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For a removable window air conditioner, turn it off, unplug it, remove it according to the model’s instructions, clean and dry it, then store it upright in a dry indoor location, raised off a damp floor. If removing it is impractical, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for leaving it installed and protecting it from winter weather. Central-air outdoor condensers require different guidance.
Remove and store a window unit: step by step
- Check the model instructions first. Read the owner’s manual and installation guidance for removal, drainage and cleaning. Frigidaire and Midea both direct owners to follow the instructions for their specific room unit. Arrange help if the appliance is heavy or access is difficult. Frigidaire’s winter-storage guidance and the Midea MAW08S1YWT manual provide examples.
- Switch it off and unplug it. Disconnect power before handling or cleaning. LG’s U.S. winterizing guidance, dated May 3, 2023, and GE Appliances’ storage advice both recommend this for winter or extended non-use.
- Remove it carefully and drain it only as directed. Follow the mounting and removal procedure for your model; don’t improvise with a heavy unit or lean it in a way the manual does not permit. If it has standing water or a drain plug, use the model’s drainage instructions. Haier’s long-storage guidance describes draining residual water and, for some units without a drain plug, removing and tilting the unit to drain it. That procedure is model-dependent, not a universal instruction. See Haier’s guidance on leaving units in windows.
- Clean accessible parts and let them dry fully. Clean the filter and accessible surfaces as the manual allows; LG advises removing debris and cleaning the filter and coils. Keep water away from electrical controls and unplug the unit before cleaning. Haier recommends running fan-only mode for half a day to dry the interior before long-term storage, but use that step only if your model’s instructions allow it. Haier’s air-conditioner storage guidance explains its long-storage procedure.
- Store it upright, bottom down, in a dry place. Keep the appliance in its normal operating position—not on its end, face or rear. Frigidaire recommends raising it off a potentially damp floor, which is especially relevant in a basement or garage where moisture or leaks are possible. Use the original carton if you have it.
- Keep small parts together. Store the remote and mounting hardware with the unit. Haier advises removing the remote’s batteries before storage.
If you can’t remove the unit
Removal is not required for every window or built-in unit. GE says taking a unit down is optional and recognizes that larger units may be awkward to remove. If yours stays installed, use its manual’s winter instructions rather than assuming a cover is suitable for every model.
LG recommends switching the unit off and unplugging it, cleaning it, fitting a waterproof cover and checking periodically for snow, ice and debris on top. GE also describes covering larger window and built-in units for protection from snow and ice. A properly fitted exterior cover or insulation around the window opening may be an option, but confirm that the accessory suits the appliance and remove or adjust it as the manufacturer directs before operating the AC. Frost King’s accessory guidance describes cover and weatherseal use.
Choose between removal and in-place winterizing
| Consideration | Remove and store indoors | Leave installed |
|---|---|---|
| Handling | Requires safe access, help if needed and a mounting design that allows removal. GE notes that large units can be awkward to take down. | A practical alternative when removal is unsafe or impractical. |
| Space and conditions | Needs a dry storage spot where the unit can remain upright and off a potentially damp floor. | Avoids finding storage space, but leaves the appliance exposed to outdoor weather. |
| Winter care | Clean and dry it according to the manual; follow model-specific guidance about drainage and storage conditions. | Follow the manufacturer’s directions for a cover and check for snow, ice or debris when instructed. |
| Model and warranty terms | Haier recommends climate-controlled storage in its guidance and warns that winter exposure or attempted winter operation could damage the unit and void the warranty. Check your exact model’s terms. | Use only the approach permitted by the model’s instructions and warranty terms. |
Central air conditioners are different
A central AC’s outdoor condenser is not a window unit being stored indoors. Goodman says a cover may reduce debris buildup, but an obstruction can damage the system if it operates. Goodman recommends disconnecting high-voltage power whenever a cover or other obstruction is introduced. Follow your HVAC manufacturer’s instructions and ensure the equipment is not obstructed when operating. Goodman’s outdoor-unit guidance addresses this distinction.
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Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Best Value
Breeze Stop Surround Insulation Side Panels White for Window AC Unit Indoor Air Conditioner Cover for Winter and Summer
- MATERIAL - 1’’ thick insulating foam covered in white flexible vinyl
- FITS WINDOW SIZES- Fits windows 36’’ wide or smaller, panels must be cut to size with scissors
- COVERS THE EXISTING PULL OUT PLASTIC SIDES THAT COME WITH AC - DOES NOT REPLACE THEM
- COMPOSED OF 3 PIECES- 2 side panels with adhesive flaps to connect to AC, 1 long top panel with adhesive flaps that connect to the side panels and AC forming a built-in clean design
- HELD IN PLACE- panels must be cut to fit snuggly in place between window frame and ac, the adhesive flaps attach to the ac only
Rank #4
Sale
Windproof AC Covers for Outside, for Midea U-Shaped 8000/10000/12000 BTU
- Strong Protection: The outdoor U-shaped AC cover protects your unit from damage caused by strong winds, rain, snow, sand, and dust. It is designed to prevent cold air from entering the room through the AC unit, effectively reducing heat loss. With this strong protection, you'll stay cozy all winter long.
