CHI Good Questions: Help for A/C Unit Drafts?

Ellie sent us an email:

Thanks so much for your window insulation post... wondering if you have specific ideas for A/C window unit drafts too?

It's expensive for me to take out and then reinstall my a/c unit every season (building insists that a professional do it...)

Have a question? Send it to chicago@apartmenttherapy.com!

It's not the most gorgeous solution, but it does seem like it would be effective. We found the Insulated Indoor A/C Cover, $20.99 at Improvements, three sizes available.

Improvements says, "Our 2 part insulated cover stops virtually all the cold air and dust blowing in through your air conditioners vents, and prevents expensive heat loss too. More effective than plain plastic covers because besides the quilted poly/cotton outer shell, there is also a polyethylene-foam inner liner for added insulation."

Has anyone used one of these or something similar to handle a drafty window A/C unit? Let us know...

Top image: via iAndy

Comments (12)

I use covers like this for my air conditioners. The cover is particularly important in my living room, where the windows remain naked (see http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/good-questions/good-questions-curtain-inspiration-for-my-corner-window-035670).

I've found the covers to be helpful. They reduce the draft that comes in through the A/C units. As for appearance, they're no worse than the A/C unit itself--and of course, I could always sew some better material on the cover if I wanted.

I'm using them for the first time this year. My new house has units installed through the wall...no option to take them out for the winter! They do seem to help, but be sure to use insulating tape to seal the foam all the way around the unit--any gaps just defeat the purpose.

haha, so timely, I spent Saturday morning covering mine with wax paper. I was freezing (in NYC) and it was the only thing I had in the house that might work!

Its all about the plastic sheet window insulation kits from 3M. Cover the whole window where the AC unit is and you will notice the difference immediately.

I couldn't get these to fit over my 18,000 BTU A/C - and I tried two sizes. Other folks have had that problem (read reviews on Amazon).

Buy thin white foam (which is the insulating part of what they're selling with this cover) or small bubble bubble wrap and put it over the A/C. You can tape it to itself so it doesn't leave residue - not a perfect seal, but still cuts the wind. Also Mortite around the sides of the A/C, so there isn't air coming through that area.

I just moved in in the Fall, so I don't have an A/C yet. There is currently the metallic Aluminum to cover/seal my wall. However I found a draft 2 nights ago and was freezing. I bought a weatherproofing tape just today, will try it out tonight. What's the difference of insulating tape to the weatherproofing tape?

isn't it bad for the A/C to leave it in freezing tempratures in the window all winter? does anyone know?

hey louisa,
i've done it for 2 winters now... and so far my ac has been ok!
however, my ac wall unit faces out onto a patio that has a roof. so i'm interested in an answer to this question as well.

Our windows are badly sealed in general, so I cover the whole window with plastic, including the air conditioner.

I live in NYC and have used these covers for years - they are definitely definitely very helpful and if you put extra padding inside - could be flat sheet of styrofoam inside, it is even better. I have never removed my A/C from the window and they seem to work just fine. 10 years at least. I put chalking around the window too and this definitely helps.

Looking at ugly padding & wax wraps (:
Totally worth every penny to have them taken out for the winter. You get more light and an unobstructed view if you have one. No drafts = icing on the cake!