How to Store Heaters and Ac Units

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Whether you are storing a window AC for the winter or a space heater in the summer, doing so correctly is vital to ensure they are working correctly the following year. If you are storing them in a storage facility to free up room in your home, it is especially important that you perform some maintenance and prepare them properly so that they aren't damaged in storage.

Window AC Units

Come fall, you need to begin by cleaning out the AC unit. Remove the filter and vacuum it clean, and then rinse it with cold water. Finally, allow it to dry completely before replacing it. If the filter compartment is dirt, vacuum it out with an upholstery brush.

Set the unit outside and hose off the back, taking care not to get the front electrical panel wet. If the metal fins on the back of the unit are bent, straighten them with a fin comb. You can find this tool at hardware stores. Then, allow the unit to thoroughly dry before storing so there are no concerns about mildew.

You need to elevate the unit slightly in the storage facility so that air can circulate around it. This helps cut down on the chances for moisture to collect and mold to grow. The easiest way to achieve this is to place the AC on top of a pallet so it is elevated but air flow beneath the unit isn't compromised.

Space Heaters

Space heaters require slightly different preparation. Begin by allowing the units to cool down completely. Then, unplug the heaters and wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt. Heaters with fans can be vacuumed out to remove any debris. Heat disk style heaters may require removing the protective screen so you can wipe the dust from the disk.

Those that contain fuel, such as oil filled heaters, that aren't in a closed system will need to be drained before storing. Follow the manufacturer's directions. The fuel will need to be stored at your house, as most storage facilities don't allow fuel storage.

Unlike AC units that are prone to mildew, space heaters aren't so they don't need air circulation. Cover your space heater with a bag or place them in plastic tubs to keep dust off the heating elements.

For more information or for more advice, visit a website such as http://www.atozstorage.net for help.


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