Maximizing space is one thing that is essential when storing things, and air conditioners can take up a lot of space, especially those of larger capacities. It may cross your mind to stack them, but you are not sure if you should. We researched this question for you, and here is what we gathered.
Yes, you can stack your air conditioners on top of one another. However, you should only do this if the AC is put back into its original packaging. Manufacturers typically include a note about the maximum stacking height in the packaging.
Read on as we talk about why you may need to store your air conditioning unit and how to properly store it. We'll also cover some tips you can do for storing your AC unit and where you should store it.
Why Store Your AC During Winter?
For these reasons, air conditioner storage is crucial:
Prevent Off-Season Elements Exposure
You shield it from the weather during the off-season to prevent any harm. During prolonged shutdown periods, parts such as the exterior fan, compressor, and refrigerant pipes may suffer damage.
Prevent Heat Loss
There is a tiny space between the air conditioner and the window frame when an air conditioner is placed, particularly a window air conditioner. If this opening is not adequately sealed, air could escape and pose a risk.
Turning off the air conditioner and closing the empty cut-out keep the warm air from escaping the room.
Provide Maximum Light To Your Room
Window ACs occupy space in the window and substantially reduce the amount of light that enters the room. When the air conditioner isn't in use, it frees up space that can be used to take advantage of as much daylight as possible, which keeps the room warm.
How To Properly Store An Air Conditioner
Here is how you can properly store your air conditioner during the winter:
Remove the AC
- You shouldn't attempt to relocate any window AC units on your own because they are heavy and bulky.
- To avoid hurting yourself or damaging your air conditioner, unplug the unit first, and then ask for assistance in removing it from the window.
- Water that has built up throughout the summer months could leak out when you remove the AC from the window. Put a big cloth underneath the unit before moving it to stop it from soaking the floor.
- You can place the unit on the towel after removing it, then clean and pack it. To stop cold air from leaking into your home once the unit has been removed, you might need to install some weather stripping in the window where it used to be.
Clean the AC
Make sure your air conditioner is well cleaned before storing it. To do this:
- By removing the filter, you may start the cleaning procedure. You can wash a relatively fresh filter in warm, soapy water, then let it air dry. However, if your filter is clogged, you should replace it.
- To get rid of any dust accumulation, vacuum the air conditioner from the inside as well as the outside. To remove as much dirt and debris as you can, scrub everywhere.
- Use vinegar and water to clean the outside of the air conditioner. You can store your air conditioner once it has been cleaned and dried.
Pack The AC
- An air conditioner should always be kept in its original packaging for storage. If you didn't save it, you'll need to find another box that is the same size. In either case, before storing your air conditioner, ensure it is totally dry to prevent the spread of mold and mildew.
- Use a thermal storage blanket or other foam packing material to cover the device as best you can when storing it. The objective is to keep impurities like water, dust, and dirt out of the air conditioner while it's being stored. To store the air conditioner on the right side up, be sure to mark the box.
Where Should You Store Your AC Unit?
The best indoor storage location for the unit is an attic or basement. Avoid storing a unit outside because doing so would expose it to more elements.
Additionally, try to stay away from moist locations. It can lead to mildew and mold growth and compel you to restart the cleaning procedure if moisture seeps through the box and enters the unit. Your air conditioner may potentially be harmed by direct sunlight.
It's not a good idea to store your unit in the garage. Mice and other rodents may gnaw on wires, causing damage, and small animals and insects may seek refuge inside your unit.
How High Can You Stack Air Conditioners?
The stacking height of air conditioners depends on what the manufacturer's instructions are written on the packaging, although, it is safe to say that you can stack your unit at least 3 units high.
Additional Tips To Avoid Damage When Storing Air Conditioners
Here are some additional tips to keep your stored unit in good condition and ready for its next use:
Keep it separate from other items.
To avoid debris falling on the air conditioner, clear the storage space, paying specific attention to the neighboring shelves. If heavier things fall on it, it may harm the coils or result in further damage.
Place it in a spot with less traffic.
If you have a compact and limited space, you can store your air conditioners by carefully covering and packaging them, then using them as a side table. To avoid needless harm or impact to the device, it might be positioned in corners or locations with less traffic.
Use a winterizing cover.
Some air conditioners can be exceedingly challenging to remove, especially if they are positioned high. In this situation, a winterizing cover is a better option. It will shield your air conditioner from subzero temperatures.
Additionally, it will shield the appliance from dust, filth, and insects. Make sure to carefully measure the winterizing cover before purchasing it to ensure a tight fit.
Before putting the winterizing cover on, it will help if you place some insulating foam around your air conditioner.
Click here for this window AC cover on Amazon
What Happens When You Don't Store Your Air Conditioner Properly?
An AC unit may sustain permanent harm if you store it improperly. The coils of a unit, for instance, could freeze if it is kept outside or in a cold location, rendering them useless.
In addition, if a unit is left in a window during the winter, it may not only freeze but also allow chilly air into the house.
A draft will enter your home through the spaces between the unit and the window, lowering the temperature there and probably increasing your heating costs.
Can You Store Your AC Sideways?
No, you can't. The main reason why air conditioners shouldn't be stored on their sides is that doing so could harm their compressors.
In order for the compressor oil and refrigerant to settle back into their original positions after having to lay your air conditioner on its side, let it stand upright for 12 to 24 hours.
As you can see, a compressor operates similarly to a simple engine. It has a crankshaft that drives a big piston onto the gaseous refrigerant to raise its pressure. Many complicated gears must move smoothly for the process to function.
If any debris, such as dirt, accumulates between those gears, the cooling cycle would end immediately. For this reason, every compressor has a sizable amount of oil lubricant.
The lubricant may flow out of its original location when you keep the AC unit on its side, leaving the gears open to various contaminants.
Furthermore, sideways storage could increase the risk of future breaches by flooding the evaporator or condenser coils with extra refrigerant.
You can check out this post if you wish to know more about this topic: Can You Store A Window AC On Its Side?
What To Do If You Want To Use Your AC After Winter?
Winter is over, and it's time to greet the next season. You need your air conditioner back because the temperature can skyrocket without it.
- First, remove the air conditioner from the covering it was in and allow it to sit in the sunlight for a time.
- Then remove the front cover and filter.
- Finally, clean the air conditioner of any dust that may have gathered using compressed air. After that, your AC is good to go.
Final Thoughts
Since air conditioners are a costly purchase, it is advisable to maintain them so that they last for many years. One step in ensuring that your AC stays in top condition is to take care of it throughout the winter and use an AC cover for the winter while it's not in use.
However, you should be careful if you want to stack your air conditioners for storage. Make sure that you use the original box that the unit came with. Also, always adhere to the manufacturer's specifications on how high you should stack your unit.
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