwdriver (Phillips head is common)
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- A helper (AC units can be heavy!)
- Drop cloth or old towels
- Bucket or tray
- Soft brushes
- Rag or sponge
- Mild cleaning spray or soap
- Vacuum cleaner (with brush attachment)
- Plastic sheeting or a tarp
- Packaging tape
- AC unit winter storage cover (or materials to make one)
Having everything ready saves time. It also makes the process smoother. Safety glasses protect your eyes from dust or debris. Gloves protect your hands.
Removing the Window AC Unit
Taking the unit out of the window can be tricky. They are often heavy and awkward to handle. Plan how you will do this safely.
Working Safely: Ask for Help
Most window AC units are heavy. Do not try to lift a large unit by yourself. Ask a friend or family member to help you. Lifting heavy things the wrong way can cause back injuries. Make sure you both have a good grip before you start lifting. Talk about how you will lift and move the unit together.
Detaching from the Window Frame
Window AC units are held in place by screws and support brackets. These must be removed.
Look for screws that hold the unit to the window frame. There are often screws on the side or top. There might also be screws holding the support brackets outside. Remove these screws carefully. Keep the screws in a small bag or container so you don’t lose them. You will need them again next year.
Some units have side panels that expand to fill the window gap. These panels might be screwed or slide into place. Figure out how to remove or fold these in.
Taking Out the Unit
Once the screws and supports are loose, the unit can be removed. Make sure you and your helper are ready. Stand on each side of the unit if possible. Lift the unit straight up or slightly tilt it to clear the bottom lip of the window frame.
Be careful as you lift it into the room. The unit might still have some water inside. Try to keep it level. Carry it to a place where you can work on it, like on a drop cloth or old towels.
The Essential Step: Cleaning Your AC Unit
Cleaning your window AC before storing is very important. Dirt, dust, and mold can build up over summer. Leaving them there can damage the unit and cause bad smells later.
Why Clean Before Storing?
Cleaning removes debris. It prevents mold and mildew growth. It also helps prevent rust on air conditioner parts. A clean unit works better and lasts longer. It also means healthier air when you use it again. Think of it like giving your AC a bath before putting it to bed for winter.
Cleaning the Filter
Start with the air filter. This is the easiest part to clean. The filter traps dust and dirt from the air.
Most window ACs have a filter that slides out easily from the front. Check your owner’s manual if you don’t know where it is.
- Washable filters: Wash these with warm, soapy water. Rinse well. Let it dry completely.
- Disposable filters: Throw the old one away. You can put a new one in before storing, or wait until next year. It’s often best to put a new one in just before use.
Make sure the filter is completely dry before putting it back or storing it separately.
Cleaning Coils and Fins
The coils (cooling fins) are located behind the filter and on the back of the unit. These can get very dirty.
- Indoor Coil: Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently remove dust and debris from the fins behind where the filter sits. You can also use a soft brush. You can buy special AC coil cleaner spray. Follow the product instructions. Spray it on the coil. It often foams up and cleans the dirt.
- Outdoor Coil: The coil on the back of the unit faces outside. This gets dirtier from outdoor air, bugs, and plants. Use the vacuum brush first. Then, you can gently spray water through the fins from the inside out to push dirt away. Be careful not to get water on the electrical parts. You can also use coil cleaner here.
The fins are thin metal pieces. They can bend very easily. Be very gentle when cleaning them. Bent fins block airflow and make the unit work harder. You can buy a fin comb tool to straighten bent fins, but it’s better to avoid bending them in the first place.
Cleaning the Outer Casing
Wipe down the outside of the unit. Use a damp rag with a little mild soap. Clean the front grill and the sides. This removes surface dirt and grime. Rinse the rag often.
Allowing Everything to Dry
After cleaning, let the entire unit air dry completely. This is very important. Moisture left inside can lead to mold, mildew, and rust. Let it sit for at least 24 hours, or longer if needed. Make sure air can get to all parts. You can even use a fan to help speed up drying.
