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.york ac unit fan not working How’s the weather outside the window? stand up air conditioner unitsA west-facing window could catch enough sun to force the air conditioner to work harder. the ac unit is not coolingDoes 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. These options won’t block the air conditioner and can be adjusted to give you privacy. Shop Window Air Conditioners 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 FansHome  Resources Tips & Articles 5 BIG Mistakes Homeowners Make When Replacing Their Heating and A/C Systems…And How to Avoid Them! Caveat Emptor — “Let the buyer beware!”

Especially when you’re looking to replace your home’s heating and air conditioning. All heating and air conditioning equipment (and all heating and air conditioning companies) are not created equal. When you’re in the market for a new heating and/or air conditioning system, don’t rush in to your decision. Preparation and research are essential. Be sure to look at several HVAC companies and consider several different comfort alternatives for your budget. Talk to friends and neighbors. And be sure to avoid these five common heating and air conditioning mistakes: Buying the Wrong Size Heating or Air Conditioning Equipment According to the Department of Energy, a large percentage of people who replace their heating and air conditioning systems end up with the wrong size equipment. The results are scary: high utility bills, a build up of mold in the ductwork, damaged equipment and uncomfortable living conditions. Make sure you get an accurate estimate from your contractor to determine your home’s physical characteristics that will correctly verify the proper size equipment.

Be Cautious of Big Discounts or Phony Offers Make sure that company isn’t cutting corners just to get the work and always get two prices. It costs a lot of money to buy and install the best equipment and hire quality installers. Be sure the company you choose is not using second-rate equipment or taking shortcuts. Always ask for a step by step explanation of how the installation will be done. Convenience of Heating and Air Conditioning Installations You shouldn’t have to wait days for a heating and air conditioning estimate or even longer to have your system installed. A lot of companies hire helpers or high school co-op students to work with mechanics. The mechanics don’t specialize in installing any particular type of system and lack the support, causing the completion to be delayed. Always include in the agreement a 5% penalty to the contractor for not completing the job on time. Using Untrustworthy Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors A recent survey revealed that 45% of homeowners feel uncomfortable to downright “creepy” when a contractor is in their home.

Make sure the company you are dealing with is a member in good standing with the BBB and has the proper insurance to protect you in case someone gets hurt on your property or your property is damaged. Insist on a list of several customers who have had the same system installed so you can verify any questions you may have. Not Getting a Written Guarantee Make sure the company is willing to stand behind the products and services it sells with a no-hassle, no-questions asked guarantee that will protect you and your family from any unseen breakdowns. Be sure the guarantee is in writing and includes a Performance Guarantee, Investment Guarantee and a real 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. What’s The Best Way to Avoid These Mistakes? Call Horizon Services to replace your heating and air conditioning system! You’ll get the right size equipment, the best value and a written guarantee from the heating and air conditioning company that homeowners in Delaware (Wilmington, New Castle County, Kent County), Southeastern Pennsylvania (Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County, and Bucks County), New Jersey >(Gloucester County, Camden County and Burlington County), and Maryland (Cecil County) have known and trusted for 20 years.