When the cooling season ends, proper storage decides whether your Midea PortaSplit will cool reliably again right away next summer. This step-by-step guide walks you through winterizing the portable split air conditioner safely – from the condensate to the right storage spot.
📣 Update: The Midea PortaSplit is getting an upgrade – the upcoming 2027 generation switches to propane (R290) and should be easier to buy. → Midea PortaSplit gets an upgrade (2027, R290)
Related: The R32 ban from 2027 – what lies ahead for the Midea PortaSplit.
Why winterizing matters
The PortaSplit is a portable split air conditioner with an indoor and an outdoor unit connected by a factory-prefilled hose with quick couplings. Residual moisture, dust and improper storage are the most common causes of odors, mold inside the unit and start-up problems after the winter break. If you dry the unit thoroughly before storing it and then keep it upright, dry and frost-free, you noticeably extend its lifespan and avoid nasty surprises in spring.
Winterizing the Midea PortaSplit: step by step
- Switch the unit off, wait at least one minute, then unplug it.
- Drain any remaining condensate completely (details below).
- Run the unit in pure fan/ventilation mode for two to three hours to dry the heat exchanger and interior – only then switch it off for good.
- Remove the air filter, clean it and let it dry completely.
- Detach the outdoor unit as described in the manual and carefully coil up the refrigerant hose.
- Wipe both units and the accessories dry.
- Store everything upright, dry and frost-free – ideally in the original box.
Draining the condensate properly
In cooling mode, most of the condensate is transported to the outdoor unit and evaporates there. Even so, residual water collects in the indoor unit and can be drained manually via the drain port. Keep a shallow tray ready, open the drain plug on the underside or rear, and let the water drain out completely. Tilt the unit only slightly and gently while doing so. Only once no more water comes out is the indoor unit ready for the drying phase.
Drying the filter and interior
The washable air filter can be cleaned with lukewarm water. Afterwards, let it air-dry completely – not on a radiator or in direct sunlight. Never reinsert the filter while it is still damp, because residual moisture inside the unit is the most common cause of mold. The fan-mode run recommended earlier ensures that the heat exchanger and the inside of the housing are truly dry as well.
Outdoor unit and refrigerant hose (R32)
The PortaSplit uses R32 refrigerant in a factory-filled, sealed system with self-sealing quick couplings. Important: never open, shorten or disconnect the refrigerant circuit yourself – it is neither necessary nor permitted (F-gas regulations) and can damage the unit. Detach the outdoor unit only at the designated couplings as described in the manual. Then coil the hose generously without kinking it (mind the minimum bending radius) and wipe it dry.
The right storage location
- Upright: this protects the compressor oil. If the unit was transported lying down or at an angle, let it stand upright for 24 hours before the next start.
- Dry and frost-free: a basement or storage room rather than an unheated garage or shed – frost can cause residual water to freeze.
- Dust-protected: use the original box or a breathable cover, not airtight plastic film (risk of condensation).
- Remote control: remove the batteries to prevent leakage.
Bringing it back into service in spring
Before the first start, check the filter, hose and seals for cleanliness and damage. If the unit was stored tilted, let it rest upright for 24 hours before switching it on. Mount the outdoor unit as described in the manual, plug the unit in, and first run it briefly in fan mode before switching to cooling. That way the PortaSplit runs efficiently again right from the start.
The device at a glance
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I have to drain the refrigerant before storage? No. The R32 stays in the sealed system, and the quick couplings are self-sealing. In any case, only certified specialists may work on the refrigerant circuit.
Can I overwinter the PortaSplit in the garage? Only if it is frost-free and dry. Unheated garages with a risk of frost are unsuitable, because freezing residual water can cause damage.
Why store the unit upright? So the oil in the compressor does not shift. If the unit was lying flat or at an angle, let it stand upright for 24 hours before starting.
How often should I clean the filter? During the season, every two to four weeks depending on use – and once thoroughly right before winterizing.
What if there is a musty smell after winter? Usually residual moisture or mold is behind it. Clean the filter and dry the unit in fan mode; if that does not help, have the indoor unit cleaned professionally.
Sources: Midea PortaSplit user manual (ManualsLib), Midea PortaSplit: draining condensate (video guide). Always follow the original manual supplied with your unit.
