How long can you store a window air conditioner?

If you no longer have the box, consider covering your air conditioner in a large garbage bag. This will help protect the machine while it sits in storage for the next six to eight months.

How long can an air conditioner sit without being used?

Most Air Conditioners Are Fine if They're Not Used for 3-4 Months. In general, today's durable air conditioners were built to last. Many are meant to run every day for months at a time and are expected to last for decades.

What happens if window AC is not used for long time?

Nothing to Worry About

As long as the AC receives regular seasonal maintenance and is in good working condition when it's shut down, you should have no trouble when you turn it back on.

How do you store a window air conditioner over the winter?

Keeping the unit contained will help preserve its physical appearance. Before placing it in the box, wrap a plastic bag or garbage bag around the unit to further protect it. 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.

How do you prepare a window air conditioner 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.

How to Store a Window Air Conditioner : Window Air Conditioners

Is there a wrong way to store an air conditioner?

An air conditioner should always be stored in an upright position. If you store the unit on the back or side, it can damage the compressor. This can lead to expensive repairs and maintenance issues. Storing the unit in an upright position will also allow the oil to resettle.

Can I store window AC in garage?

Window air conditioning units can often be heavier than you expect, so make sure that you recruit some strong friends or family members to help you with the removal. This will prevent injury to yourself or damage to your unit. Place your unit into a garage or shed to protect it from the elements.

Can a window air conditioner be left in winter?

We recommend you remove any air conditioner from a window location. During the winter months, heat could escape through the accordion extension panels on the A/C and the chassis; cold air could also infiltrate your home the same way. To avoid injury, move the unit with another person.

Can you leave a window air conditioner in over the winter?

Window Air Conditioner

Putting plastic over on these systems will trap moisture and lead to mold growth. Instead, you can remove the unit from the window and store it inside your home or storage space. These AC types are not for year-long use, so taking them down for the fall and winter is acceptable.

What happens if you leave your air conditioner in the winter?

If you leave your air conditioning unit on, it will kick on during an unusually warm day. As it goes through its natural cooling process, your air conditioning unit will create water. As soon as the weather turns cold again, that water will freeze right up.

Is it safe to use an old window air conditioner?

Not only will an old air conditioner work with less efficiency, there are significant health risks posed by running an old AC unit. Rain and hot temperatures make these air conditioning systems breeding grounds for bacteria. Old units tend to build up bacteria, fungi, and pollen over time.

What happens if an air conditioner is not used for 5 years?

However, when not used for an extended period, the ac unit may freeze up, rust, lose efficiency, and break down. And there are even cases of fire breaking out as well. However, a few things you should check before turning on your AC after a long period of disuse.

What would happen if an air conditioner were operated for a long period of time without air filters?

The extra dirt and debris that pass into the AC system due to the lack of an air filter can make its way into the condensation drain (where it isn't supposed to be) and clog the drain. As the drain becomes more and more clogged, condensation will instead accumulate on the Freon tubing and cause water damage.

What temperature can damage an air conditioner?

Some HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) manufacturers recommend users refrain from turning on their AC when the outdoor temperature is lower than 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Running it when it's cold can damage the machine. If this happens, you may encounter more problems once the weather gets hotter.

How do you use AC after a long time?

Let it blow for 10 minutes so that the unit can get rid of any dust in the system. At the end of the season when you're about to switch your AC off again for the winter months, make sure to run it on fan-only for 60 minutes. This will help clear out the system before leaving it undisturbed for the next several months.

What do you do with a window unit in the winter?

If you plan to keep your window unit in place, wrap the inside of the unit with a padded cover to reduce draft and insulate the area around it. Another option: Cover the entire window in plastic sheeting.

Should I put a tarp over my air conditioner?

When you wrap/cover an air conditioner, you run the risk of your air conditioner rusting and your coils corroding. Because moisture and condensation can become trapped within the unit when it is covered, a tarped A/C often causes more harm than good. For these reasons, we do not recommend covering an air conditioner.

Should you cover an air conditioning unit in the 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 a window AC be stored upright?

Store air conditioners in their upright position. Storing an air conditioner on its side or back can damage the compressor.

Do air conditioners have a shelf life?

Modern air conditioners can last between 15-20 years, and older air conditioners last around 10-12 years. The health and efficiency of your A/C depends on a number of factors, including whether or not you properly maintained the unit throughout its lifetime.

Is no air filter better than a dirty one?

Running your air conditioner without a filter is worse than running it with a dirty one. Instead, get to the store as soon as possible for a replacement or call an HVAC professional for replacement. Without a filter, your air conditioner is at risk for severe and expensive problems.

Can I run my window AC without a filter?

The short answer: You can get away with running your AC without a filter for a short amount of time without hurting your system. That being said, running your AC without a filter for longer than 6-8 hours can cause serious damage to your AC system and significantly lower the quality of the air in your home.

Will AC stop working if filter is dirty?

Many people wonder, “Can a dirty air filter cause my AC not to cool?” The simple answer is yes – a dirty filter can create several problems that can hinder your unit's effectiveness. Not to mention, a dirty filter can also lead to premature failure of your system.

Is a 10 year old AC old?

According to Energy Star, you should consider replacing your air conditioner if it is more than 10 years old, and you should seriously consider replacing the air conditioner if it's more than 15 years old—as this is the average lifespan of most cooling devices.

Is a 10 year old AC good?

Typically, the Department of Energy says most air conditioners work for 10–20 years. If yours is 10 years old, it's well past the center point. It's smart to start preparing for air conditioning installation before it goes out so you aren't roasting while you're waiting for a new one.