Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
To store a portable air conditioner safely, follow its manual to drain remaining water, dry the interior, clean and dry the filter, and keep the unit upright in a dry indoor location. Drain ports and drying instructions vary by model, so use the steps below as a general sequence—not a replacement for the instructions for your exact unit.
What to prepare before storing the unit
- Your portable AC’s manual, to identify the correct drain outlet and model-specific steps.
- A shallow bowl or drain pan that fits beneath the outlet. TCL notes that a drip tray is not supplied with its unit: TCL drain instructions.
- A dry place to set the filter while it dries.
- A box or appropriately sized cover, if you plan to protect the unit from dust.
How to store a portable air conditioner
- Check the model’s instructions. Locate the manual and confirm which drain outlet to use and how its plug should be opened and secured. Models may have more than one outlet. Electrolux directs owners to consult the manual, and LG notes that its general guide may differ from a particular model: Electrolux care guidance and LG storage guidance.
- Switch off, unplug, and drain the unit. Turn the air conditioner off and disconnect it from power. Position the bowl or pan under the specified drain, open the plug as directed, and allow the remaining condensate to drain. Close and secure the plug according to the manual. LG also advises preparing a bowl to catch the water: LG storage guidance.
- Dry the interior using the instructed fan-only procedure. Follow the duration given for your model. The guidance differs: LG advises fan mode with a window open for 30 minutes or longer, while Haier recommends half a day of fan-only operation. These are model-specific directions, not interchangeable universal timings: LG storage guidance and Haier storage guidance.
- Clean and dry the filter. Remove and clean the filter as the manual directs. Let it dry completely before reinstalling it. Haier and a reviewed portable AC manual both specify thorough filter drying: Haier storage guidance and portable AC manual.
- Remove and gather accessories if directed. Some instructions call for removing the exhaust hose and window kit. Keep those parts, the remote, and other loose components together with the unit so they are easy to find when you set it up again. Haier advises removing the air hoses, and the reviewed manual says to store the exhaust hose and window kit with the appliance: Haier storage guidance and portable AC manual.
- Store the appliance upright indoors. Choose a dry indoor location and keep the unit upright. Haier and the reviewed manual both specify upright storage in a dry place: Haier storage guidance and portable AC manual.
- Cover or box it only after it is dry. Haier says the unit may be returned to its original carton or covered. Wait until the appliance has dried before packing it. If using a cover, check its dimensions and compatibility; the cover bag listed for the Whynter ARC-12SD does not establish a universal fit: Haier storage guidance and Whynter ARC-12SD product information.
Why the exact model matters
There is no universal drain-port location or fan-drying duration established by the manufacturer instructions cited here. For example, LG’s guide gives a minimum fan-drying period of 30 minutes, while Haier recommends half a day. Use your own model’s outlet and procedure rather than choosing one of those times by guesswork. Do not substitute instructions for a window air conditioner.
Do you need a drain pan or storage cover?
A shallow pan is useful for catching condensate, but it must fit below your unit’s drain port. A cover or the original carton can help protect a dry appliance from dust; check the cover’s dimensions rather than assuming it will fit. Neither accessory has a universal size.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
TwoPone Portable Air Conditioner Cover,AC Covers Indoor-21x18x32inch
- FOR MOST BRANDS:This cover is specially designed for BLACK AND DECKER,ZAFRO,Whynter,Midea portable air conditioner.Optional Size: 21.3"L x 18"W x 32.3"H(54x46x82cm)/ 18.9"L x 15.7"W x 30"H(48x40x76cm)
- ELASTIC BOTTOM:TwoPone's cover for portable air conditioner has drawstring design on the bottom, so you can adjust the tightness at will to prevent dirty things or small animals enter it
- WITH SIDE POCKET:There a pocket on the side of the portable air conditioner cover to store rc, solve the trouble of not finding the remote control. Also convenient to store some small tools
- TWO HANDLES:Our indoor ac dust cover storage bag comes with 2 reinforced handles that make it easy to take off and put on
- EFFECTIVE PROTECTION:Our ac cover can effectively avoid direct sunlight and prevent your air conditioner from aging, to ensure it can still operate normally next year. Applicable for similar size portable air conditioner
Rank #4
Luxiv Portable Air Conditioner Cover, 15X18X30In Anti-Dust Storage Cover
- 【Soft Milk Silk Fabric】: Portable air conditioner cover are made of soft, lightweight, high elasticity milk silk, not scratch the ac unit.