Dealing with Water: Draining the Unit
Window air conditioners collect water as they cool the air. This water usually drains outside. However, some water might stay in the base pan. It is important to drain window AC unit before storing.
Why Drain?
Water left inside can freeze during winter. Freezing water expands. This can crack the base pan or damage other parts. Standing water can also lead to mold growth. Draining prevents these problems. It helps prevent rust on air conditioner parts as well.
How to Drain
Most units have a drain plug or weep holes in the base pan. Check your manual to find yours.
- Tilt the unit towards the back (the side that faced outside). Do this over a bucket or tray to catch the water.
- Find the drain plug if there is one. Remove it.
- Let all the water drain out.
- Some units don’t have a plug. Just tilting it might be enough to get most water out through the weep holes.
- After draining, leave it tilted for a while to let any remaining drops run out.
Once drained, set the unit level again. Let it finish drying completely before moving it to storage.
Protection from the Elements: Covering Your AC
Once the unit is clean and dry, covering it provides another layer of protection. This is especially true if storing air conditioner in garage or a basement where dust or dampness might be an issue. You need to cover window air conditioner for off-season.
Why Use a Cover?
A cover protects the unit from dust, dirt, and moisture during storage. It also helps protect against pests. A good cover keeps the unit clean so it’s ready to go next spring. Using an AC unit winter storage cover is a simple step that makes a big difference.
Choosing the Right Cover
You can buy covers made specifically for window AC units. Look for one that fits your unit’s size. A good cover is often made of heavy-duty vinyl or thick fabric. It should be breathable to prevent moisture buildup underneath. It should also be durable to last through the winter.
If you don’t have a special cover, you can make one. Use heavy-duty plastic sheeting or a tarp. Wrap the unit completely. Use strong packaging tape to seal it well. Make sure there are no open gaps. This homemade cover will protect the unit from dust and moisture.
How to Cover
Place the unit on a flat surface. Slide the cover over the unit from top to bottom. If using plastic sheeting, wrap it tightly around the unit. Use tape to secure the edges and seams. Make sure the bottom is also covered and sealed as much as possible. The goal is to create a protective barrier.
Picking the Best Storage Spot
The location where you store your AC unit matters greatly. You want a place that is safe, dry, and protected. This helps prevent damage over the cold months. This is about finding the best storage location for window AC.
Where to Store?
The ideal place to store AC unit indoors is a climate-controlled space. This means a place where the temperature doesn’t get too cold or too hot and stays fairly dry.
Good options include:
- A heated basement
- A heated garage
- An indoor storage unit
- A closet or spare room inside your home
Storing the unit inside your home is usually the best option. The environment is controlled. It is less likely to have temperature swings, high humidity, or pests.
Garage Storage – Is it Okay?
Storing air conditioner in garage is common for many people. However, garages can be tricky.
- Attached Garages: These are often better than detached garages because they share a wall with the house and are usually warmer. Still, temperatures can drop low.
- Detached Garages: These are not usually heated. Temperatures inside can get just as cold as outside. This is not ideal. Cold can damage parts, and moisture is more likely to be an issue.
If you must store your AC in a garage:
- Make sure it is clean and dry before storing.
- Use a good quality, sealed cover.
- Place the unit off the concrete floor. Use pallets or blocks. Concrete can hold moisture.
- Try to store it where it won’t be hit or damaged.
An unheated garage is not the best choice, but with careful preparation, it might be acceptable if no better option exists.
Basement, Attic, or Closet?
- Basement: Often a good choice if it’s dry and not prone to flooding. Heated basements are best. Check for humidity levels. A damp basement is not good for AC storage.
- Attic: Attics can get very hot in summer and very cold in winter. Temperatures swing a lot. This is generally not a good place to store electronics or appliances like an AC unit. Extreme temperatures can damage components.
