Long Term Unit Storage

Below are basic guidelines for long-term storage of our Trane light-commercial units. Outdoor storage is not recommended; however, when it is necessary, several measures must be taken to prevent damage. 

Long-Term Storage General Considerations

• Please contact your local Trane sales office for long-term storage service options.
• Inspect unit for shipping damage.  Report any shipping damage to the shipping company.
• Inspect unit for quality issues.  Report any quality issue to the sales office.
• Any damage to the units incurred during/as a result of unit storage will not be covered under warranty.
• Ensure the correct RTU number labels match the unit nameplate if applied. 
• Place units in a secure area to protect units from theft or vandalism.
• Allow proper clearance around the unit to perform periodic inspection and maintenance of the equipment while in storage.
• The storage humidity range for controls is 10-90% RH range NON-CONDENSING.
• Every three months (Quarterly), check to make sure the unit is free of animals or insects.
• Every three months (Quarterly), check the pressure in the refrigeration circuits to verify that the refrigerant charge is intact.  If it is not, contact a qualified service organization and the appropriate Trane sales office.
• Take precautions to prevent condensate from forming inside the unit’s electrical compartments and motors.
• Isolate all side panel service entrances and base pan openings (e.g., conduit holes, Supply Air and Return Air openings, and flue openings) from the ambient air until the unit is ready for start-up.
• Upon installation, after long term storage, great care must be taken to thoroughly inspect the units before any start process may be initiated.

Long-Term Outdoor Storage Considerations

• Remove any shrink-wrap material within 48 hours of receiving the unit.
• Select a well-drained area, preferably a concrete pad or blacktop surface.
• Place the unit on a dry surface or raised off the ground to assure adequate air circulation beneath the unit and to assure no portion of the unit will contact standing water at any time.
• Cover the unit securely with a canvas tarp. 
• Use only canvas tarps. Plastic tarps can cause condensation to form in and on the equipment, which may result in corrosion damage or wet storage stains.
• Allow proper clearance around the unit to perform periodic inspection and maintenance of the equipment while in storage
• Do not stack units.
• Do not pile other material on the unit.

WARNING:

Information in this article is intended for use by individuals possessing adequate backgrounds of electrical and mechanical experience and who comply with all federal, state, and local laws, rules, orders, or regulations related to the installation, service, or repair of a heating or central air conditioning product. Any attempt to install, service, or repair a heating or central air conditioning product may result in personal injury and/or property damage. The manufacturer or seller cannot be responsible for the interpretation of the information contained herein, nor can it assume any liability in connection with its use.