Storing An Air Conditioner For The Winter
Air conditioners that are mounted in a window during the spring and summer should be removed and stored in a safe location when the winter comes. Some people do leave air conditioners in the window during the winter. This tends to increase heating costs and can shorten the lifespan of the unit if ice damages the internal components. The unit should be carefully removed from the window during the fall before the cold weather starts. A few basic steps will ensure that the air conditioner is stored properly for the winter.
Clean The Unit
Air conditioners collect dust throughout the summer. It is important to clean the outside and inside of the unit when it is removed from the window for the winter. An air conditioning service that is called for maintenance will often do a very good job of cleaning the inside and outside of the unit. People who are cleaning the unit at home should wipe down every exterior surface. The front of the air conditioner should be removed and all visible dust should be removed from the inside. Some care should be taken to prevent damage to the compressor or other parts inside of the unit. The filter should be cleaned as well or replaced depending on the model. The unit should be reassembled once it is clean.
Do Not Invert The Air Conditioner
The air conditioner should always be kept with the correct side facing upwards. The unit should not be placed on the back or side for any length of time. This is because of the compressor. The movement of oil, pressure on connections and loose components can all cause damage to the compressor if the unit is stored in any position that causes unexpected movement of the parts. Air conditioners can be tilted temporarily when being moved. Long-term storage on the back or side could actually cause some pieces to settle permanently in a location that will make the air conditioner less effective or non-functional.
Use A Cover Or Box
It should not be stored without some type of protection.Their service might sell specialized covers for winter storage. The protection that is used for the air conditioner should be able to keep all dust, dirt and debris out of the unit. This includes stopping breezes and drafts that could carry large particles inside it. A simple way to protect an air conditioner is to wrap the unit in thick plastic and then wrap a thick blanket or comforter around that. Some tape wrapped around the whole unit will help to keep the blanket in place. A better method is to use a thermal cover or the box that originally held this equipment.
Store In A Safe Location
The storage location that is chosen for this device should be as sheltered as possible. This means choosing an area that does not receive a large amount of foot traffic. There should also be some protection from the elements. A good location would be a basement that is not overly humid and that receives some heat throughout the winter. A garage is a good location if the door remains closed for most of the winter. The location that is chosen should be far from drafts and should not experience extreme temperature changes. Severe cold could damage the compressor or coils over time.
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