- Closet or Spare Room: This is usually the best option. It’s climate-controlled, dry, and safe from pests and major temperature changes.
Choose a spot where the unit will be safe from physical damage. Don’t store heavy items on top of it. Place it where it won’t be bumped or kicked.
Keeping Pests Away
Mice, insects, and other pests look for warm, sheltered places to hide during winter. An AC unit is a perfect spot for them. They can build nests, chew wires, and cause damage. Protecting your unit from pests is part of winterizing your air conditioner unit.
Why Pests Love ACs
AC units offer shelter from the cold and weather. They have nooks and crannies perfect for nesting. Pests can chew on wiring insulation, which can be dangerous and expensive to fix.
How to Protect Your Unit
Several steps can help protect window AC from pests:
- Clean Thoroughly: Pests are attracted to dirt and smells. A clean unit is less inviting.
- Seal All Openings: Once the unit is covered, make sure the cover is sealed tightly. If using a homemade plastic cover, use tape to close all seams. If the unit itself has any large openings (like the vent), you could temporarily tape some fine mesh or cloth over it after cleaning and drying, but before covering the whole unit. Be sure to remove this before use next year.
- Use Repellents: You can use pest repellents around the storage area. Mint is a natural repellent for mice. Place cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil near the unit (but not touching it). You can also use dryer sheets. Mothballs are effective but have a strong smell. Be careful using poisons if you have pets.
- Elevate the Unit: Storing the unit off the floor on a shelf, pallet, or blocks makes it harder for crawling pests to get to.
Check the storage area regularly if possible. Look for signs of pest activity.
Fighting Rust and Corrosion
Rust and corrosion can seriously damage an air conditioner. They weaken metal parts and can stop the unit from working. Preventing rust on air conditioner parts is crucial for long-term storage.
Why Rust Happens
Rust forms when iron or steel is exposed to moisture and oxygen. Parts of your AC unit, especially the metal casing and fins, are susceptible. High humidity in the storage area is a major cause. Water left inside the unit is another.
Steps to Prevent Rust
You can take several steps to keep rust away:
- Ensure Unit is Bone Dry: This is the most important step. Make sure the unit is completely dry after cleaning and draining before you cover and store it. Any trapped moisture will cause problems.
- Choose a Dry Storage Location: Avoid damp basements or unheated garages where humidity is high. A climate-controlled indoor space is best because humidity is managed.
- Use a Breathable Cover: While you want to protect from dust, a cover that traps moisture is bad. Some covers are designed to be water-resistant but allow some air circulation. If using plastic, make sure the unit was completely dry first and sealed well to prevent outside humidity from getting in.
- Consider Desiccants: You can place moisture absorbers (like silica gel packets) inside the covered unit. These soak up any moisture in the air around the unit. You can find these at hardware stores or online.
- Apply a Protective Spray (Optional): For exposed metal parts, you could use a light, non-corrosive lubricant spray designed for metal. Be careful not to spray on electrical parts or coils. This creates a barrier against moisture. Check your manual or manufacturer’s website first to see if they recommend this.
- Elevate the Unit: Storing the unit off the floor helps prevent moisture from concrete floors from affecting the unit.
By keeping the unit dry and storing it in a dry place, you greatly reduce the risk of rust.
Final Checks Before Packing Away
Before you seal up your AC for its long winter nap, do a quick final review. This ensures you haven’t missed anything important when winterizing your air conditioner unit.
- Is it Clean? Look inside and out. Is it free of dust, dirt, leaves, and bugs?
- Is it Dry? Feel the coils and the base pan. Does it seem completely dry? Tilt it again slightly just to be sure no more water comes out.
- Is it Protected from Pests? Are all openings sealed? Have you thought about repellents if needed?
- Is it Protected from Rust? Is the storage location dry? Is the unit elevated?
- Are all Parts Accounted For? Did you remove the filter? Put it back or store it with the unit. Did you save the window mounting hardware (screws, brackets, side panels)? Keep them together, maybe taped to the unit or in a bag labeled “AC parts.”
