How To Insulate Window Ac For Winter

Window air weather are an constructive and efficient cooling solution, peculiarly for those who are looking for supplemental AC when the weather gets warm. You can learn all about the advantages of installing a window unit in our guide to window air conditioners.

After purchasing and installing your window air conditioner, regular maintenance is important if you want the all-time functioning possible. One of the virtually overlooked aspects of window AC maintenance is keeping it protected from the elements, and failing to do this can not only downgrade the unit's cooling functioning but ruin it entirely.

In this guide, we'll tell y'all whether or not covering window air conditioners in the winter is necessary, as well as the steps on how to insulate a window air conditioner for the winter season.

Why Should You Cover Your Window Air Conditioner in the Winter?

In order to better understand the importance of investing in a window AC embrace for winter, it helps to know how window ACs piece of work. This type of unit is installed within a window frame and works by drawing hot air from the surrounding area, cooling it down with the help of an internal compressor, then expelling the cool air back into the room.

During this process, there is nonetheless some hot air leftover, and this is expelled outside through the dorsum of the unit of measurement. That ways that a good portion of your window Air conditioning is completely exposed to the elements, and that is why it's important to add protection – especially when the temperature drops exterior.

Here are the master reasons why you should cover your window air conditioner in the wintertime:

1. .To continue information technology protected from clay and debris
2. .To continue information technology protected from frost and snowfall
3. .To proceed it protected from dripping h2o
4. .To go along information technology protected from rodents and insects

What to Consider When Choosing a Window AC Encompass

There are many products on the marketplace that are specifically geared towards protecting and covering a window AC unit from the outdoor elements. When deciding on a window AC unit of measurement embrace for wintertime, these are the main considerations to gene into the buying procedure:

• Material Quality:
  The entire indicate of investing in a window AC encompass is to protect the unit, and then yous'll need to choose a cover that's constructed from durable textile. Nigh outdoor covers are made from harder materials that are capable of standing upward to the elements, similar derivatives of plastic or polyethylene.
• Embrace Size vs. Ac Size:
  Earlier you purchase insulated window air conditioner covers for winter, always cheque the unit of measurement's dimensions. Take exact measurements of the AC's depth, length, and width then that y'all tin can choose a encompass that will fit the unit. Some covers are labeled as one-size-fits-all and come with adjustable straps or drawstrings.
• Reliability & Weatherproofing:
  If you lot can't count on your cover to protect your unit when the temperature drops and snow starts falling, y'all might as well not accept one at all. You lot should be able to rely on the cover to protect against wind, rain, cold temperatures, rust, droppings, and more.
• Aesthetics:
  The mode the embrace looks isn't considered as important as the way it protects, but it's nonetheless something to think nearly. Remember, this cover will be visible from the outside of the business firm, so effort to choose one that blends in with your dwelling house's exterior.

How to Embrace & Insulate Your Window Air conditioning for Winter

At that place are iii different options for protecting a window Air conditioning for the winter:

ane. Weatherizing the AC Unit

If yous don't desire to buy a window AC cover for the winter, yous should at the very least weatherize the Air conditioning. To do this, remove the outside cover of the window unit, exposing the internal components.

Using a big plastic garbage bag, place it over the unit then that you cover the entire exterior frame. Constrict any excess plastic within the unit so that everything is overnice and sealed, and use duct record to hold the bag in place if necessary. And then, reinstall the exterior comprehend.

two. Insulating the AC Unit

Investing in the best window insulation is another solid choice for winter protection. For this, you'll need firm foam insulation cutting down into strips that fit forth the sides of the unit.

Y'all can utilise a putty knife to push the insulation into the gaps between the unit and the window frame. Spray insulation is another pick, but just know that information technology expands dramatically, and so a lilliputian goes a long way.

3. Covering the Air conditioning Unit of measurement

It's piece of cake to detect durable covers for a diversity of window unit shapes and sizes. When using a cover, just slide it over the outside portion of the unit of measurement – and that'south it! Just make sure to cull a encompass that fits your window air conditioner's dimensions and seal it tight around the edges.

Downsides of Roofing Your Window Air Conditioner

The main downside to covering your window air conditioner in the winter is that a cover could potentially trap moisture inside. As well much moisture can atomic number 82 to rust and corrosion and could even cause damage to the unit's electrical wiring.

To avoid wet issues, try to choose a embrace that is fabricated from breathable material. Another option is to cover but the top of the unit so that airflow can move through the coils and control box.

A second potential issue with using AC covers is that information technology creates a hiding place for rodents and insects. When you cover the unit, brand sure that the material is tight to the unit then that mice and critters cannot get inside.

Should I Remove My Window Air-conditioning in the Winter?

Removing and storing a window AC for the winter is another pick to keep your unit protected from snow, air current, and frigid temperatures.

While covering the unit is definitely constructive, a mail service from Consumer Reports recommends that you lot "remove any air conditioner from a window location. During the winter months, rut could escape through the squeeze box extension panels on the A/C and the chassis; cold air could besides infiltrate your home the same style."

If you lot do choose to remove the unit from the window frame, just make certain to store it properly. It's always a practiced thought to have an extra prepare of hands to assist out when removing information technology from the window frame. Before putting information technology away in storage, remove and clean the filter, clean the condenser coils, and clean the unit's exterior. Store it in a cool, dry place in an upright position.

People Also Ask (FAQ)

Can window air conditioners exist stored in freezing temperatures?

No, it's never a good idea to store an air conditioner of whatever kind in freezing temperatures, and that includes window ACs. Temperatures beneath freezing could potentially freeze the coils, which would render the unit useless.

If you lot foresee the climate in your surface area dropping below freezing, information technology's all-time to weatherize the unit or remove it from the window and store information technology until later on.

Tin can you lot leave a window air conditioner in all wintertime?

Aye, you tin can, as long every bit you have the right steps to weatherize and protect the unit of measurement from the elements. Yous can either weatherize using a plastic bag and duct tape, invest in a durable AC cover, or insulate the unit from the inside out.

Can window Air-conditioning be used as a heater?

Some window ACs offer heating capabilities. You tin can cheque out the all-time window AC/heaters in our guide to the best air conditioner and heater combos.

Can I leave my AC window unit on all the time?

While it's perfectly safety to keep your window unit of measurement running 24/vii, keeping the unit on all the fourth dimension volition probable spike your electricity bills. For that reason, it's best to use the window unit of measurement just when yous demand to.

What exterior temp is too cold for Ac?

Running an air conditioner when it's cold outside is never a skillful thought.

According to HomeAdvisor, "the limit is usually anywhere beneath threescore degrees Fahrenheit. You shouldn't turn your air conditioner on if the minimum outside temperature is beneath that. If you do, the following tin can happen."

Running the unit when temperatures get below threescore degrees could freeze the inner coils and thicken the lubricating oil. Both of these bug could ultimately impairment the air conditioner permanently.

Conclusion

No matter which method you choose for keeping your window Ac protected in the wintertime, just know that keeping it protected is of import. If you want the unit to perform well in the hot summer months, then you must take the proper steps even when the weather gets cold.

Final Updated on April 2, 2022

• Writer
• Contempo Posts

My name is Josh and I am obsessed with the HVAC industry. I created this website to aid HVAC techs of all levels get the best out of their heating & cooling systems. I have spent thousands of hours studying air conditioners, heaters and home air products then you can learn & buy with conviction. Learn more about the team here.

Source: https://airconditionerlab.com/should-i-cover-my-window-ac-in-the-winter/

Posted by: gutierrezyouteentron.blogspot.com

Share this post