How to Winterise your Cooling Unit

Whether you have a portable air conditioner or a evaporative air cooler, getting it ready for winter is an important step to keeping it in top condition year after year. In this guide we’ll look at our top tips to make sure you’re pulling out the same high quality unit next year that you put away this year.

Portable Air Conditioner

1. Properly store the power cord

To prevent the power cord from getting damaged while moving or in storage, coil it up behind the unit and secure it with some string, a zip tie, or some tape.

2. Collapse and store the window kit or exhaust hose

If you’re using the window kit or just the exhaust hose, this will similarly need to be stored properly. Remove the exhaust hose from the back of the unit (if possible) and gather it up. If using a window kit, remove this from the window and store it together with the hose.

You could consider getting a soft fabric bag to store these parts with your unit or, alternatively, use the original packaging if you still have this to hand.

3. Drain the tank

If your portable air conditioner has a tank that collects water, make sure this is properly emptied and dried before being put into storage.

4. Clean the filters

Your portable air conditioner likely comes with at least 1 dust filter. This may or may not be removeable. If it is a disposable filter, you might consider discarding of it and buying a new filter for the next season. If not, be sure to wipe or gently vacuum any dust from the filter.

5. Find a good storage location

The best place to store your portable air conditioner is inside your home. If it is kept in a place that may drop below freezing, it may damage components of your unit. A great place to store your unit is in a wardrobe, cupboard, or under the stairs. An insulated garage is also a good choice.

The best way to store your unit is in its original packaging, as this will allow you to keep all component parts together and out of direct sunlight. However, if this has already been discarded of, make sure you cover your unit with something like a tarp or blanket. Direct sunlight can discolour the plastic and cause it to become brittle.

Evaporative Air Cooler

Properly storing your evaporative air cooler is largely the same as storing your air conditioner, just with some important considerations for the different ways which they work.

1. Allow your unit to completely dry

Either empty the water tank or remove the continuous feed hose and let your unit completely dry before storing. This may take several days.

2. Replace the filter media

The honeycomb pads inside your air cooler will only last for 1 season, so these will need to be replaced ready for next year. To save the time drying these out, consider removing and replacing them now.

Using your portable air conditioner all year round

Some portable air conditioners, like the Devola Master 10000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner With Cooling & Heating, have an additional heat pump. This means it can be used all year round – as a cooler in the summer and a heater in the winter. There’s never a time when you’ll have your unit stored away, making them great value for money!