- Is it Covered Properly? Is the cover secure and protecting the whole unit?
Taking these few extra minutes can prevent headaches later.
Summary of Steps for Winter AC Storage
Here is a quick list of the key actions to store your window air conditioner:
- Unplug the unit safely.
- Gather needed tools and supplies.
- Get Help to remove the heavy unit from the window carefully.
- Remove window brackets and side panels, save hardware.
- Clean the filter, coils, fins, and casing thoroughly (clean window AC before storing).
- Drain any water from the base pan (drain window AC unit).
- Dry the unit completely for at least 24 hours.
- Cover the unit with a proper AC unit winter storage cover or plastic sheeting (cover window air conditioner for off-season).
- Choose a dry, safe storage location (best storage location for window AC).
- Store AC unit indoors in a climate-controlled area if possible (like a heated basement or closet). Avoid unheated attics or damp places. Storing air conditioner in garage is possible but requires extra care if unheated.
- Protect the unit from pests using sealing and repellents (protect window AC from pests).
- Prevent rust by ensuring the unit and storage area are dry (prevent rust on air conditioner).
- Elevate the unit off concrete floors.
- Keep all hardware with the unit.
Following these steps helps you winterize air conditioner unit correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just leave my window AC in the window all winter?
While some people do this, it is generally not recommended, especially in areas with harsh winters. Leaving the unit in the window exposes it to snow, ice, wind, and freezing temperatures. This can cause damage to the unit itself and might also create drafts or leaks into your home. It’s better to remove and store AC unit indoors if possible.
How do I drain water from a window AC unit if it doesn’t have a plug?
Most window AC units have small weep holes in the base pan. You can drain water by simply tilting the unit towards the back (the side that faces outside) over a bucket. Water should run out through these holes. You may need to tilt it quite a bit.
What kind of cover should I use if I can’t buy a special AC cover?
Heavy-duty plastic sheeting or a durable tarp works well. Make sure it is thick enough not to tear easily. Wrap the unit completely and seal all seams and edges tightly with strong packaging tape. This protects it from dust and moisture.
Is storing air conditioner in garage okay?
It can be, but an unheated garage is not the ideal best storage location for window AC. Garages can have big temperature swings and humidity issues. If you must store it in a garage, make sure the unit is perfectly dry, cover it well, elevate it off the floor, and protect it from pests. A heated garage or indoor space is always better.
How do I protect window AC from pests?
Clean the unit thoroughly before storing. Cover it completely and seal the cover well. Elevate the unit off the floor. You can also use pest repellents like cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil near the unit, but be careful with poisons if you have pets.
How can I prevent rust on air conditioner parts?
The main way is to ensure the unit is completely dry before storage and that the storage location is also dry. Avoid damp basements or humid garages. Using a moisture-absorbing product inside the cover can also help. Storing it inside your home in a climate-controlled area is the best prevention.
Do I need to clean my AC before storing it?
Yes, cleaning your window AC before storing is a very important step. It removes dirt, dust, and mold that can cause problems over the winter. A clean unit is less likely to attract pests and helps prevent bad smells when you use it next year.
What does winterize air conditioner unit mean for a window AC?
Winterizing a window air conditioner unit means preparing it for the cold off-season. This includes removing it from the window, cleaning it, draining any water, covering it, and storing it in a safe, dry place to protect it from cold, moisture, pests, and rust.
Conclusion
Taking the time to properly store your window air conditioner for winter pays off. By removing it from the window, cleaning it well, draining out water, covering it, and choosing the right storage location, you protect your unit from damage. You prevent problems like rust, pest infestations, and broken parts. This ensures your AC is clean, safe, and ready to keep you cool for many summers to come. It’s a simple process that saves you time, money, and hassle in the long run. Make winterizing your air conditioner unit a regular part of your home maintenance.