Hi kwimberg,
Thanks for the post! Storing it might help, but the environment a sensor is in matters most for how long it lasts. PurpleAir air quality monitors generally last for about two years, and our post, How to Maintain an Air Quality Monitor for a Longer Lifespan, goes over what might reduce it.
Harsh conditions, such as salt in the air near a coastline or long periods of heavy smoke, could wear down the laser counters faster. Those are the parts inside the sensor that measure particles. Where conditions aren’t that harsh, leaving the sensor running outside for a season is unlikely to shorten its life much compared to storing it.
If you do decide to take it down, unplugging it is not the same as storing it. A sensor that is unplugged but still mounted outside is just as exposed to dust, insects, and moisture as before. Our After Installation guide recommends storing it in a dry place inside a sealed container.
Let me know if you have any more questions!