A few more tips on installing your window a/c If you haven't installed your window a/c yet, it's probably at the top of your weekend to do list.  Be sure to check out our recent post focusing on all things A/C, and these tips from Lessons from a Small Landlord columnist Craig Roche:Pick a window that isn’t over the entrance and is away from where people walk, if possible. Most people don’t like to get dripped on when they are fishing out their keys. Also, if you drop your A/C unit, you won’t kill someone.Get the right sized unit for your apartment and for your window.  It's not just a question of matching BTUs to the size of the area being cooled. Small A/C units don’t fit in large windows (they’ll fall out), and even small units don’t fit in some small windows. If you just moved to a brownstone, you’ll probably need to upgrade to a bigger or wider unit as original brownstone windows are too big and too thick to grab the slots around the A/C. Use brackets. New York City law requires that window air conditioners installed in buildings six stories and higher be secured with metal brackets or mounting rails.

(More info is here.)Get rid of the accordion-style ear flaps around your A/C unit and replace them with a custom-made plexiglass template. Some hardware stores will do this, or you can call Liberty Cool. This will seal much better than the ear flaps, and lets a lot more light into the room. However, it doesn't seem to help much with the streetnoise.If they'll do it, pay your landlord or super to install your A/C unit, especially the first time. They know how the windows in your apartment are set up, and can show you what works and what doesn’t.Seal the area around and under the A/C unit with old towels or foam. You wouldn’t expect the fridge to work well with the door open, would you?Don’t open the window that the A/C is sitting in. Otherwise, when you open your window, your A/C will fall out. In fact, you should lock it shut with a cut-off broomstick or a 2x4 sized to fit between the top of the window and the bottom of the frame.  If your landlord will let you, drive a screw through the inner window into the outer window for even more security.

If you have bars on your window, or your windows are too wide, don’t despair! You can get a portable air conditioner. These gadgets have a giant hose that plugs into the window; the main unit is safely on the floor. They are slightly more expensive than window units and slightly less efficient, but they are far easier to install and store.Put pigeon spikes on top of your unit if you can. I had a pair of turtle doves build a nest on my A/C unit one weekend, and I spent the next month sweatily watching them raise their chick. how to install wall mount ac unitHad I turned on the unit, I would have quickly had a roasted squab.how to size home air conditioning unitGlue some cloth or carpet to the top to deaden the sounds of water from upstairs units banging on the metal lid of your unit.non window unit air conditioners

Finally, ensure that your unit is sloped enough so that the water drains away from the window. Otherwise it can pool and create mold and rot problems, and your apartment will smell dreadful. Even a small angle is sufficient; just enough to ensure that the water flows out rather than in.Related posts:Summer’s coming: Here's what you need to know as A/C season nearsThe Appliance Doctor: Quick fixes for impatient New Yorkers in a high-end appliance worldIs spending $350 to get your a/c cleaned worth it?Care for some mold with that a/c?3 ways to get around a/c-unfriendly window barsDecorations So Good, They're Scary.  Prices, promotions, styles, and availability may vary. Our local stores do not honor online pricing. Prices and availability of products and services are subject to change without notice. Errors will be corrected where discovered, and Lowe's reserves the right to revoke any stated offer and to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions including after an order has been submitted.

Window A/C Unit Install Need your air conditioner installed? Our installation professionals will help you keep your cool. or at your local Lowe's store. Work with a Lowe's sales associate to plan your install project and select the right air conditioner for your home and budget. 2 Get Started Get an in-store installation quote. Purchase your window A/C unit and installation services together, and an installer will contact you to schedule the installation. 3 Get Finished Sit back while Lowe's professional installers perform the work in a timely manner. Enjoy your completed project. Let Us Remember for You Never forget to change your air conditioner filter again. Select the Set a Reminder button on the right-hand side of any product page and follow the instructions. Satisfied Customers Our air conditioner installation services received an average rating of 94% from thousands of installation customers surveyed. Explore Air Conditioners Choose the perfect air conditioner to cool off and save on energy costs with this guide.

Get Started Lowe's Window Unit A/C Installation Find window unit air conditioners, ENERGY STAR® qualified room air conditioners, Sleep Mode Air Conditioners, and other heating and cooling solutions for your home at Lowe's. Use a Lowe's professional installer to ensure a smooth install for your new air conditioner.Secure a window-based air conditioner to prevent burglars from entering the home. Window air conditioning units can provide quick cooling to any room in a home, but they are also a target for burglars. Instead of just sliding the unit in, homeowners should take extra measures to protect the window. Once applied, the window will be fully operable during seasonal weather when the air conditioner is no longer needed. Some of the extra security measures can still be used on the windows when the air conditioning unit is no longer in place. Install an air conditioner bracket to the outside of the unit. The bracket not only supports the air conditioner, but it attaches to the bottom of the unit and the house, making it harder to move the air conditioner.

Add a sliding window lock to each side of the window frame. Depending on the type, the locks are bolted or screwed in. They prevent burglars from sliding the window up and down. Attach the lock into the frame just above the window. Measure the length from the side of the unit to the wall. Purchase and attach a steel corner brace to each side of the air conditioner. Connect the other end to a secure section of the wall. Use screws or bolts to secure the brackets in place. This prevents thieves from pushing the air conditioner in or pulling it out. Screw in plastic vent flaps directly to the window frame. If the air conditioner is smaller than the window, plastic vent flaps need to be pulled tightly to cover up the holes. This is a vulnerable spot for burglars. Use three or more screws to attach it directly to the window frame. Install a small window sensor alarm. Magnetic controls set above the air conditioner will go off if the unit is moved or the window is opened. The high-pitched noise will alert anyone in the home and likely scare the burglar away.