Air conditioning is not something I spend a lot of time thinking about in the winter, but I do spend a lot of time wondering how to cover air conditioning units this time of year. Most people I know living in apartments have their AC units drilled into their windows, so they can be a pain to remove each year. So most of us seal them up and try to look the other way. But some apartments come with huge AC units that are permanently mounted at the top of the wall that can be a lot more difficult to ignore. For those people, blogger Mara Greenwald of Design Evolving has the solution: a coverup made from IKEA BILLY bookcases. Mara’s wall unit air conditioner is necessary for her Chicago summers, but sits there like an eyesore the rest of the year. So she decided that building a coverup for October through April was worthwhile. When she noticed that her IKEA BILLY bookcases were tall enough to cover the unit, she decided to create a standing unit that would open and close when she needed — and didn’t need — the system in use.

The result is a neat and tidy storage unit that you would never know housed a bulky air conditioning unit. Click through to see more about how she created her coverup! The Before: A situation so many of us are familiar with. A necessary wall unit that is great for summer months, but is a non-functioning eye-sore the rest of the year. The project: Mara took the back off of her Billy bookcase and then measured and cut out a space large enough for the air conditioner to fit through. air conditioning unit requirementsThen the piece was reassembled and placed in front of the AC unit.quality auto repair miami fl The After: Now that the unit is tucked inside the cabinet, it can be closed and hidden in colder months.how hvac works home

When temperatures start to rise, Mara can open the cabinet to cool off the room.Average Through the Wall Air Conditioner Price    0% Interest Offers Available > Budget Through the Wall Air Conditioner 8,000 BTU 115-Volt Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Remote The LG Electronics 8,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Remote is ideal for cooling small to medium size rooms. The 3-speed fan adjusts to your cooling needs while the 4-way air direction circulates cool air evenly. With the 24-hour on/off timer, you can create a cooling schedule without wasting electricity. For simplicity and convenience, it includes a remote for temperature adjustment from across the room and an easy-to-read digital display. Through-the-Wall (TTW) wall sleeve sold separately. Best Value Through the Wall Air Conditioner 14,000 BTU 230-Volt Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Heat and Remote Frigidaires FFTH1422R2 14,000 BTU 230-Volt Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with 10,600 BTU Supplemental Heat Capability is perfect for rooms up to 700 sq. ft.

This unit also requires a special 230-Volt electrical outlet and will not operate with a standard 115-Volt household electrical outlet. In addition to cooling, this versatile unit also offers supplemental heat capability, providing you with an additional heat source to your main heat source when outdoor temperatures are above 45°F. Plus, the washable mesh filter with clean filter alert reduces bacteria, room odors and airborne particles creating a comfortable environment. High End Through the Wall Air Conditioner 10,200 BTU 115-Volt Built-In Cool-Only Room Air Conditioner in Gray GE appliances provide up-to-date technology and exceptional quality to simplify the way you live. With a timeless appearance, this family of appliances is ideal for your family. And, coming from one of the most trusted names in America, you know that this entire selection of appliances is as advanced as it is practical.Knowing how to insulate a window AC unit for the winter is one of best things one can do to keep heating costs under control once the thermometer starts to dip.

With this type of air conditioning unit, there are two options when it comes to weatherizing the home: cover and insulate around the unit or remove the unit entirely and seal the window for the winter. If you're unable to remove the window AC unit entirely from the window, you will need to insulate the unit to help keep the warm air from escaping the home. Weatherizing the window AC unit will also help extend the life of the appliance by protecting it from the damaging effects of the elements. Cut lengths of firm foam insulation sized according the height and width of the window unit. Use a putty knife to push the strips of insulation down into the tiny gap between the unit body and the window frame. Spray foam insulation can also be used; use it sparingly as the foam insulation expands tremendously. Remove the outside cover from the window AC unit so that the inside components are exposed. Place a thick plastic garbage bag over the unit so it covers it completely and tuck the excess parts of the bag inside so it is fully sealed.

Use duct tape to hold the bag in place if necessary. Once this is finished, reinstall the outside cover. Most hardware stores sell heavy fabric covers made specifically to fit window AC units. These covers slide right over the outside portion of the unit and help protect it from seasonal elements like heavy snow, rain, ice or hail. Pick one up and cover your air conditioning unit to keep it safe and insulated all winter long. These covers are also good to have in the event of a very strong thunderstorm regardless of the time of year, just be mindful not to run the unit with the cover in place. While taking the time to learn how to insulate a window air conditioning unit for the winter is a great way to help control your winter heating bills, nothing works as effectively as removing the unit outright. This allows you to close the window and seal it properly against winter's icy-cold touch. The problem is that the job usually requires an additional pair of hands and handling a heavy air conditioner on a ladder can prove to be difficult and dangerous.