Why does an air conditioner need to sit for 24 hours after you install or move it?
Its best to let it sit after installation because compressor oil may have shifted out of it during handling——letting it drain back to the compressor will ensure no damage from lack of lubrication if its started dry.
Settle your window air conditioner for at least 24 hours.
You should wait for 30 minutes before turning your new air conditioner on so that the freon can settle into its appropriate place. Plus, if you start to operate the air conditioner too soon, it can potentially damage itself. However, depending on their model or features, some parts must wait 24 hours to settle.
Quality of your Air Conditioning Unit
Fortunately, most of the modern units work efficiently, so you will not have problems with long and short cycles. So, how long should AC stay off between cycles? Between 7 and 10 minutes after every cycle is ideal.
A portable air conditioner should not be tilted, inclined, or positioned on its side or back during operation, as sideways use of an air conditioner will cause damage. As a result of oil depletion and the inability to retain condensate, the compressor could permanently fail.
It's not too great for the environment, either, and you could quickly wear down your air conditioner and require a replacement before you know it. From time to time, it's important to give your air conditioner a break. Let the components have a rest so that you can keep your equipment longer.
If your system doesn't start up right away, it's likely because the temperature is set to something higher than what's in the room. Turn the thermostat to 5 degrees below the indoor temperature and wait a few minutes to ensure your system is working properly.
Generally, if you're going to be 100 percent sure that the oil has settled back down into the compressor, you should leave it for 24 hours. However, when having it delivered, the company you bought the appliance from may recommend leaving it only for eight hours before turning it on.
It is not a good idea to let your portable AC lay on its side because it may incur internal damage such as permanent compressor failure. Air conditioners require condensation and adequate oil to function -laying on its side will cause these to spill.
On average, it will take between 4 to 8 hours to replace an air conditioner. If you are replacing both your furnace and air conditioning unit at the same time, then the job will take between 8 to 14 hours.
Can you lay a portable air conditioner on its back for transport?
A portable AC should not be tilted, inclined or laid on its side or back during operation. This could lead to permanent compressor failure due to oil deprivation and inability to retain condensate causing it to spill on floor.
You can use a portable air conditioner in just about any room with a window, and they're great for spot cooling in rooms that lack proper ventilation. When you move from one room to the next, you can easily roll the unit along the floor and bring it with you.

Your AC will actually run longer overall if it is left on all day instead of being shut off. If you turn it off for part of the day, it runs less and results in more energy savings for you. In almost all cases, it will save you money to shut off your AC while you are away from home.
Leaving your air conditioner on is actually more efficient than frequently turning it on and off. Having your AC on also allows you to better control humidity in your home throughout the day. The lower the humidity in a home, the more comfortable it feels during hot weather.
For indoor coils, you can use a rinse-free cleanser. After rinsing the coils, don't turn on your air conditioner immediately. Let the unit dry for 30 to 60 minutes.
Nothing to Worry About
Modern air conditioners are meant to run for years, often running daily for months at a time. As long as the AC receives regular seasonal maintenance and is in good working condition when it's shut down, you should have no trouble when you turn it back on.
When running an air conditioner in the winter, the unit reverses its function and fills your space up with warm air instead of cold—saving you the cost of getting a separate heating system. So yes, air conditioners do indeed work in winter.
Freon (which is really just a particular brand of refrigerant) lasts forever. It's not like gas in car; it does not get “used up.” You see, your air conditioner's refrigerant system is a “closed/sealed system,” meaning that it does not allow refrigerant to escape in any way.
Its because the compressor lubrication oil could get into the cylinder of the compressor and if not given plenty of time to drain back into the oil sump at the bottom of the compressor, could cause major compressor valve damage on start up. 2 or more hours is a good rule to observe.
Depending on the appliance's age, the size of the hole, and the amount of coolant in the unit, it can take 30 minutes to six hours for Freon to leak out of an AC or refrigerator.
How long keep portable AC upright?
If it has been necessary to transport the portable air conditioner on its side, it should be stood upright for an equal amount of time as it was on its side before plugging it in. If it was on its side for more than a day, leave standing for 24 hours before running.
Tip. You should always keep your air conditioner upright, even during storage or shipping when possible. Air conditioners should never be installed or operated on their side. It can damage various components and interfere with normal operation.
Raise your outside AC unit. - YouTube
Overall, the average cost to replace a whole-home AC compressor is about $1,500. However, depending upon the size of the unit and a few other factors, it may cost as little as $800 or as much as $3,000. The factors that can affect your AC compressor's replacement or repair cost include your home size and HVAC type.
It is highly recommended not to send the AC unit through courier on its side or in an upside-down position. This placement could cause damage to the mounting of the compressor. In case you stored or transported an air conditioner on its side, let it rest in the upright position for an hour before turning it on.