How to Store a Portable Air Conditioner

The convenience of portable ACs has, in recent years, given window units strong competition when it comes to which is the best air conditioner. However, this doesn’t mean it doesn’t require cleaning or storage. You also need to know how to properly use a portable A/C and how big of a portable AC you need to correctly fit your room. In this article, we’ll show you step-by-step how to store a portable air conditioner. And if you’ve just realized this article is for the wrong type of air conditioner, here’s an article about how to store a window AC unit.

What Makes a Portable AC Different?

Outside of the strange, snaky ventilation hose and resemblance to R2D2, portable air conditioner units are helpful for those with few windows or that live in buildings that don’t allow window units.

Portable ACs stand in an upright position and are often less powerful and more energy-efficient than their window-bound siblings. If you don’t have a portable unit yet and are looking into getting one, you can check out our SereneLife 12,000 BTU portable air conditioner review for a great option. For more info on AC preservation and repair, you can check out our article that explains how to stop an air conditioner from leaking water.

Getting Your Portable AC Unit Ready for Storage

STEP 1 Power Down and Disconnect Power Cord

1. Ensure the unit is fully turned off and unplugged from the electrical outlet.
2. Wrap the chord up and store it either in the designated chord compartment or bind it with a string or rubber band.

STEP 2 Remove Window Kit Equipment

1. Unscrew the ventilation hose from the port in the back of the unit and fold it up. To keep it compressed, fasten it with tape. If you have something like the best dual hose portable AC that has two hoses for added efficiency, make sure to unscrew both.
2. Take the slide out of the window. Remove the screws and store them.

STEP 3 Cleanse the Coils

1. Unscrew the front panel of the AC unit so that the air filters and coils are exposed.
2. Take a vacuum and remove any dust or debris from the coils. Vacuum gently and up and down so you do not damage them.
3. After putting on safety goggles and gloves, apply the coil cleaner and let sit for five minutes (or however long the spray bottle directs).

STEP 4 Drain the Tank

1. Unscrew the top drain knob and unplug the drip tray so that any residual water drips into the water container. Drain until there is no more drippage.
2. Put the plug back and screw on the drain knob.
3. Set the air conditioning unit on a platform that’s high enough to tilt it slightly back into a container.
4. Unscrew the bottom drain knob and then remove the drain plug.
5. As the excess moisture drains from the water tank, tilt it back further to drain completely.

STEP 5 Clean the Filters

1. Remove the air filters and clean out any dust with a vacuum. A general tip is that cleaning out the filters can improve the energy efficiency of your model, especially if they haven’t cleaned in a while. This is important if you don’t have a naturally-efficient model like the best mini split AC.
2. Rinse them out and let them dry completely before replacing them.

STEP 6 Find Storage Space

1. Replace the front panel and put the screws back in place.
2. Create an area for your unit, ideally inside or somewhere where temperatures won’t reach below freezing.
3. Place it in the box it came in. Cover it with garbage bags or a tarp if you don’t have the box.

F.A.Q.S