The best way to store a window air conditioner depends on whether you’re removing it for the season or leaving it installed through winter. For a removed unit, I’d start with the Multi-Functional Portable Air Conditioner Storage Bag, which pairs a weather-resistant design with handles for moving and storing. If the AC stays in the window, the THERMWELL AC2H Cover offers a dedicated cover, while the Breeze Stop Side Panels address gaps around the unit rather than covering the whole AC. The main tradeoff is portability versus in-place protection, along with fit and how much exposure your unit gets to weather. Read on for the full comparison and help choosing the right approach for your setup.
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Key Takeaways
- Removed units call for a storage bag: The two 74 x 33 x 37 cm bags are the lineup’s direct options for carrying and storing an AC, while covers and side panels are intended for units that remain installed.
- The two portable bags serve similar roles: Both list weather-resistant protection and the same dimensions; handles are specifically noted on the Multi-Functional bag, giving it a clearer advantage for carrying.
- A cover and side panels solve different winter problems: The THERMWELL cover and two-pack covers shield the AC itself, while Breeze Stop and the insulated foam panels target gaps around the unit.
- Fit information varies across the lineup: The foam panels state compatibility with 5,000–15,000 BTU units, but buyers still need to check the window and AC layout rather than treating BTU range as a complete fit guarantee.
- There is no single best choice for every installation: Removal favors a bag; leaving the AC in place favors a cover, panels, or both, depending on whether the main concern is the unit’s exposure or drafts around it.
| Multi-Functional Portable Air Conditioner Storage Bag Waterproof with Handles, 74 x 33 x 37 cm |  | Best Waterproof Storage Bag | Material: Polypropylene | Dimensions: 74 x 33 x 37 cm | Alternate dimensions: 29.13 x 12.99 x 14.57 inches | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Breeze Stop Surround Insulation Side Panels for Window AC Units |  | Best for Sealing an Installed Window AC | Panel material: 1-inch-thick insulating foam covered in vinyl | Pieces included: Three: two side panels and one top panel | Maximum stated window width: 36 inches | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| THERMWELL AC2H Air Conditioner Cover, 18 x 27 x 16 Inches, Silver |  | Best for a Compact Outdoor Unit | Dimensions: 18 x 27 x 16 inches | Material: Polyethylene | Color: Silver | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Portable Storage Bag for Air Conditioners, Weather-Resistant, 74x33x37cm |  | Best Multi-Purpose Storage Pick | Material: Polypropylene | Dimensions: 74 x 33 x 37 cm | Alternate dimensions listed: 29.13 x 29.13 x 14.57 inches | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Window Air Conditioner Insulated Foam Side Panels – Weatherproof, Noise-Reducing, Universal Fit for 5000-15000 BTU Units |  | Best Trim-to-Fit Insulation Panels | Material: High-density, closed-cell foam | Compatibility: Most window AC units rated 5,000–15,000 BTU | Stated window-width fit: Within 17 inches | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| 2 Pack Window Air Conditioner Covers, Indoor&Outdoor AC Cover for Winter |  | Best for Seasonal Window-Unit Protection | Set contents: One indoor cover and one outdoor cover | Indoor cover dimensions: 25 × 17 × 3.5 in | Outdoor cover dimensions: 25.5 × 20.5 × 18 in | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| way to store window air conditioner | Material | Dimensions | Closure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-Functional Portable Air | Polypropylene | 74 x 33 x 37 cm | Zipper |
| Breeze Stop Surround Insulatio | — | — | — |
| THERMWELL AC2H Air Conditioner | Polyethylene | 18 x 27 x 16 inches | — |
| Portable Storage Bag for Air C | Polypropylene | 74 x 33 x 37 cm | Zipper |
| Window Air Conditioner Insulat | High-density, closed-cell foam | — | — |
| 2 Pack Window Air Conditioner | — | — | Buckle and drawstring |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Multi-Functional Portable Air Conditioner Storage Bag Waterproof with Handles, 74 x 33 x 37 cm
For storing a portable air conditioner indoors between seasons, this bag offers the clearest moisture-focused protection in the group. Its waterproof polypropylene body and zipper help shield the unit from dust and incidental spills, while the handles make a loaded bag easier to move into a closet or storage area. At 74 x 33 x 37 cm, it shares its stated size with the Portable Storage Bag for Air Conditioners, Weather-Resistant, but this model explicitly describes its protection as waterproof rather than weather-resistant. That distinction may matter in a damp storage spot, though neither bag replaces a dry, sheltered location. Check your AC’s measurements before buying: “fits most” is not a guarantee, and this bag is not designed for window units left installed. Its extra household-storage use is handy, but buyers focused only on an installed window AC should choose a fitted cover or insulation instead.
