Know Before You Buy Your Window Air Conditioner Determine the window where you’ll install your air conditioner. If there’s no three-prong outlet nearby, you’ll need an extension cord labeled for air conditioner use. Check the load on the circuit you plan to use. If it’s also powering other devices, even simple ones such as a hair dryer, you may want to choose another window near a different circuit, add a dedicated circuit, or move those other appliances somewhere else to avoid a tripped breaker or blown fuse. Not every air conditioner fits every type of window. Determine whether your window is a slider, a double-hung, or a casement style. Most units work only in double-hung windows with a lower sash you can raise and lower. Also, measure the width and the height of the window opening to confirm whether an air conditioner will fit. Decide how much additional insulation and rain protection you’ll want to add around the window (beyond the air conditioner’s side curtains).

For example, you may want to add pieces of white expanded foam insulation along the sides or within the gap between the upper and lower window sashes. How’s the weather outside the window? A west-facing window could catch enough sun to force the air conditioner to work harder. Does the wind typically whip rain against that side of the house? Consider adding additional barriers to keep the water outside. If you have curtains or drapes at the window, consider adding a blind or shade. list of ac unit brandsThese options won’t block the air conditioner and can be adjusted to give you privacy.cost of moving air conditioner unit Shop Window Air Conditionershvac unit not turning on Prepare the Window for Your Window Air Conditioner

Inspect the window to make sure it’s in good repair. After installation, you probably won’t open that window for months until it’s time to remove the unit, so now’s a good time to wash the glass inside and out. You’ll also want to clear the area around the window and leave yourself plenty of working space with no tripping hazards. Check for obstructions in the window opening, such as storm window frames or screens that might interfere with the overhanging part of the air conditioner on the outside. Raise or remove the screen and either remove the storm window (and frame) or fasten a spacer block to the windowsill to lift the air conditioner case away from the storm window frame. CautionThere’s a reason to fasten spacers in place instead of leaving them loose. Weather, vibration, and the challenge of lifting a heavy air conditioner onto a windowsill can knock an unsecured spacer out of position, allowing the unit to tilt or even fall. Install Your Window Air Conditioner

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare the air conditioner for mounting. This may include attaching brackets and the accordion-style side curtains, for example. Double-check the air conditioner’s measurements and compare them to the window opening. With the bottom window sash up as far as it will go, center and insert the air conditioner in the window. Keep it balanced as you slide the flange on the bottom of the case against the outside edge of the windowsill. Then lower the bottom window sash until it rests on the air conditioner and securely against the top flange. Good to KnowAvoid installing the air conditioner so the top tilts slightly downward. Depending on the model, this could keep condensation from draining properly out the back or bottom. After balancing your air conditioner on the windowsill, it’s easy to see why you need that top sash to stay put and hold the unit in place. To prevent the sash from being accidentally raised, insert at least two screws through the upper flange on the air conditioner case into the window sash.

The screws could possibly split the wood if you don’t drill pilot holes first. Use a bit that’s slightly smaller than the core of the screw. Then wrap a piece of masking tape around the bit so that it limits your drilling depth to the length of the screw. Then do one of the following: Attach the L-shaped clips that connect the bottom sash frame to the top sash frame, or cut spacers from 2-in. x 2-in. stock and wedge them between the bottom sash and the top of the window frame. Good to KnowNot all windows allow you to use L-shaped clips to hold the bottom sash in place. If your window resembles this vinyl window (to the right), you can make a replacement for clips by cutting strips of wood just long enough to wedge snugly between the sash and the top of the window frame. We cut these from paint stirring sticks. Pull the side curtains out to the edges of the window frame to keep bugs and moisture and hot air from entering the room. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for directions on screwing or clipping the curtains in place.

Expanding curtains help seal your room, but they’re no substitute for insulation. Consider cutting white foam insulation board to fit snugly around the opening from the outside if your window receives lots of sun. You can also buy accordion-style insulating panels and cut them to fit the opening. That gap between the frame of the lower sash and the window on the upper sash needs to be filled. If your air conditioner comes with a foam seal, you can cut it to size and slip it in place. If your foam filler disappeared during the winter while the air conditioner was in storage, you can buy them separately. Plug it in (use an air conditioner extension cord, if needed). That was probably hot work, so pour yourself a cold glass of water while you wait for your newly air conditioned room to cool off. Shop Air Conditioners and FansCool your home and control humidity levels by installing a window A/C unit Before you install a window A/C unit, make sure the window is sound and sturdy enough to support the weight of the air conditioner.

If there’s any rot or damage, make the necessary repairs first. Also remember to place your unit near an electrical outlet as it is unsafe to connect your it using an extension cord. WHAT YOU NEED FOR THIS PROJECT • Attach mounting brackets for support using wood or sheet-metal screws. • Slide accordion panels onto both sides of the A/C unit. • Place the A/C unit onto the mounting brackets. • Lower the window on top of the A/C unit. • Extend accordion panels and screw them into place. • Fill gap between lower sash and window pane with foam weather stripping. • Plug in the A/C unit, push the power button and set desired temperature. • Measure the width of the window and apply foam weather stripping. • Adjust the window bracket and secure it using L-shaped brackets. • Lower the window. • Connect both ends of the vent hose. • Plug in the portable A/C unit, push the power button and set to desired temperature.