After the long summer cooling season, it is now time to prepare for the cold months. One of the helpful ways to reduce your electric bills and save energy is to cover your window AC, insulate it to keep the cold air out and warm air. Insulating your air conditioner won’t cost tons of money or waste a lot of time as well. Knowing how to insulate around window air conditioner, especially for winter, is the best thing you can do to keep heating costs under controls. Read on to know some tips.
Insulating the AC for the Winter
There are actually two choices with a window-type unit when it comes to weather-proofing the home: cover and insulate around your AC or completely remove the unit and seal your window for the winter months. If you cannot totally remove the AC unit from your window, you will have to insulate the unit and keep the warm air from escaping. Weatherizing your unit will also help prolong your appliance’s life by shielding it from the elements’ damaging effects. Thus, learning how to insulate around window air conditioner is essential. Here are some few tips:
Steps on How to Insulate Around Window Air Conditioner with Foam
Cut some firm foam insulation with sizes according to the height and width of your window AC unit. You can also use spray foam insulation. Sparingly use it as the foam insulation expands remarkably. Here are some easy steps on how to insulate around window air conditioner:
Step 1
Measure your unit’s height, width, and depth so you would know exactly the size cover to get. The best cover should fit snugly and not loose.
Step 2
Make sure that the AC is securely installed in your window. Place the cover over your AC as per the instructions. The cover should just slide right in; there may also be strings or fasteners to hold it in place.
Step 3
Measure the space between both sides of the window frame’s insides and the AC unit’s edge. Measure the eight as well.
Step 4
Measure and mark two pieces of firm foam insulation with the dimensions you took in Step 3.
Step 5
Cut the foam out with a sharp utility knife starting with the left side of the unit. Push the right side of the foam against the side of your unit. Press the left side against the window frame and repeat the second piece’s process on the right side.
Other Tips on How to Insulate your AC Unit
Weatherize your Window AC
Remover the cover of your unit so that the inside parts are exposed. Put a thick plastic garbage bag over it to cover completely and tuck extra parts of the garbage bag inside so it’s fully-sealed. You can use duct tape to hold the bag in place if needed. Once done, reinstall the outside cover.
Cover your Window Unit
A lot of hardware stores are selling heavy fabric covers that are specifically made to fit window air conditioner units. These covers glide directly over the outside part of your window AC unit to protect it from elements like snow, ice, rain, or hail. Buy one and cover your unit to keep it safe and well-insulated during the cold days of winter. They are also perfect whenever a strong thunderstorm strikes. Just remember not to run or turn on the unit when the cover is still in place.
Removing and Storing your AC Unit for Winter
While learning how to insulate around the window air conditioner unit for the cold months is a great way to control your heating bills during winter, nothing works as best as removing the whole unit itself. This will allow you to close your window and seal it properly for the winter’s icy-cold weather. The only drawback is that the task usually requires an extra pair of helping hands as removing the heavy unit, especially on a ladder, can be challenging and dangerous. The right storage techniques are also essential when you decide to remove or store your unit.
How to Store a Window AC Unit
If you want to make sure that your unit is operational when the cold month ends, remember to store it the right way over winter, not by only placing it down in a corner. Your AC should be wrapped with a breathable fabric or a covering and should be set somewhere that should not contact the floor. The condenser lines and the cooling fins are so soft that they will easily bend if storing is not done properly. Put the covered unit in an area where no one will accidentally put stuff above it. Know more about appliance maintenance.
Conclusion
There’s no better way to beat the skyrocketing bills of heating during the icy-cold months of winter than by being prepared. Learning how to insulate around window air conditioner properly will not only save you from your electric heating bills but will help prolong your unit’s life longer than you might expect.