In the sweltering heat of summer, there's nothing more frustrating than trying to install a portable air conditioner in a casement or crank window. The window kit that comes with most portable air conditioners is designed to be installed with a traditional sliding window, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the clean look of a crank window and the cool comfort your new portable air conditioner provides. The easiest way to vent your portable air conditioner with a casing or crank windows is to fabricate an insert to fit into the window. This way you can keep the cool air in and keep the hot summer air out.Things to Keep in Mind:Be sure to plan out the details for cutting or drilling before you get to the hardware store. Many portable air conditioner manufacturer's recommend that the air conditioning unit be placed as close as possible to the installation site, so that the venting hose doesn't need to be extended. This is especially important to think about before you drill a hole in the Plexiglas or Styrofoam.

An inch one way or the other may impact whether or not the hose can reach the hole that's been drilled. Now that you've brought your new insert home, it's time to install it in your window. To do this, open your crank window and hold it in place with a latch. By attaching the latch to the widow and window frame, you're helping prevent possible damage to the open window. Make sure the widow is reasonably secure and won't get damaged if there is a breeze or light wind. Next, you need to secure the insert to the window frame. There are several ways to do this. One idea is to use twist clamps to secure the insert. If you know you're going to use Plexiglas, another idea is to use retainer clips (like on the back of a picture frame) to hold the Styrofoam or Plexiglas in place. Since your insert is the only thing that divides your home from the outdoors, it's important to seal it and make sure that it's reasonably weatherproof. To do this you can caulk where the window frame and casing meets.

Another option is to use self-adhesive weather stripping. You should be able to find these tools at your local hardware store or at larger home improvement stores. If you're going to use self-adhesive weather stripping, you may want to attach it to the insert before you secure the insert to the window frame. One thing you'll want to keep in mind is that the weather stripping should fit tightly between the window frame and the insert so that it forms an effective seal. The weather stripping should have enough pressure on it so that it compresses and is about half of its normal thickness where the window frame and insert meet. Making sure the weather stripping fits snugly is key to weatherproofing your insert. Another weatherproofing option is to simply run the weatherproof stripping along the area where the window frame and insert meet. To make extra sure the window is as weatherproof as possible, you can fit the weather proof stripping between the wall and insert and also run it over the area where they meet.

If you use this method, you can help ensure that your insert is as weather proof as you can possibly make it. Now that you've fabricated your insert, installed it and made sure it's weatherproof, it's time to set up your portable air conditioner. The last step is attaching the hose to your insert.  Congratulations, now you can relax and enjoy your portable air conditioner. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for operating your new portable air conditioner, and look forward to a comfortably cool summer!car air conditioner not cold enoughHow can I install a window air conditioner into my metal framed window?how to fix ac unit fan motor May 13, 2006   Subscribeyork central air conditioning prices How can I install a window air conditioner into my metal framed window with no place to screw in the rails?

Bookmark us and come back to visit sometime... 55 Preparedness Items  21 Popular Preps  People Are Buying Preps On This List During the summer months a widely overlooked security vulnerability in the home is something that is hiding in plain sight — and especially noticeable to a burglar. One potentially easy way that a burglar may gain access to your home is through the window after pushing in the window air-conditioner on the 1st-floor. When the weather warms up, the window air-conditioners are installed. How many of you have at least one window air-conditioner on the 1st floor of your home? Have you ever thought about how easy it might be for a burglar to push/force in a window air-conditioner unit and gain entry to your home when you’re away? Here’s what you can do about it: Most window air-conditioners are simply installed and held in place by gravity, tucked behind the window sash which keeps them from falling out – maybe with a few small screws holding the accordion side-panels in place.

Many people don’t even install a single support screw into the window sash itself because the air conditioner holds itself in place by gravity and its downward force against the window sash. So, what can you do to better secure your window air-conditioner? At least install a screw through the air-conditioner’s top mounting rail into the window sash. Most window air conditioners include a drilled-out hole in the top center to accommodate this. Consider drilling additional holes through the same top mounting rail to accommodate more screws into the lower window sash (see illustration below). (Sliding Window Lock, Window Stop, Window Restrictor) To prevent the burglar from pushing and forcing up the window to reach in underneath and shove the air conditioner (even with the A/C unit attached and screwed to the sash – although difficult), install window frame locks which prevent this motion… Depending on the style of your window, you might consider something like this:

‘Do It Yourself’ Window Lock: Another thought: While the air conditioner is mounted in the window you might simply measure the distance from the top of the lower window frame to the very top of the double-hung frame itself, and then cut a wooden dowel to snugly fit – which can be wedged to prohibit the window from opening further… Another clever idea is a window wedge (Window Wedge) – if your window accommodates it. After reading about the (Window Wedge), you might not need to use the Velcro… if there’s enough ‘gap’ you might simply insert the wedge which may hold itself in place (I have not tried this). The product is designed to keep a window from opening for child safety, although it should perform equally well when inserted (wedged) at the height with the A/C installed… Here’s a great product that will absolutely deter a would-be burglar. The second they begin to force open the window, this cleverly designed window-alarm will alert (based on motion/vibration sensing).

It’s just about 3-inches in diameter and ‘sticks’ onto the window inside. It has an ‘off’ switch for your convenience when opening the window yourself… Doberman Security SE-0106-4PK Ultra-Slim Window Alarm (4 Pack)On the window with the air conditioner, install a burglar alarm window decal on a window panel where it will be plainly visible. This alone may be enough to prevent a break-in as the burglar may move along to an easier target. Security Burglar Alarm Decal Stickers Depending on the width of the window air conditioner, the ‘accordion’ side panels may be extended fairly wide, or maybe not. This is an obvious weak point of entry for a burglar to punch through and gain leverage to shoving the air conditioner itself. While the aforementioned suggestions will slow down or deter a burglar (likely to the extent of giving up – because they’re looking for a quick way in without attracting attention), all you can do about the accordion panels is to fashion and attach/secure/bracket your own wooden side panels to the window frame itself.