How to Seal a Window Air Conditioner for the Winter

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Window air conditioners do come in handy on hot summer days and nights. But would it be okay letting them work as usual, even in the winter? No. But since removing them would be a tall order, you need to know how to seal a window air conditioner for the winter.

How do you do that, though? We have provided the best ways for you to do that, including a step-by-step approach to sealing the air conditioner to protect it in the winter. Read on to know more about how to insulate your AC unit for the cold winter months.

Topics we Cover

What happens if you don’t cover your AC in the winter?

If you do not cover your AC unit in the winter, the compressor can freeze and the entire unit can be damaged like the fins, fan blades, and other components to rust or seize up. The evaporator coil can also freeze, which will block airflow and cause the AC to stop working.

Step-by-Step Guide on Sealing an Air Conditioner for Winter

While you can remove the air conditioner from the windows in winter, it is often not as straightforward as most people would want it to be. That’s why the steps below should come in handy, helping you seal the air conditioner including the necessary tools and materials required to complete the job.

What Will You Need?

Penknife

Measuring Tape

Sealing Strips (Foam)

An Insulating Cover Spread

Cover Spreads

You will need your air conditioner to be off while doing this. That will help you avoid any accidents and give you an easier time sealing the air conditioner.

Step 1

Clean the air conditioner and remove any debris that might be inside it. You can’t start putting the covers with trash inside the conditioner since they might be an avenue for heat energy to escape the house in winter.

Step 2

Reposition the air conditioner to fit snugly on the window. It would be best if you positioned it right in the middle or center of the window.

Step 3

Use the tape measure to find out the entire width of the window’s frame. Measure also the length of the covering material that secures the air conditioner on the window’s edges. Record the measurements somewhere if you can commit them to memory, well and good.

Step 4

Use the knife and cut the foam sealing strips to the corresponding lengths and widths you recorded in the previous step. Then, cover the air conditioner with these strips, ensuring you have covered all areas around it.

That should give some tight insulation around the air conditioner.

Step 5

Cover the air conditioner’s face with a reflective cover. If you can get a cover that blends with your house’s interior décor, then it would be a win. You don’t want to pick a color that will clash with your house’s colors.

Step 6: The Ultimate Step

Get a breathable material cover and put it on the air conditioner’s exterior. Not only will it prevent rust from wreaking havoc on the air conditioner’s components, but it will also prevent the wind from entering your house in the cold winter months.

It will be easier to shake off and remove the ice that might accumulate on the air conditioner as the winter proceeds.

And that’s how you seal a window air conditioner. Some air conditioners come with specific covers that you can use to cover them in the winter. Get these covers to avoid buying covers that won’t be a good fit.

When measuring with the tape measure, ensure you get the correct measurements to effectively seal the window air conditioner.

Why Should You Seal Window Air Conditioners?

Air conditioners are one of man’s greatest inventions because they have helped him conquer hot areas. They do come in handy in the hot summer days and naturally hot regions all year round.

Air conditioners work by letting the hot air in a house escape out and cool air come in. that’s what makes them the ideal equipment to buy if you are moving to a scorching area.

Particular areas follow the four seasons winter, summer, spring, and fall. The air conditioners are therefore a must-have in the summer to avoid baking inside the house. However, when winter comes around, most people would agree that they have little use for air conditioners. That’s because, in the winter, you will want all heat to remain in the house to avoid freezing to death.

Air conditioners, if left unsealed, would bring in cold air that would further make the temperatures in the house colder. So that’s why you need to ensure you either remove them or seal them to prevent that.

Although some air conditioner models would be easy to remove, it is usually a hectic process that would then appear useless when winter ends, and you have to replace them on the windows again.

That’s why most people only seal or cover them to prevent the entry of cold air and then unseal them when winter ends.

What if You Want to Remove the Air Conditioners Altogether?

This is usually the best way to protect yourself from the cold since air conditioners are like an open window that keeps on letting in the cold. The only problem comes with its practicability.

The problem is that you might have bought an air conditioner that is complicated to remove or, worse, irremovable. Some air conditioners once fixed on the window, will be a permanent fixtures. So, yes, it is workable to remove the air conditioners altogether, but that will depend on whether the model you have is removable. Also, if you want to remove it, you will need help since you can’t do it alone. You might need the help of a professional.

The above complications are why most people use breathable material to seal air leaks and the conditioner’s edges. However, we must agree it is a less strenuous way to deal with the cold that might seep through the conditioner.

Maintaining Your Sealed Air Conditioner

Check the air filter regularly: The air filter in your sealed air conditioner should be checked and changed every 3-4 months to ensure it’s efficient.
Keep the outside of your AC unit clear: Make sure that all plants, trees, and other debris are kept away from the outdoor unit of your sealed air conditioner.
Clean and Check the Drain Line: Make sure to check the drain line regularly and keep it free from any obstructions.
Check for any loose connections: Check if there are any loose connections. If you find any, have them repaired as soon as possible.
Inspect the ductwork: Check the insulation on the ductwork, inspect if there are any cracks, gaps, and air leaks, and make sure all connecting components are secure.
Re-sealing When Necessary: If there is any leakage in the system, it is essential to re-seal the air conditioner to prevent further damage and loss of efficiency. This can be done by a professional technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my air conditioner in the winter?

You should check your air conditioner at least once a month during the winter months to make sure that it is covered and properly secured. You must inspect the unit for signs of damage from cold weather and make any necessary repairs before using it during warmer months.

Is it safe to leave my air conditioner uncovered in the winter?

No, it is not safe to leave your air conditioner uncovered in the winter. Freezing temperatures can cause damage to your unit and can reduce its efficiency.

Should I cover My AC unit in the summer?

No, you should not cover your AC unit in the summer. Covering it in summer can prevent proper air circulation, which can result in overheating and, ultimately, a complete breakdown. To avoid any issues, never cover your outdoor AC unit in the summer.

Final Thoughts

If you didn’t know how to seal a window air conditioner for the winter, we hope we have been of help to you. Our easy-to-follow steps will help you seal your window air conditioner and prevent the entry of frost and wind in the winter.

You don’t have to remove the air conditioner from the window now that you know the best way to deal with leakages.

In winter it is also important to invest in a space heater to keep your home warm and save on energy costs. It can be a great way to do this without having to worry about tripping breakers. For that, you can check – Best 5 Space Heaters That Won’t Trip Breaker – Reviews In 2022

As an Amazon Associate, We may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post at no additional cost to you.

Relevant Resources:

6 Easy Steps On How to Seal a Window Air Conditioner for the Winter

What happens if you don’t cover your AC in the winter?

Step-by-Step Guide on Sealing an Air Conditioner for Winter

Why Should You Seal Window Air Conditioners?