Storing Window A/C unit over winter.

Ryland · 11-21-13, 09:52 AM

The internet is failing me!
I have a window A/C unit and what I would like to do is store it on it's back/outside end over winter because I have a perfect sized spot that it will fit if I make a little caster wheel creeper for it.

Question is, will storing it on end over the winter damage it?

All of the Q and A web sites say it's just fine, but then I found on the Danby web site (not the brand I have) that said to never store it in any position other then right side up.
I know that for moving fridges that you should let it sit for 24 hours to let the oil flow back to the compressor and that makes sense.

Is there something else I am missing? is there a chance that a slug of oil or refrigerant could clog a small passageway?

Daox · 11-21-13, 09:58 AM

I think the key is like you said with the refrigerator, leave it upright for 24 hours (seems a bit excessive, but caution isn't always bad) before using it. I'm pretty sure I've stored them like this and haven't ever had any issues. But, I'm no expert!

warmwxrules · 11-23-13, 11:16 AM

I store my 8000btu window AC in my unheated garage (i'm in southwest WI) and i've had no issues. It gets below 0F in there at times... I also store fruit trees in there (pluots/peaches/nectarines) and they have never had any die off.

Ryland · 11-23-13, 08:31 PM

But are you storing your A/C on it's side or on it's end instead of right side up?

warmwxrules · 11-23-13, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryland

But are you storing your A/C on it's side or on it's end instead of right side up?

I'm pretty sure its always been stored how they normally would sit in a window. I may have had it on its side, but can't recall... sometimes i move that stuff around in the fall (i store it in garage along with a bunch of other junk).

Servicetech · 11-24-13, 07:48 AM

The issue with storign somethign with a compressor in it is the oil goes into the lines. As long as you let the oil drain back into the compressor before you start it up it should be fine.

Ryland · 11-24-13, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Servicetech

As long as you let the oil drain back into the compressor before you start it up it should be fine.

"Should" is the sticking point.
Am I risking ruining a $200 air conditioner?

Having it on end will allow me to store it in a tight corner of my basement, if I store it right side up then it has to live in valuable work space in the basement.

I think I'm going to go for it.

Servicetech · 11-24-13, 11:49 AM

Lack of oil in the compressor is the only damage that would be caused by storing it on it's side. Never RUN the AC on it's side !!!

11-21-13, 09:52 AM	#1
Ryland Master EcoRenovator Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Western Wisconsin. Posts: 913 Thanks: 127 Thanked 82 Times in 71 Posts	Storing Window A/C unit over winter. The internet is failing me! I have a window A/C unit and what I would like to do is store it on it's back/outside end over winter because I have a perfect sized spot that it will fit if I make a little caster wheel creeper for it. Question is, will storing it on end over the winter damage it? All of the Q and A web sites say it's just fine, but then I found on the Danby web site (not the brand I have) that said to never store it in any position other then right side up. I know that for moving fridges that you should let it sit for 24 hours to let the oil flow back to the compressor and that makes sense. Is there something else I am missing? is there a chance that a slug of oil or refrigerant could clog a small passageway?

11-21-13, 09:58 AM	#2
Daox Administrator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Germantown, WI Posts: 5,525 Thanks: 1,162 Thanked 374 Times in 305 Posts	I think the key is like you said with the refrigerator, leave it upright for 24 hours (seems a bit excessive, but caution isn't always bad) before using it. I'm pretty sure I've stored them like this and haven't ever had any issues. But, I'm no expert! __________________ Current project - To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. & To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

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11-23-13, 11:16 AM	#3
warmwxrules Helper EcoRenovator Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: La Crosse, WI Posts: 78 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	I store my 8000btu window AC in my unheated garage (i'm in southwest WI) and i've had no issues. It gets below 0F in there at times... I also store fruit trees in there (pluots/peaches/nectarines) and they have never had any die off.

11-23-13, 08:31 PM	#4
Ryland Master EcoRenovator Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Western Wisconsin. Posts: 913 Thanks: 127 Thanked 82 Times in 71 Posts	But are you storing your A/C on it's side or on it's end instead of right side up?

11-24-13, 07:48 AM	#6
Servicetech Apprentice EcoRenovator Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Moore Oklahoma Posts: 267 Thanks: 108 Thanked 23 Times in 21 Posts	The issue with storign somethign with a compressor in it is the oil goes into the lines. As long as you let the oil drain back into the compressor before you start it up it should be fine.

11-24-13, 11:49 AM	#8
Servicetech Apprentice EcoRenovator Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Moore Oklahoma Posts: 267 Thanks: 108 Thanked 23 Times in 21 Posts	Lack of oil in the compressor is the only damage that would be caused by storing it on it's side. Never RUN the AC on it's side !!!