How to store your air conditioner for the winter

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It’s officially fall, and as the warm air starts to cool, a number of things get added to your to-do list. It’s time to swap out those sandals for sneakers, pull out your sweaters and cardigans, and finally take out your window air conditioning unit to store it until next summer. If that last one isn’t on your list, it should be. 

Josh Mitchell, an HVAC technician and owner of the Air Conditioner Lab, says leaving your air conditioner installed through winter can shorten its lifespan. Or maybe you think storing your A.C. simply means pulling it out and sticking it in a closet — also not a great idea. Following certain steps to clean and store it will ensure it is in top working order the next time you pull it out to use it, adds Mitchell. 

To help you uninstall your air conditioner, clean it and store it properly, we asked HVAC experts for their top tips. See what they had to say below.

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When you store your air conditioner comes down to personal preference. Hot sleepers may want to hold on to their A.C. a bit longer, while those who tend to get cold while snoozing may be fine uninstalling it a little earlier. “The general rule is that when the outdoor temperature continuously falls below 60°F, you know it is time to turn off your air conditioner,” says Ben Green, an associate at The Chill Brothers, an HVAC service company in Texas. “You probably will not need the air conditioning once it gets that cool, and keeping it on could allow chilly drafts to enter your house. Furthermore, you should not wait for frost to appear as this could harm the unit.” 

Clunky, heavy and big — window air conditioners can be a bit cumbersome to remove. After unplugging it, following these simple steps from Green can make the job a bit easier: 

• Remove any seals or weather stripping that you applied to keep it snug in the window. If you don’t remove these things, you may find your unit sticks when you try to pull it out.
• Any brackets holding it in place should also be unscrewed or unclipped.
• When you are ready to remove it, tilt it slightly inward to help stop any residual water from splattering inside your home.
• When you carefully remove the unit from the window, make sure it does not strike the frame or sill.
• Set it on a towel on your floor to soak up any additional water that may leak out.

Once your air conditioner is removed from your window, the next step is to clean it before putting it away. There are a few reasons this is a key step. “Dust and debris left on your air conditioner can reduce its efficiency when you go to restart it in the summer,” says Green. “Plus, if you put your A.C. away with water in it, mold could grow and nobody wants to inhale that when you turn it back on.” 

The good news: Cleaning your air conditioner before tucking it away is relatively easy. “Simply wipe down the outside of it well and remember to clean or change the air filter,” says Green. “To do this, you can vacuum or clean the coils lightly if you see dirt on them.” You can also use a mild, soapy solution (just mix a bit of soap and water) to clean the filter, says Mitchell. Then, ensure that it is completely dry before packaging it away. If it’s not dry, wipe down anywhere you see moisture and let it sit in a cool, dry spot until you are sure no water is left anywhere.

Your A.C. has been removed and you’ve cleaned it, you’re finally ready to tuck it away until that warmer weather reappears. If you still have the box it came in, that’s a great place to store it, says Green. Another option? Wrap it in plastic. Either of these options helps to keep out dampness, dust and critters, Green adds. Either way, situate it in the box or plastic like it sits in a window. “This is crucial because any residual fluids from tipping it could damage interior compartments,” says Green. 

In terms of where to store your air conditioning unit, you’ll want to be thoughtful about picking the perfect spot. “Select a location that is dry and away from very hot or cold temperatures,” says Mitchell. “A garage, cellar, or even a closet are the ideal spaces. Just stay away from sheds and attics that could get extremely damp or cold in the winter. The worst thing for your unit is moisture, as it can cause rust and electrical damage.”

At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Josh Mitchell is an HVAC technician and owner of the Air Conditioner Lab. 
• Ben Green is an associate at The Chill Brothers, an HVAC service company in Texas

Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed HVAC experts on how to store your air conditioner.