Time to Pack Up That Window AC

It’s inevitable this time of year that the temperatures will start to drop and suddenly there won’t be the need for that window air conditioning unit any longer. But all too often, some folks who have those units might want to avoid that storage struggle by simply covering it up and leaving it hanging in the window through the chills of the winter.

Not a good idea.

At Family Danz Heating & Cooling, we want to make sure residents of Troy and the entire Capital District of New York State are aware of the damage improper storage of their window air conditioners can cause. Even though you are saving time both in the storage now and reassembly in the spring, you could actually be costing yourself some big bucks in repair and replacement because of damage to the unit’s delicate machinery caused by the cold.

So when should you take the AC unit out of the window? When temperatures are regularly below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the air conditioning unit isn’t doing you much good anyways, so that’s the time to prepare it for a long winter’s nap. If you have your owner’s manual, you can consult it for the manufacturer’s directions on storage, but if not, here are some helpful tips:

Make sure to ask a friend or family member for help when removing the air conditioner from the window, regardless of the size. You might want to entice that buddy with a favorite beverage or snack, and make it some bonding time. Plus an extra set of hands makes the job that much easier. Remove the air conditioner from the window and check it out for any damage that might have happened during the cooling season. If there is significant damage, check with your Family Danz technician to make sure it is still safe to use or if it needs some repairs before you store it away.

Replace or clean the air conditioner’s air filter … you don’t want it sitting around with a dirty air filter until next spring. Clean the condenser coils and water pan also before storing it to give you a clean start next year.

The storage location is important. Keep it away from moisture, temperature extremes, and critters that might make a nest inside it and chew on wiring. Attics, basements, and storage rooms make great places to keep the off-season air conditioners, while garages and outdoor sheds don’t.

Family Danz is here to answer all of your heating and cooling questions and keep you comfortable all year long. We have more than 30 years of experience in all kinds of HVAC equipment, so let us put those three decades of service to work for you and your family.

Family Danz Heating & Cooling is a full-service heating and air conditioning contractor, offering sales and service all through the Capital District of New York State, including Troy, Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, and the surrounding region. If you would like more information on any of our services, call us at 518-427-8685.