Whereas putting in a central air conditioning system typically requires a professional crew, installing a window air conditioner is a cinch. Even a self-described hopeless amateur ought to have little trouble here. In fact, you’re likely to become somewhat of an expert on the process, being that most homeowners choose to remove window air conditioners at the end of the summer and reinstall the units the following year. Bear in mind, however, that not all window designs are meant to accommodate such a large, unwieldy box. The following instructions apply only if you wish to install a window air conditioner in a sash or double-hung window. - Window air conditioner - Insulating foam strips Window air conditioners are sold in a variety of sizes, and each model has a different cooling capacity, rated in BTUs. Many online calculators exist to help you identify the number of BTUs needed to efficiently cool a room of a given size. BTUs aren’t your only concern, however. You also need to be certain that the unit physically fits in your window.

Before you shop, measure the width of the window opening and don’t purchase any air conditioner whose housing wouldn’t leave about two inches of wiggle room on either side.ac service houston texas Once you’ve purchased and unpacked an appropriately sized air conditioner, you’re ready to install it—but first, grab a friend. deals on window ac unitsTwo pairs of hands are best for all but the very smallest air conditioners. installing lg window ac unitBefore you move on, attach any provided rails, flanges, or accordion-style panels (or wings) according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using the provided screws. Now your first step is an easy one: Open the window! Open it wide enough to accommodate the height of the air conditioner.

Next, pick up the unit and rest it on the bottom of the window frame. Have your helper hold the unit in place while you see to the remaining tasks. Most window air conditioners are designed with two flanges—one that runs along the top of the unit, another along the bottom. These flanges facilitate the installation process and improve the air conditioner’s stability. After positioning the bottom flange so that it abuts the windowsill, proceed to lower the window sash (which you had raised in Step 2) until its bottom rail meets the top flange on the unit. The air conditioner should now be held in place by the top sash, but have your helper keep hold of it lightly until you’ve completed the next step. Your air conditioner probably came with one or two small angle brackets that must be used to secure the two sashes together, preventing them from slipping apart or from being accidentally opened, either of which occurrences could cause the air conditioner to fall out of the window.

Place the angle bracket against the top sash where it meets the top of the bottom sash. Mark where the screws should go, drill pilot holes, and tighten the screws using a screwdriver. Extend the accordion-style panels (which you attached in Step 2) and secure them to the window using the manufacturer-provided screws. At this point, make sure that all screws that came with the unit have been secured according to the instructions. The last step is to seal the opening between the upper sash and the lower sash, which has been raised to accommodate the unit. Your air conditioner should have come with a foam insulating strip. Cut it to length, then fit it snugly into the gap between the lower sash and the glass panes of the top sash. If your unit didn’t come with an insulating strip, you can—and should—buy one at your local home improvement center and install it. - If you choose to remove the air conditioning unit before the winter, remember to store it upright in a dry location.

- If your air conditioner came with L-brackets, be sure to put these in place before lifting the unit into the window.You purchased a window air conditioner to cool your room or apartment. Time to install it! Luckily, it only takes a few minutes and you'll be cool soon. Follow our step-by-step guide to make installing your window AC as easy as possible. Step 1: Find the Center of Your Window Step 2: Add Weather Strip if Provided Step 3: Install Side Panels Step 4: Lift Air Conditioner into Window Step 5: Install L Brackets Step 6: Extend and Connect Side Panels Step 7: Secure Unit and Start Cooling Make sure you select a window close enough to an outlet. Most window AC's have power cords between 5 and 6 feet long. See what side of the AC the cord extends from, and choose an outlet the cord reaches. Also have your owner's manual out to follow along with the manufacturer's directions. Expert Tip: Be careful removing it from the box. The back of the unit can be sharp.

Remove all the pieces from your box to confirm all the parts were sent. Measure the width of your window, and mark the center with a pencil. Marking the spot will make installation easier and ensure the side panels evenly reach both sides of your window.If a weather strip is provided from the manufacturer, install it now. These strips help block any air that may pass through tiny cracks and protects your window from possible damage when you're installing or removing of the AC. Not all models will have these weather strips, and your AC will work fine without one. Slide the panels into the appropriate place on your unit. Slide them all the way in and then secure the adjustable panels into your window AC using provided screws. Connect all the screws to avoid any gaps—which can let warm air, allergens, and pollution into your home. Expert Tip: It’s best to use 2 people for this step. Even if you can lift it yourself, it's safer to have an extra set of hands to close the window and secure the AC.

Pick up your AC and center it in your window. Then tightly close your window on top of the AC; there should be a spot where the window easily slides into place. Most of the unit's weight will be outside, so be careful lifting it into place. Once you close the window, your AC should be securely in place. The hard part is done! Now you’re just securing everything and finishing up. Installations vary at this stage based on the manufacturer, but most models include at least one L bracket to hold the window securely in place. Screw the L bracket or brackets to the top of the opened window. This prevents the window from being pushed up, which is the main concern once window ACs are installed. If your AC doesn't come with a bracket to hold your window in place, we highly suggest you use one from your tool collection. If provided, add the window padding to the sides of your open window (top picture above). If no padding came with your model, just extend the side panels to reach your window (bottom picture above).