How To Uninstall Your Window Air Conditioner Unit Safely and Easily

With 30-degree temperatures and angry winds irreverently slapping us New Yorkers in the face, it’s officially getting cold. This means now is the perfect time to tell that noisy 50-pound gorilla chilling in your window, “A/C ya later!”

What happens if you don’t remove your air conditioner from the window?

Bad things.

First, your A/C can suffer from premature wear and broken components.

Second, heat could escape through your A/C’s accordion extension panels, making room for cold air to turn your home into a fridge.

Naturally, you’ll want to crank up your thermostat from 0 to 100 real quick, unnecessarily increasing your heating bill by about 3% for each Fahrenheit degree that you turn your thermostat up. And who wants to waste all that hard-earned dough?

(Pro tip: Before you leave home for eight hours, turn your thermostat back 10°F to 15°F. You’ll save 5-15% a year on your heating bill.)

But in order to bid your air conditioner adieu, first, you have to uninstall the dang thing, ideally with the help of a friend.

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Things you’ll need to get the job done safely:

• A long-sleeved shirt protects your arms from scrapes and serves as an extra grip.
• Work gloves.
• Toe protection. Steel-toe boots are a lifesaver if you drop the A/C on your little piggies.
• A screw gun or screwdriver.

Learn more: How to Install a Window Air Conditioner

How to Clean Your Window Air Conditioner: A Guide

Once you have removed your window air conditioner, it is a great opportunity to clean it before putting it away or reinstalling it.

Remove all dirt and dust by vacuuming the surfaces inside and outside. For deeper cleaning, use a mild detergent solution or water and wipe down the fins and coils without bending them. Rinse the filter well and let it dry before putting it back in place.

Finally, clean the casing on the outside to remove any grime that can lead to oil buildup, thereby reducing the efficiency of the Unit.

Learn more: How to Keep an Apartment Cool Without Air Conditioning

Tools Required for the Uninstalling Process

Before uninstalling a window air conditioner, gather a few essential tools to ensure a smooth and safe process. You will need a screwdriver to remove mounting brackets, a utility knife to cut through any adhesive sealing the Unit to the window frame, and a pair of gloves for safe handling.

A bucket and a towel are also handy to catch any water that may have been collected in the Unit, and a helper can be crucial if the AC unit is large or particularly heavy.

Learn more: Form Meets Function With These Beautiful Air Conditioners

Prepare the Area for Uninstallation

To prevent a mess or damage when you remove your window air conditioner, prepare the area before you begin. To avoid any electrical hazards, first turn off the unit and unplug it from the electrical outlet.

Clear the area around the window to create enough space for movement, and place towels or blankets beneath the Unit to protect the floor from potential water leakage.

It’s also a good idea to close any nearby windows and doors to minimize airflow, which could cause loose parts or dust to scatter during the process.

11 Steps to Uninstall your A/C in No Time

Step 1

Turn off your air conditioner. Always begin by turning off and unplugging the air conditioner to avoid any electrical hazards during removal.

Step 2

Unplug the A/C’s power cord from your outlet.

Step 3

Remove the A/C’s front panel and set it aside. Now loosen the mounting brackets by holding them firmly using a screwdriver, being sure of the weight of the AC.

Step 4

Lay a towel on the floor.

Step 5

Look out your window and make sure no one is directly below it. Then, stand on the A/C’s power cord just in case the thing decides to plummet. 

IMPORTANT

From here on out, make sure you have at least one hand gripping the A/C at all times. Nobody wants to get injured on their walk home.

Step 6

Remove the screws on one side of the unit.

Step 7

Put the screwdriver and screws to the side. With that same free hand, reach through the window, grip the A/C, and slide it over to the opposite side.

Step 8

Unscrew the remaining screws on the unit and put them aside.

Step 9

Use your free hand to open the top window pane.

Step 10

Carefully balance the A/C on the window sill with both hands, grab it, and lay it on the towel. If you installed any additional hardware to support your A/C in the window, remove that too, and lay it on the towel.

If you installed any additional hardware to support your A/C in the window, remove that too, and lay it on the towel.

Step 11

Close the window. Clean up. Celebrate like the boss that you are.

If you get stuck on any of the steps, watch Gizmodo’s handy “Removing Your Window A/C” video.

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Conclusion

It is very important to safely remove a window air conditioner because Unit maintenance is essential in order to keep the Unit in good working condition, not to mention protecting your property and yourself. When you have the right tools, preparation, and careful handling, you can better protect your investment and your property.

Moreover, regular cleaning is also secured after removal so that your AC is ready for use when you return in months when the warmer weather sets in again.

FAQs for How To Uninstall Your Window Air Conditioner Unit Safely and Easily

Q: How can I tell when it’s time to remove my window air conditioner?

If the temperature outside is consistently cool and you’re no longer using the AC, it’s a good time to uninstall it. Additionally, any visible wear, leaks, or damage may signal the need for removal.

Q: What should I do if my air conditioner is stuck in the window?

First, ensure all screws and brackets are loosened. You may need a utility knife to carefully cut through any sealant. If it’s still stuck, consider getting assistance to avoid damage.

Q: Can I uninstall my air conditioner on my own, or should I get help?

If the unit is light and manageable, you can likely uninstall it yourself. For heavier units, it’s safer to have someone assist to prevent injury or damage.

Q: What precautions should I take when removing my air conditioner?

Ensure the unit is turned off and unplugged. Use gloves to handle sharp edges, and have a towel ready to catch any water leaks. It’s best to have another person assist with larger units.

Q: Can I reinstall the air conditioner by myself later?

Yes, reinstallation can often be done independently if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to inspect the unit and brackets for any signs of wear before reinstalling.