Pros:- Waterproof polypropylene is suited to protecting stored belongings from moisture and spills.
- Zippered closure helps keep dust off the unit.
- Handles and a wide opening make loading and moving the bag easier.
- Can also store linens, clothing, or seasonal decor.
Cons:- The listed dimensions may not accommodate every portable AC; measure the unit first.
- A storage bag is not a fitted cover for a window AC left in place.
- The listed color choices may not suit every storage area or home.
Best for: Owners of portable AC units who want a zippered, moisture-resistant bag for indoor seasonal storage and easy carrying.
Not ideal for: People storing a window AC while it remains installed, or anyone whose portable unit exceeds the listed dimensions.
- Material:Polypropylene
- Dimensions:74 x 33 x 37 cm
- Alternate dimensions:29.13 x 12.99 x 14.57 inches
- Closure:Zipper
- Colors:Blue, black, and transparent
- Recommended uses:Bedding, clothing, decor, electronic accessories, and sports items
Our verdict“Choose this bag for carrying and storing a portable AC indoors when its dimensions fit and moisture protection is a priority.”
Breeze Stop Surround Insulation Side Panels for Window AC Units
Rather than covering or storing an air conditioner, the Breeze Stop panels address the gap around a unit that stays in the window. The three-piece foam-and-vinyl surround includes two side panels and a top panel, helping block drafts, light, and some outside noise. That makes it a better match for year-round window installation than the THERMWELL AC2H cover, which is intended for protecting a differently sized AC unit from winter weather. The panels fit window openings up to 36 inches wide and attach with adhesive flaps, but they require trimming for a snug fit and do not replace the AC’s existing plastic side pieces. If your goal is to remove and store the unit, these panels are the wrong tool; they make more sense for someone keeping the AC installed and sealing around it.
Pros:- Includes two side panels and a top panel to cover more of the opening.
- One-inch insulating foam can help block drafts and outside noise.
- Adhesive flaps provide an attachment method for the AC and window frame.
- Panels can be cut to fit different openings up to the stated width.
Cons:- Requires careful cutting with scissors for a snug installation.
- Does not replace the air conditioner’s existing plastic side panels.
- Designed to seal around an installed unit, not protect a removed AC in storage.
Best for: Window-AC owners who leave their unit installed and want to reduce drafts, light, and noise around the opening.
Not ideal for: People removing a window unit for seasonal storage, or buyers unwilling to trim panels to fit their window.
- Panel material:1-inch-thick insulating foam covered in vinyl
- Pieces included:Three: two side panels and one top panel
- Maximum stated window width:36 inches
- Attachment:Adhesive flaps
- Trimming:Can be cut to fit
- Intended function:Block drafts, noise, and light around an installed window AC
Our verdict“Pick Breeze Stop when your window AC stays installed and sealing the surrounding gaps matters more than seasonal storage.”
