Your 3-Step Guide to a Perfect AC Installation, Every Time New York City's latest vengeful summer is in full, red-lining heat wave mode, and that means it’s time to get serious about installing that air conditioner. Because walking into a sweltering apartment after days of walking in sweltering outdoor heat makes about as much sense as walking into traffic, here’s our ultimate guide to evaluating your apartment, purchasing the right air conditioner, and installing it like the champ you are. If you don’t already have an air conditioner, know that your arguments against getting one wither in the sun with the passing of every day. As Daniel Engber pointed out in Slate, anti-AC cooling arguments often amount to moralizations held aloft by shoddy science. The cheapest options you could get from spots like Home Depot or Amazon start at just over $100 -- though you will want to pay a bit more for the long-term savings (and environmental karma) you’ll get out of an energy-efficient model.

The startup Geizeer is even working on a portable air conditioner they intend to sell for $97. Gadget The Sweet Home called LG’s $240 LW8016ER model its pick for the best air conditioner, based on extensive testing. Lastly, if you’re concerned over whether or not the energy costs will break the bank, try using an online energy calculator to get an idea of the cost based on the output of an individual unit. Once you have an air conditioner, installing it is a trickier prospect than you might realize. For one, there are certain regulations you’ll have to make sure you follow. For two, you don’t want to slice your hand open. Window-unit air conditioner Manufacturer’s instruction manual Grounded, three-prong outlet (no extension cords, no adapters) Power drill Screwdriver Foam seal Step 1: Assemble your unit Most residential window units are made with a top rail and accordion-like panels that will help keep bugs and rodents out.  You’ll want to use your screwdriver and follow manufacturer instructions to screw the top rail securely onto the top of your air conditioner.

For the side panels, you’ll typically slide the accordion-like panel into a track or slot on either side of your AC. (Be sure to insert each panel on the correct side, as inserting them backwards on some models can be an irreversible rookie mistake.) The plastic or metal frames of your panels should slide into the rail you fastened to the top of your unit. Step 2: Set the AC safely in your window As always, lift with your legs when hoisting your air conditioner into your window. Be careful not to cut your hand or arm on the sharp metal grate that is common on the back of most models. room ac and heat unitsYour air conditioner should rest over the edge of your windowsill at a very slight downward angle. should ac unit have ice on itThis helps with drainage of condensation as the air conditioner removes moisture from the air. carrier ac parts lookup

Fit the bottom of your AC onto the rail of your window and close the window behind the top rail of your AC, and extend the side panel. (While there is no strict requirement in New York City to use a metal bracket to support your air conditioner from the outside, it is widely considered a best practice and will give you peace of mind, and many landlords may require or supply it themselves.) Step 3: Secure the unit Here’s where the power drill comes in. All units should come with small metal brackets -- or at least holes for screws in the unit’s construction -- that allow you to lock the AC into your window frame. With the side panels extended, attach the metal brackets to them on either side, drill pilot holes into the window frame, and fasten your screws tightly. Do the same for any plastic holes you can get along the side panels. At this point, your air conditioner should be securely installed. We’d definitely recommend inserting a foam seal between your two window panels to make sure your cool air doesn’t escape.

You can get one for less than $15 and they often come with the packaging. As an added precaution, you might also consider fastening a small metal strut like this to ensure your top window sash does not slip down behind your lower sash in the window frame. Throughout this process, do not let your AC unit fall out of your window, especially if your apartment faces the street. Using the aforementioned secure metal bracket will go a long way to assuaging everyone’s fears of this. It actually doesn’t happen that often. Typically the owner of the unit is liable for any injury or damages sustained via falling air conditioner -- not the superintendent or building manager who might install it for you. You could also just get a pro to do it. Or ask your super. Or cool off in other ways. If you live in New York City, you can hit any of these beaches without a car, or a pool, so long as you’re aware of the health risks of public pool facilities. Box fans are cheaper and consume far less energy than air conditioners, so there’s no reason to say no to them.

And if all else fails, booking a lake vacation or hiking on a glacier are never bad ideas. Sign up here for our daily NYC email and be the first to get all the food/drink/fun New York has to offer. Eric Vilas-Boas has never let an air conditioner fall out of a window but -- as with glacier hiking -- there’s a first time for everything. Take your morbid curiosity to his Twitter feed.Frost King - Home Weatherization, Sealers & Insulation Products Not sure what product is right for you? Download our handy product selection guide: The entire line of Frost King Air Conditioner accessories will keep your house cool and your AC unit running at top efficiency throughout the entire summer. No more wasting money on drafts and leaks. In the Summer, Frost King AC insulation products and filters will keep the cool air in your house from leaking out, saving you money and energy. In the winter, Frost King AC Covers and insulation products can protect your AC unit from the elements and ready for the next summer.

The EPA recommends, “in the winter, be sure to insulate room air conditioners from the outside with a tight-fitting A/C unit cover.” Frost King has an entire line of A/C covers to keep your window and central air units covered throughout the winter. Once your AC unit is covered for the winter, you can seal the window with the entire line of Frost King Window seal products. The Deparment of Energy recommends that you replace or clean your window air conditioner filters regularly. Frost King has an entire line of Air Conditioner filters to keep your AC unit functioning in top condition, and your home’s air fresh and clean. All AC filters are washable, re-usable, and can be cut to proper size with scissors. Use the Frost King Air Conditioner Weather-seal to keep your AC unit from rattling in it’s window pane.  These highly compressible foam strips press into place around the unit and between the windowpanes. They dampen AC vibration and noise, and also reduce air leaks to the outside.