How do I store my air conditioner for the winter?

Store in Upright Position and Cover Unit
If you're unable to completely remove your window AC unit, covering the unit will help prevent damage from weather elements. You can buy a winterizing cover from any home improvement store, or you can use a clean trash bag or even the original box.


Can a window air conditioner be stored in an unheated garage?

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.

How do I prepare my AC for storage?

Clean the condenser coils and water pan.

Don't use a pressure washer, as the high pressure may bend the condenser coils' delicate fins. Use warm water, dish detergent or white vinegar to remove dust, lint and dirt from the condensation pan at the base of the unit. Make sure the pan is thoroughly dry before storing.


Can I store air conditioner outside winter?

The unit should be stored indoors, and ideally in an attic or basement. Don't store a unit outside, as that further subjects it to the elements. It needs to be kept in a dry environment, and preferably a warm one as well.

What do I do with my air conditioner in the winter?

Winter Air Conditioner Maintenance Steps
  • Turn off the power to your A/C unit. The exterior power circuit is in a small box mounted to the side of your home. ...
  • Clean the A/C unit. ...
  • Inspect the A/C unit. ...
  • Cover the A/C unit. ...
  • Add extra insulation. ...
  • Check the air conditioner once a week.


How to Store a Window Air Conditioner in the Winter : Air Conditioning



Do you need to winterize an air conditioner?

Throughout the winter – water, snow, and debris can gather around your AC unit and can clog, rust, and deteriorate mechanical parts of AC from inside. Moreover, critters can make a nest inside the AC unit. To keep them protected from inclement elements, it's necessary to winterize your AC unit every year.

Should you cover air conditioner compressor in winter?

CONCLUSION. Covering your air conditioner, especially with a full-length cover, leads to issues of mold, rust, and other problems. Your unit is made to withstand the snow and a cover is not needed for protection. It is recommended to only cover your AC during the fall months.

Can you store air conditioners below freezing?

Storing Your Portable Air Conditioner

Avoid any areas where temperatures might drop below freezing. Any residual water inside the air conditioner might freeze and cause damage.


What should not be stored in unheated garage?

Let's examine some of the items that are never recommended to be stored in a garage, no matter how convenient.
  • Propane Tanks. ...
  • Clothing and Bedding. ...
  • Paper Products. ...
  • Fresh Food. ...
  • Temperature-Sensitive Items. ...
  • Canned Food. ...
  • Refrigerator. ...
  • Vinyl Records & 8mm Film.


Should you keep a freezer in an unheated garage?

Changes in temperature in an unheated garage can be hard on these appliances. "You need to make sure that the unit is not exposed to temperatures above 110° F or below 0° F, because that may damage the freezer," says Larry Ciufo, who oversees the ratings for Consumer Reports' freezer tests.

Can you keep a refrigerator in an unheated garage in the winter?

If the garage space is uninsulated or too cold, the freezing temperatures will trick the freezer into thinking it has reached the desired level of refrigeration and it may fail to turn on, which could result in damage to the unit and food spoilage.


Will pipes freeze in unheated garage?

The pipes most at risk are those in unheated interior spaces such as basements, attics, and garages. But even pipes running through cabinets or exterior walls can freeze.

How do I winterize my AC compressor?

How to Winterize Your Central AC
  1. Clean the Outdoor Unit. To clean your outside compressor or condenser unit, manually remove all debris such as grass clippings and leaves. ...
  2. Shut Off the Power. ...
  3. Empty Condensate Pan. ...
  4. Insulate Pipes. ...
  5. Cover the AC Unit. ...
  6. Monitor the Outdoor Unit During the Winter. ...
  7. Schedule Annual AC Maintenance.


How do I winterize my air compressor?

6 Ways to Winterize Your Air Compressors
  1. Check the receiver tanks for moisture. Remember to place the task of emptying the receiver tanks on your winter preparation checklist. ...
  2. Keep up with maintenance. ...
  3. Adjust the louvres. ...
  4. Set up some heaters. ...
  5. Apply heat trace tape. ...
  6. Assess your weather stripping.


How do you store an air compressor when not in use?

Keep the area dry and out of direct sunlight. Your storage area should be kept at an ambient temperature of around 59 degrees Fahrenheit, and if you are storing a battery, ensure it is never stored in freezing temperatures or in conditions where temperatures exceed 100 degrees.

How do you winterize an outdoor central air unit?

Make sure you turn off power to your central air conditioner unit during the months you are using your heater. If you have a dedicated circuit, you can shut off power from your circuit breaker. If not, look for a small disconnect box/panel near you're outdoor AC unit and make sure it's in the “off” position.

At what temperature do pipes burst?

This finding was supported by a survey of 71 plumbers practicing in southern states, in which the consensus was that burst pipe problems began to appear when temperatures fell into the teens. However, freezing incidents can occur when the temperature remains above 20 degrees Fahrenheit.


Will turning off water prevent pipes from freezing?

DURING freezing weather:

If you plan to be away from home for several days, shutting off the water can reduce the chances of broken pipes. Set your home heat to at least 55 degrees. Shut off water to the house and open all faucets to drain pipes; flush the toilet once to drain the tank, but not the bowl.

How cold does it have to be inside for pipes to freeze?

We all know that freezing begins at 32° F or 0° C, but at what point do pipes freeze within our own homes? Temperatures only need to drop to about 20° F for a few hours to put exposed pipes at risk. So, your best bet is to insulate your exposed pipes to keep that temperature well above the freezing point.

Should I unplug my garage freezer in the winter?

Should You Unplug a Garage Fridge for the Winter? If you don't have any food in the fridge, unplugging it during icy weather will save you the trouble of heating the thermostat. However, if you still want to use your fridge for food storage, it's best to leave it plugged in.


Should you unplug outdoor refrigerator in winter?

Can My Appliances Be Left Outside In The Cold? No, appliances left outside in extreme cold temperatures (below freezing) can create serious problems such as cracking pipes, water pumps, valves and drain lines.

How do you winterize a refrigerator?

7 steps to winterize your refrigerator
  1. Water supply. Turn off the water supply to your home.
  2. Turn Icemaker OFF. Turn all temperature settings and ice maker to the “OFF” setting.
  3. Clean the refrigerator. ...
  4. Remove remaining water. ...
  5. Disconnect power Cord. ...
  6. Disconnect water line. ...
  7. Pull unit away from the wall. ...
  8. Unplug Unit.


What kind of freezer is best for garage?

If you're searching for a space-friendly freezer solution for your garage, upright freezers are your best option. These models look and work like a refrigerator and even come in similar finishes for those who care about design.


What is the difference between a garage ready freezer and a regular freezer?

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GARAGE READY FREEZER AND A REGULAR FREEZER? A regular freezer is designed to work within a small temperature range in a controlled environment, like a house. Garage ready freezers can handle a larger fluctuation in temperatures with the range of 0-110°F.

Can you store an unplugged fridge in an unheated garage?

Because garages aren't insulated, you should only store a refrigerator in one if you live in an area with moderate temperatures. Cold weather may cause your fridge not to work at all, meaning your freezer section can thaw out.