THERMWELL AC2H Air Conditioner Cover, 18 x 27 x 16 Inches, Silver
The THERMWELL AC2H is a fitted cover for a small, exposed air conditioner, not a storage bag for a removed window unit. Its 18 x 27 x 16-inch size and elastic strap make it a more contained option than either 74 x 33 x 37 cm portable-AC bag in this roundup, but that compact fit also makes measuring essential. The polyethylene cover is water-resistant and frost-resistant, offering a basic barrier against winter weather and drafts. Compared with the Breeze Stop Surround panels, it protects the covered unit rather than sealing the gaps around an AC that remains in a window. The tradeoff is that it only suits units close to its listed dimensions, and the product data notes that plastic may degrade over time. I would choose it for a matching outdoor unit, not as a substitute for indoor seasonal storage.
Pros:- Water-resistant polyethylene offers a basic barrier against winter exposure.
- Elastic strap helps keep the cover in place.
- Lightweight at 4.8 ounces and easy to install.
- Listed dimensions make it straightforward to compare against a compact unit.
Cons:- The 18 x 27 x 16-inch fit will not suit many larger AC units.
- Polyethylene may degrade over time.
- A cover for an installed unit does not provide enclosed indoor storage for a removed AC.
Best for: Owners of a compact outdoor AC unit whose measurements match the cover and who want a simple winter barrier.
Not ideal for: Owners of larger or irregularly shaped units, or anyone seeking a reusable indoor bag for a removed window AC.
- Dimensions:18 x 27 x 16 inches
- Material:Polyethylene
- Color:Silver
- Water resistance:Water-resistant
- Weight:4.8 ounces
- Fit:Sized for units near the listed dimensions
- Securing method:Elastic strap
Our verdict“Choose the THERMWELL cover for a compact outdoor unit that matches its dimensions, not for storing a removed window AC indoors.”
Portable Storage Bag for Air Conditioners, Weather-Resistant, 74x33x37cm
This bag suits buyers who want one container for a portable AC and other seasonal household items. Its 74 x 33 x 37 cm polypropylene body, zipper, and handle make it similar in purpose and stated size to the Multi-Functional Portable Air Conditioner Storage Bag, but the description calls this one weather-resistant rather than waterproof. I would favor the other bag where stronger moisture protection is the deciding factor; this pick makes more sense when general seasonal organization and moving convenience matter more. The wide opening helps with loading, yet the fit still depends on the AC’s actual dimensions, so measure before purchasing. Like any bag in this roundup, it is for a removed portable unit, not for covering a window AC that remains installed. Its storage versatility is useful, but it does not solve drafts around an in-place unit the way Breeze Stop panels do.
Pros:- Polypropylene construction is described as weather-resistant.
- Zipper and wide opening make packing and access more convenient.
- Handle helps with carrying a packed bag.
- Can be reused for other household storage.
Cons:- Weather-resistant is not the same as the explicitly waterproof claim on the Multi-Functional storage bag.
- The dimensions may not fit every portable AC, so measuring is necessary.
- Not intended to seal or protect a window AC while it remains installed.
Best for: People with a portable AC who also want a reusable seasonal organizer for household belongings.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need explicit waterproof protection, or owners looking for a cover for an installed window AC.
- Material:Polypropylene
- Dimensions:74 x 33 x 37 cm
- Alternate dimensions listed:29.13 x 29.13 x 14.57 inches
- Weight:266 g
- Closure:Zipper
- Colors:Blue, black, and transparent
- Intended use:Portable AC and general household storage
Our verdict“Choose this bag for flexible seasonal storage of a portable AC and household items when weather resistance is sufficient.”
Window Air Conditioner Insulated Foam Side Panels – Weatherproof, Noise-Reducing, Universal Fit for 5000-15000 BTU Units
These panels are for people who leave a window AC in place and want insulation around it, rather than a way to store the unit itself. The closed-cell foam panels and reusable double-sided tape are designed to fit many 5,000–15,000 BTU units, with trimming available for a closer match. Compared with the Breeze Stop Surround panels, this set emphasizes high-density foam and a stated temperature range, while Breeze Stop includes a top panel as well as two sides. This package includes only two panels, so check whether it covers the gaps in your particular installation. The adhesive avoids screws or tools, but may weaken in extreme weather; trimming also takes care and can affect the fit. Choose these to insulate around an installed AC, not to protect a removed unit during indoor storage.
