Winter TLC: How to Properly Store and Care for Window A/C Units

Who needs the air conditioner once the temperature drops below freezing? The answer is no one. However, it is important that homeowners take the appropriate steps when properly storing and taking care of their window-bound air conditioning units. This will help with the unit’s longevity and functionality by staying clear of dirt and debris. A huge bonus effect is that your home will be less drafty during the harsh winter weather . Here are a few of Warner Service’s favorite tips on how to store and care for your removable air conditioning unit:

Turn off or unplug your air conditioning unit as soon as the outside temperature drops below 60 degrees. Not doing so could result in poor future performance by your air conditioning unit.
Store away the front cover and/or foam padding from your A/C unit, so you can save money and use it next year.
Ask for help when lifting the air conditioning unit from your home’s window. Be sure to wear gripped gloves and close-toed shoes and place an old towel on the ground (just in case the water pan has excess fluid). This will help with the A/C unit’s chances of staying in one piece during the storage process.

Tip : If you want to keep it in the window, purchase a winterizing cover for protection and safety from weather, insects, dirt and debris. Before you buy a high quality cover, take your A/C unit’s measurements.

Clean your air conditioner’s parts before you pack it up. Use a soft cloth and lukewarm soapy water to clean the exterior, the filter and other mechanisms. When you are done cleaning, let the unit air dry. (Get it? Because it’s an air )
Avoid putting your A/C unit in the garage or a backyard shed as critters might make it a home during the winter, and mice and other rodents tend to chew on the wires and insulation. Instead, place it in your home’s basement, attic or utility room.
Each air conditioning unit is different, so do not skip out on the extra advice. Read the owner’s manual for care, troubleshooting, de-installation and storage instructions.
Repair your unit’s components and replace the air filter before packing it away. This will save you time and stress when you have to reinstall it next year.
Unscrew the base of the windowsill that the unit was placed in, and install the storm window for better insulation . You should also replace the glass windowpane when you are finished. This will help keep the A/C window intact over the course of the winter.

It is wise to store away your window air conditioning unit to avoid drafts and increased energy consumption. Though this end-of-warm-weather ritual can be depressing as it’s a sign for the colder nights to come, it is better to be safe than sorry – and you will save a lot of money and time.

Begin by asking a friend or a professional to move the unit from the designated window. Next, you should thoroughly clean every part of the appliance, repair any damages and replace the air filter. (The last tip should be done every month for the best results.) When you are finished, safely store the unit in your attic, basement or utility room and get started on preparing the window frame for the winter.

If you choose to keep the air conditioning unit in the frame for the winter, make sure it is turned off or unplugged, and you have purchase the properly sized winterizing cover. If you need any assistance, contact Warner Service today.

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Winter TLC: How to Properly Store and Care for Window A/C Units