September 8, 2016

Now that the weather is starting to cool down, it’s time to start thinking about the switch from cooling to heating your home. If you have a window air conditioning unit, it’s important to take the proper steps to clean and store it correctly during the winter. This will protect your air conditioner from the harsh winter weather, ensuring that it will be ready to go the following year when the weather begins to warm up. In this article, we’ll take a look at the four basic steps to taking care of your window AC unit through the winter.

How to Store Your Window Air Conditioner for the Winter

1. Remove AC Unit from Window

The first step is to remove your unit from the window. 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.

2. Clean the Outside of Your AC Unit

Once the unit is in its new winter home, the time has come to clean your air conditioning unit. Start with the outside. All that is required is wiping down the unit with a soft sponge or cloth. Don’t forget to also clean the windowsill from which it was removed.

3. Clean the Inside of Your AC Unit

Once the outside is clean, make sure that you also clean the inside. To ensure that your window unit is thoroughly clean, consider calling your AC professional to do the job. They will make sure that all of the inner parts are thoroughly and carefully cleaned and ready for storage. If you choose to clean it yourself, start by removing the air filter. Wash the filter in warm, soapy water and then spray the filter housing lightly with a hose. While waiting for the filter to dry, take an old toothbrush or vacuum attachment to gently scrub down the rest of the unit with a vinegar and water solution. Thoroughly cleaning your AC unit can result in its increased efficiency the following year.

4. Clean or Replace Air Filters

This is the perfect time to clean or replace the old air filters in your window AC unit. To clean the filter, use warm water and household soap to remove any dust or dirt that may be caught in the fibers of the filter.

5. Store in Upright Position and Cover Unit

Once your unit is clean inside and out, make sure that it is stored in an upright position. If a unit is stored on its side or back, the compressor can be damaged and will lead to costly repairs down the road. Next place a cover over the unit to protect it while it is stored. 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. Always make sure that you place a protective layer underneath the AC in case anything should leak during the winter months.

At this point, your AC is ready to slumber through the winter months and will be fully prepared to re-install once summer returns. To learn more about winterizing your window AC unit or to schedule your preventative maintenance services, contact our team at Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing today!

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