Pros:- High-density closed-cell foam helps limit heat transfer.
- Reusable double-sided tape allows installation without screws or tools.
- Panels can be trimmed to fit many standard window AC setups.
- Rated temperature range is stated as -20°F to 120°F.
Cons:- Only two panels are included, unlike Breeze Stop’s two side panels plus a top panel.
- Trimming may be needed for a close fit.
- Adhesive may lose effectiveness in extreme weather.
Best for: Owners of standard 5,000–15,000 BTU window ACs who want tool-free, cut-to-fit insulation around an installed unit.
Not ideal for: People removing their AC for winter storage, or buyers whose window opening needs a top panel or exceeds the stated fit limits.
- Material:High-density, closed-cell foam
- Compatibility:Most window AC units rated 5,000–15,000 BTU
- Stated window-width fit:Within 17 inches
- Temperature range:-20°F to 120°F
- Package contents:Two panels
- Attachment:Reusable double-sided tape
- Fit adjustment:Panels can be trimmed
Our verdict“Pick these panels to insulate around a compatible window AC that stays installed, but choose a storage bag or fitted cover for a removed unit.”
2 Pack Window Air Conditioner Covers, Indoor&Outdoor AC Cover for Winter
For a window AC that stays installed through winter, this set covers both sides of the unit: a padded indoor cover helps limit drafts, while the waterproof outdoor cover shields against moisture and debris. That two-sided approach makes it a better fit for an installed unit than the Multi-Functional Portable Air Conditioner Storage Bag, which is designed to hold a removed appliance. The outdoor cover uses 600D polyester, and the indoor cover combines polyester with embedded cotton; both are reusable, and the indoor cover is described as machine washable. The tradeoff is fit: the listed dimensions and BTU ranges are specific, so measure your AC before choosing a size. It also protects an installed unit rather than providing a way to store one after removal.
Pros:- Includes separate indoor and outdoor covers for an installed window unit
- Heavy-duty, waterproof 600D polyester outdoor cover
- Padded indoor cover helps reduce cold drafts
- Reusable covers, with the indoor cover described as machine washable
Cons:- Must match the cover dimensions to the AC; the listed BTU ranges alone may not confirm fit
- Does not protect or carry a unit removed for off-season storage
- Outdoor fabric can shield the unit, but the listing does not establish a custom fit for every window installation
Best for: Owners leaving a compatible 6,000–12,000 BTU window AC installed over winter who want indoor draft coverage and an outdoor weather barrier.
Not ideal for: People removing their window AC for the season, or owners whose unit dimensions do not match the listed cover sizes; this set is not a carry or storage bag.
- Set contents:One indoor cover and one outdoor cover
- Indoor cover dimensions:25 × 17 × 3.5 in
- Outdoor cover dimensions:25.5 × 20.5 × 18 in
- Size M stated compatibility:6,000–8,000 BTU window air conditioners
- Size L stated compatibility:10,000–12,000 BTU window air conditioners
- Indoor cover material:Double-layer polyester with embedded cotton
- Outdoor cover material:Waterproof 600D polyester
- Closure:Buckle and drawstring
- Care:Reusable; indoor cover described as machine washable
Our verdict“Choose this two-cover set if your correctly sized window AC will remain installed through winter; choose a storage bag instead if you plan to remove it.”
How We Picked
I ranked these products by how directly they address the main ways people store a window AC: removing it and keeping it in storage, or leaving it installed and protecting it in place. I weighed the stated purpose, portability, weather protection, fit details, and whether a product protects the unit itself or closes gaps around it. Clear dimensions and included features matter because a storage solution only helps if it suits the unit and the way it will be stored.