- 【Elastic Size】: Portable ac unit cover size is 15.7*18*30in/40*46*75cm (L*W*D), elastic fabric, if your air conditioner is slightly larger about 1-2 inches than our cover, also be applied, suit for most of the portable ac.
- 【Adjustable Straps and Remote Control Bag】: Portable air conditioner storage bags has a adjustable straps on the bottom, could tighten the bottom for prevent small animals enter it, Side remote control storage bag, solve the trouble of not finding the remote control.
- 【Washable and Convenient】: Anti-Dust cover for mobile ac easily wash, support machine wash and hand wash, easy to use and remove, durable.
- 【Please Note】: Please choose our product according to your air conditioner size. In order for long-time use, we suggest cleaning it regularly.
Rank #3
Indoor Portable Air Conditioner Cover, AC Unit Anti-Dust Storage Protection Cover for Mobile AC. Fits SereneLife 8000 BTU (SLPAC8) and most (18.9’’(L)x15.7’’(W)x 29.5’’(H)), Black (01)
- 1. Suitable for most portable AC: The size of the cover is 18.9''L x 15.7'' Wx 29.5''H, which is suitable for the most brands of portable air conditioner such as BLACK+DECKER, SereneLife, VAGKRI, Vremi, Shinco, etc.
- 2. With side pocket: There is a small pocket on the side of the cover, it's convenient for you to store some small tools.
- 3. UV-protected: This cover coated with anti-UV material, so your air conditioner can be placed on the balcony and you don't need to worry about it getting sunburned.
- 4. Compact: It folds up like a wallet size. Easy to store.
- 5. Adjustable Telescopic Rope: There is a telescopic rope at the bottom, you can adjust it as your needs.
Rank #2
Indoor Portable Air Conditioner Cover Fits SereneLife 8000 BTU, ZAFRO 8,000 BTU, BLACK DECKER 9000/12000/14000 BTU, Rintuf 8000 BTU, AC Unit Dustproof Storage Protection Cover for Mobile AC 1 Pieces
- UNIVERSAL FIT PORTABLE AC COVER: Specifically designed 18.9"L x 15.7"W x 29.5"H dimensions ensure compatibility with 8000-12000 BTU portable air conditioner units from BLACK+DECKER, ZAFRO, SereneLife, Vremi, Shinco, Rintuf, etc.
- UV PROTECTION: Made from high-quality fabric, it blocks UV rays and prevents the portable air conditioner cover from cracking or fading when exposed on a balcony or patio.
- WATERPROOF AND DUSTPROOF PROTECTIVE LAYER: Polyester fibre outer layer and soft inner lining effectively protect your portable air conditioner from rain, dust and accidental splashes. Ensure that the portable air conditioner cover provides reliable protection throughout all seasons of the year.
- SMART SIDE ORGANIZER POCKET: The storage bag allows you to safely store the remote control or maintenance tools next to the portable air conditioner for easy access, preventing you from losing the air conditioner remote control.
- ADJUSTABLE DRAWSTRING AND HANDLE: The bottom is equipped with an adjustable drawstring that can be used to securely fasten the cover to your air conditioner. It can also be folded into a small size to save space.
#1 Best Overall
Luxiv Portable Air Conditioner Cover, 15X18X30In Anti-Dust Storage Cover
- 【Soft Milk Silk Fabric】: Portable air conditioner cover are made of soft, lightweight, high elasticity milk silk, not scratch the ac unit.
- 【Elastic Size】: Portable ac unit cover size is 15.7*18*30in/40*46*75cm (L*W*D), elastic fabric, if your air conditioner is slightly larger about 1-2 inches than our cover, also be applied, suit for most of the portable air conditioner.
- 【Adjustable Straps and Remote Control Bag】: Portable air conditioner storage bags has a adjustable straps on the bottom, could tighten the bottom for prevent small animals enter it, Side remote control storage bag, solve the trouble of not finding the remote control.
- 【Washable and Convenient】: Anti-Dust cover for mobile ac easily wash, support machine wash and hand wash, easy to use and remove, durable.
- 【Please Note】: Please choose our product according to your air conditioner size. In order for long-time use, we suggest cleaning it regularly.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone. 