- Waterproof Oxford Cloth Composite Aluminum Film: Our outdoor window AC cover is made from Oxford cloth composite aluminum film, offering superior waterproofing. It's durable and wear-resistant, ensuring it can withstand harsh autumn and winter weather, including cold winds, rain, and snow.
- Compatible with Midea U-shaped AC: The outside AC cover measures 21.3''W x 13.4''H x 13.8''D, fitting most Midea U-shaped window AC units 8,000 BTU/10,000 BTU/12,000 BTU. Be sure to measure your AC unit before purchasing.
- Stays in Place: These covers are easy to install without needing to remove the air conditioner. Each cover comes with 2 elastic straps with a buckle, ensuring it stays securely in place—even in windy conditions. You can trust it won't be blown off easily.
- What you'll Receive: You will receive a black U-shaped window AC cover for outdoor and 2 elastic straps with buckles, providing wind and rain protection for your window air conditioner throughout the winter.
Rank #3
Luxiv Window AC Unit Cover Outdoor, Black Waterproof AC Cover 17X12X13 In
- 【420D Waterproof Material】: Window air conditioner cover are made of high quality 420D waterproof oxford cloth, with a silver inner layer, better waterproof effect, washable and durable.
- 【Suit for Most Standard Size Window AC】: Window AC unit cover size is 17W * 12D* 13H inches (43*30*33cm), suit for most of standard window ac unit 3000-5000 BTU.
- 【Double Straps Design】: Outdoor window AC protection cover has two adjustable straps with snap buckle, make the cover not easy being falling due to wind, easy to put on and take off.
- 【Isolate Cold Air and Dust】: Black window AC cover not only could protect the ac unit from uv, dust, but also could keep your room warm in winter, prevent the dust, rain, snow enter to indoor.
- 【Please Note】:Please choose our product accoring to your air conditioner size. In order to a long time use, we suggest clean it regularly.
Rank #2
2 Pack Window Air Conditioner Covers, Indoor&Outdoor AC Cover for Winter
- VALUE PACK: Great value window air conditioner cover set, which includes a window type air conditioner inside cover and an outside cover. Size M for 6000BTU-8000BTU air conditioners，Size L for 10000BTU-12000BTU air conditioners.
- DURABLE DESIGN: Double layer Polyester/embedded cotton indoor ac cover. Outdoor ac cover is made of heavy-duty, waterproof 600D polyester.
- FULL COVERAGE: This AC unit cover is designed to fit over the top, bottom, and sides of standard window units, preventing the accumulation of moisture and debris from outside and inside.
- PROTECT YOUR AC UNIT: Prevents dust, dirt, and other small debris from clogging up your A/C unit when it's not in use. HOXHA air conditioner cover is made of water-resistant fabric. Block humid air entering to keep your equipment safe. The AC unit cover is machine washable and reusable.
- ENERGY SAVING: Air conditioner cover for window units stops cold draft, prevent cold wind blowing in, avoid unnecessary heat exchange between inside and out, save energy and reduce heating costs during winter.
#1 Best Overall
Window Air Conditioner Covers for Outside, 21"W x 15"H x 16"D, Black
- 【Three Layers of Insulation for Draft Blocking】Unlike other single-layer AC covers, TOHONFOO's air conditioner covers for outside units features a three-layer structure: 600D waterproof and windproof heavy duty oxford fabric, 2mm thickened pearl cotton, and insulated aluminum foil — Heavy snow? No problem. Dust and debris? Blocked. Your AC unit stays clean, safe, season after season.
- 【Please Choose the Right Size】The inner dimensions of the ac unit covers outdoor are 21"W x 15"H x 16"D, fitting most AC units with outer dimensions of ≤20.5"Wx 14.5"H x 15.5"D . Note: Please measure your unit's width, height, and depth (including any protruding parts) before purchasing to ensure a proper fit
- 【Bottom-cut Design for Bracket Compatibility】No need to disassemble your AC — simply slip the cover on, tighten the straps, and your window air conditioner cover is ready to go. The sewing threads at the bottom form several cuttable sections, so if your unit has a support bracket underneath, you can easily cut the cover to accommodate it
- 【2 x Rust-Proof Metal Buckle & 106.5"Adjustable Strap】Compared to the breakable plastic buckles and flimsy straps used in others, we use durable metal buckles that won't break and reinforced straps that can withstand harsh weather while being easier to install, When the cover is snugly fitted and the straps are securely tightened, it holds strong against winds of 32–38 mph
- 【All Weather Protection】 Our waterproof heavy-duty air conditioner covers for window units are designed to protect your air conditioning unit from harsh weather conditions — rain, snow, wind, and even harsh UV rays (UPF 50+). Built with anti-aging, tear-resistant fabric for lasting durability. Care: wipe with a damp cloth. Do not hand wash or machine wash — gentle wiping preserves the insulation layer
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