window AC question

[misty]

I was just wondering what to do with Shannon's (my daughter) room AC for winter. I don't take the downstairs one out...I just cover the outside with plastic so that cold air doesn't seep into the house. Hers is on the 2nd floor & I can't get out there to cover it. Should I cover it on the inside instead or just let it be? My dad put it in & I really don't want to try taking it out myself unless I have to.

[misty]

Well, I just ended up shutting the curtains over it & hoping it keeps any cold air from seeping in.

[Tumbleweed]

Edit: You snuck in your post and I was working on a reply. Sorry, I didn't notice this post until just now.

Oh well, maybe this will help someone else.


It has been long time since I've had a window air conditioner. I know that your outdoor AC can be covered but you have to be very careful what you use to cover it. The debate over covers verses no covers is that a cover will trap moisture and thus rust things. I have never covered my outdoor AC but maybe I'm making a big mistake. I don't know?

I know just driving around town I see window AC's not covered at all for years and years but on the other hand, if you want to get as much life out of your air conditioner & keep it running as efficiently as you can, then moving it indoors would, no doubt, be better. I also know it is really hard to keep cold air from coming in, with the window air conditioner left in place, no matter how well you cover things.

I don't think the manufacturers instructions say you need to cover their unit or bring it indoors for the winter, but I could be wrong. It has been a long time since I used a window unit so I'm not sure about that. So my thought is I'd be wanting to take it out of the window to preventing cold air from coming in or keeping the warm air in and I think that is what I'd opt to do.

I know those window air conditioners can be pretty heavy but you may want to consider pulling it in. Between you and Shannon you should be able to lift it out unless it is really secured in there or a huge AC unit. If you can pull it in, have a flattened out cardboard box, blanket, heavy duty plastic or something you can immediately set it on. You'll then be able to slide it into a closet or somewhere out of the way. Even better would be to have a sturdy box or something to move it directly on as in my silly example, which I only did because I felt like playing with my graphics program and not anyone needed an illustration.



If you really don't want to do that (or have a bad back) then I think I'd just not worry about it and cover the front as best you can. I don't know if hers has those flimsy accordion things to fill the space on the sides but they are just that, flimsy. If you have some scrap foam either soft or Styrofoam I'd try to fill any gaps around that air conditioner with that.

I know, if it were me, I'd not bother climbing up a ladder to cover it from the outside but then again, I hate climbing ladders.

[misty]

If that photo is supposed to be me & Shannon, let me tell you that we would not be working naked!

I have to cover my living room AC because we are on a bus line & get an unbelievable amount of dust! I used an old shower curtain so it is somewhat breathable. I think I'll just take my chances on leaving Shannon's uncovered. Thanks for the ideas!

[Tumbleweed]

No, that wasn't meant to be you and Shannon. I was just too lazy to put clothes on my stick people.

I'm sure the window AC will be fine for years to come. They are made to tolerate bad weather. I'd probably do the same as you.

Here, I put some clothes on our streakers.



Boy, I sure know how to waste time doing silly stuff like this.

[misty]

might be silly, but its so CUTE! You are really good with graphics & I enjoyed it.

[barb]

I enjoyed the graphics too!

Maybe you can get a sheet of heavy clear plastic and cover the entire inside of the window with it to help keep the cold out. It would cover all the open spaces on the a/c also so it should help keep Shannon warm and your heat bill down.

[misty]

Great idea Barb! My dad has a huge roll of heavy plastic. I'll ask him for a slice. Thanks!