The Multi-Functional Portable Air Conditioner Storage Bag ranks first for its combination of stated weather resistance, handles, and defined dimensions, making it the most versatile option for a removed unit. I placed the other bag next because it shares the same dimensions and weather-resistant intent but does not list handles. The remaining products serve narrower in-place needs: the THERMWELL cover is a dedicated single-unit cover, the two-pack offers multiple covers, and the side-panel options focus on insulation around the window opening. Product details supplied here do not establish fabric thickness, fastening methods, or exact measurements for every AC configuration, so I treat those as fit checks rather than assumed advantages.
| way to store window air conditioner | Material | Closure |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-Functional Portable Air | Polypropylene | Zipper |
| Breeze Stop Surround Insulatio | — | — |
| THERMWELL AC2H Air Conditioner | Polyethylene | — |
| Portable Storage Bag for Air C | Polypropylene | Zipper |
| Window Air Conditioner Insulat | High-density, closed-cell foam | — |
| 2 Pack Window Air Conditioner | — | Buckle and drawstring |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Way To Store Window Air Conditioner
Before choosing a product, decide whether the air conditioner will come out of the window. That choice determines whether you need a carrying and storage solution or winter protection for an installed unit; the remaining questions are about fit, moisture, and the weak points in your particular setup.
Will You Remove the AC or Leave It Installed?
Make this decision before comparing cover styles. A bag is useful only after the unit is removed, and it can help keep the appliance together while it is carried or stored. A cover or side panel is meant for an AC that stays in its window, so it does not solve the weight and handling problem of taking the unit down. Removing a window AC can be awkward, and the work may call for another person or suitable support. If you plan to leave it installed, prioritize protection around the window and follow the AC maker’s guidance for winter use. Buying a bag when you need in-place draft control, or a cover when you need to transport the unit, is a common mismatch.
Match Protection to the Exposure
Think about what needs protection: the whole appliance, the outdoor-facing portion, or the gaps around the frame. A cover is aimed at the AC itself, while side panels are aimed at spaces beside it; neither automatically replaces the other. Wind-driven rain, snow, and sun exposure vary by window location, so an exposed wall may call for a different setup than a sheltered one. Check whether the product description specifies indoor or outdoor use and how it attaches before relying on it for weather protection. Avoid assuming that a weather-resistant bag is suitable as a permanent outdoor cover. If water can collect around the unit or window, address drainage and installation rather than expecting a cover to correct the underlying problem.
Check Dimensions and Installation Geometry
Measure the AC body and the space it occupies, including any protruding controls, brackets, or side curtains that affect the fit. The two storage bags list dimensions of 74 x 33 x 37 cm, but those numbers should be compared with the unit rather than treated as universal sizing. For installed covers, confirm which part of the AC the listed measurements apply to and whether the cover can accommodate the window setup. A stated BTU range, such as 5,000–15,000 for the foam panels, is not a substitute for checking physical dimensions and panel arrangement. Buyers often overlook the extra room needed to put a cover on or remove it. When measurements are missing, confirm them with the seller before choosing.
Plan for Moisture and Storage Conditions
Protecting an AC from rain is not the same as preparing it for long-term storage. Before storing a removed unit, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and drying it, and keep it in a dry place where it will not be crushed or exposed to extreme conditions. A bag can help contain dust and make handling easier, but its weather-resistant wording does not confirm that it is airtight or suitable for damp storage. For an installed AC, consider how a cover could affect trapped moisture and follow the product’s directions for use and removal. A tight cover placed over a wet unit may not be the right choice. The safest plan accounts for both outside weather and the chance of moisture lingering around the appliance.
Decide Whether You Need a Cover, Panels, or Both
Covering the AC and sealing side gaps address different parts of the window assembly. A cover can shield the unit, while foam or surround panels can reduce drafts through open spaces; one product may not perform both jobs. If cold air enters around the frame, side panels may address the source more directly than a cover alone. If the main concern is exposure to weather, a cover may be the more relevant first purchase. For a particularly drafty or exposed installation, using both types could make sense, provided they fit and do not interfere with safe drainage or the AC maker’s instructions. Avoid layering products simply because they are available; identify the problem first.
Choose Convenience Versus a More Tailored Fit
Handles can make a heavy, removed AC easier to move, while a simple cover may be quicker to put on and take off when the unit stays in place. Side panels ask for more attention to the window’s shape and the space beside the AC, but that targeted fit can be useful when drafts are the main issue. A two-pack may suit someone protecting more than one unit, though a single-unit household may not need the extra cover. Do not assume that a product described as universal will fit every frame without adjustment. Consider how often you will remove or reinstall the protection, since awkward access can turn a theoretically useful product into one you rarely use. The best tradeoff is the one that fits both the installation and your maintenance habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I remove my window air conditioner for winter or cover it in place?
Either approach can work, but the right choice depends on your installation, local conditions, and the AC maker’s instructions. Removing it lets you store the appliance indoors and use a bag for carrying and dust protection, but the unit is heavy and the window must be secured afterward. Leaving it installed avoids the lifting and creates a need to manage drafts and outdoor exposure with suitable covers or panels. Check that any in-place protection does not block drainage or conflict with the manufacturer’s guidance. If you are unsure whether the window can be safely sealed after removal, factor that into the decision before taking the unit out.
Can I use a storage bag as an outdoor winter cover?
Do not assume so based only on a bag being described as weather-resistant. A storage bag is primarily suited to a removed unit, and its material, closure, and intended exposure may differ from those of a cover designed for an installed AC. Check the product’s stated use and care instructions, especially whether it is intended for outdoor exposure while fitted to a running or inactive window unit. Also consider how water drains around the installation and whether the bag could trap moisture. If the AC remains in the window, choose protection specifically described for that use rather than relying on a transport bag.
How do I know whether a storage bag will fit my air conditioner?
Measure the unit’s outer dimensions and compare them with the bag’s listed measurements, allowing for any handles, controls, or protrusions that change the space it needs. The two bags in this roundup list dimensions of 74 x 33 x 37 cm, but a listed size does not confirm compatibility with every model. Check whether those measurements refer to the usable interior or the outside of the bag if that detail is available. Leave practical room for inserting and removing the AC rather than choosing a fit that is only just large enough. If the listing does not clarify sizing, ask for confirmation before purchasing.
Do side panels replace an air conditioner cover?
Usually they address a different part of the installation. Side panels are meant to fill or insulate spaces around the AC, while a cover shields some or all of the appliance itself. If your main problem is cold air coming through the window gaps, panels may be the more relevant fix. If the unit is exposed to outdoor weather, panels alone may leave the AC body uncovered. Some installations may benefit from both, but check fit, drainage, and product instructions before combining them. Base the choice on the gap or exposure you need to address rather than the product name alone.
Is a two-pack cover a better choice than a single cover?
A two-pack makes the most sense if you have two window AC units to protect or want a spare for another season, provided the covers fit both appliances. For one unit, the extra cover may not add practical value, and a single-unit cover with clearer sizing or a better fit could be the more sensible choice. Check whether the two covers are the same size and whether that size matches your AC. Also confirm how they are intended to be used, since “indoor and outdoor” wording does not by itself clarify fit or installation details. Choose the pack size based on your actual units, not just the number of covers included.
Conclusion
For most people who plan to remove and store an AC, I’d choose the Multi-Functional Portable Air Conditioner Storage Bag as the best overall option because it combines listed weather resistance, defined dimensions, and handles. The Portable Storage Bag is my best value-style pick for buyers who need the same basic storage role and do not need listed handles. For an installed unit, the THERMWELL AC2H Cover is the most straightforward single-cover choice, while the 2 Pack Window Air Conditioner Covers suits households with two units. Beginners should start by deciding whether the AC is coming out, then match the product to that plan: a bag for removal, a cover for the unit, or panels for window gaps. If drafts are the specific problem, compare the Breeze Stop panels with the insulated foam panels and verify dimensions before buying; the foam option states a 5,000–15,000 BTU range, while the Breeze Stop is the more direct surround-panel pick.
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