Most in-window air conditioners are meant to fit inside vertically-sliding windows only, meaning those with larger, horizontally-sliding windows in their house are left out. DIY web site Instructables shows us how to easily mount a standard A/C unit in a horizontally-sliding window. While it isn't the prettiest solution, desperate times call for desperate measures, and if this summer heat has you at the end of your rope, you can install that air conditioner just by building a frame for it. All you need is a few 2x4s, some plywood scrap, and a few standard tools.The guide will work for windows of all sizes; you just need to make sure you measure your space correctly so that your air conditioner fits. And, if you plan on making this set-up a bit more permanent, you could always use a large piece of Plexiglas instead of the plywood, to make it look a little nicer. Hit the link for detailed instructions, and let us know your makeshift air conditioning tips in the comments. Mounting a Standard Air Conditioner in a Sliding Window (From the Inside, Without a Bracket) [Instructables]

How do you install a window AC in a sliding window? Choose a vertical-sliding window that is close to a three-prong outlet, and ensure that the windowsill is not damaged or rotten. Prepare the necessary screws to attach the mounting hardware on the windowsill or outer wall, and prepare the AC unit for installation. How do you install AC mounting brackets? What are the problems associated with portable AC window kits? Prepare a measuring tape, level, flat-head screwdriver, level, angle brackets and scissors. Electric drill, screws and wood may also be needed. After choosing a suitable vertical-sliding window, measure the window opening’s width to determine the appropriate size of the window AC. Fix the windowsill if it is damaged. Use the given screws to attach mounting hardware on the windowsill, ensuring the window AC is locked into place. Read the manufacturer’s manual for exact instructions. Use the required number of brackets, and use a level to ensure proper installation.

Install the built-in extension panels that come with the AC unit, and slide the AC into the window opening, positioning it into the mounts. Ask for help from another person if the air conditioner is too heavy. Once the AC unit is locked into place, secure it by closing the window. Fill gaps between the air conditioner and the window frame by sliding out the accordion panels. Use foam insulation strips to fill gaps between the air conditioner and window, and put a thick strip of foam between the lower and upper sashes. What makes used ac window units run hot? Airflow constriction due to dirt or grime may cause a window air conditioner to run hot. Storage and disuse may cause dirt to accumulate on the air conditi... What are some tips for ac window unit repair? A useful tip for window air conditioner repair is to diagnose the problem and know the cause before fixing it. Another important tip is for home owners to ... How do you install a vinyl window sill? Because replacing only the windowsill itself also involves taking out the entire window from the window frame, it is easier to replace the whole window alt...

Doors, Windows, & Locks What is a windowsill? A windowsill is the lowest horizontal structural piece at the bottom of a window. Interior sills are flat and are made from materials such as wood, vinyl, ... Where can one buy Tempstar furnace parts? What kinds of wood stoves does Vermont Castings make? What are overhead gas heaters? What are some do-it-yourself radon mitigation plans? What are some good pellet stove inserts?change air filter ac unit Where can an air conditioner capacitor be purchased?carrier central ac cover There isn't a great amount of literature on this subject it seems. cleaning your window air conditioning unitI have an air conditioner, the manual assumes that you have a vertical sliding window, but I have one that slides horizontal, so how do I install the unit?

Most window units are designed for double hung windows. If you want to place it in a casement window (or a sliding window) you really should use a unit designed specifically for that. However, anything can be hacked. If you build a proper bracket/shelf, and then enclose the top part (plexiglass, for instance) you can probably use what you have (provided it fits, of course). Most of the ones I've seen are install like this with a timber frame made to sit into the window frame then put the air-conditioner inside of the frame and box it out with plywood, but this looks like a much neater installation where the frame is made from c channel with a perspex panel above the airconditioner. It would probably depended on how long you intend to have the air-conditioner install in the window, as to which option you would go with. Rolling portable units solve all such problems, The only thing that needs fit in the window, sash or slider, is the adapter for the flex duct (similar to a dryer duct) that takes the place of the AC's sitting inside the window or wall.

Such units also have the advantage of portability: set them up quickly where ever needed or using whichever window is most convenient. As for casements--assuming that were all you had, the non-crank pane would need to be removed and modified to receive the duct adapter. The inside portable units also offer the advantage of easy cleaning and servicing; and an greater efficiency viz-a-viz a window/wall unit exposed to direct sun and hot outdoor temperatures; and cooling capacity which is not governed by window opening size. They are also much easier to find than vertical window units.Window air conditioners are cost-effective and can provide relief quickly. Window-mounted air conditioning units are a cost-effective alternative to central air when renting or when installing central air is cost-prohibitive or otherwise inconvenient. A window air conditioner can also provide immediate relief on a hot day if central air installation is in your future plans but not yet a reality. Make sure that your window unit is installed properly, especially when it has the potential to fall from several stories up.

Installing these units is not difficult, but there are some common installation mistakes you should avoid. Sizing The most common problem when installing a window air conditioner is often simply installing a unit of the wrong size. To operate efficiently and effectively, a window air conditioner should have a cooling capacity of 20 British thermal units per square foot of space in the room. A unit that is operating in a room with high ceilings or in direct sunlight may need to have a slightly larger capacity, but it is important to understand that bigger is not always better. An oversized window unit running in a small room will not cool better than a smaller unit. A smaller unit running for a longer period of time is more efficient than a larger unit continually turning itself on and off. The most practical and economical way to stay cool is to make sure the window unit is the right size for the space. Weight Distribution When installing a window air conditioner, many people simply open the window, slide the air conditioner into it, and close the window as far as it will go.

This installation method forces the window itself and the window sash to bear the weight of the air conditioning unit and could potentially damage the window. This is especially true with vinyl replacement windows, which can be easily broken or warped by a heavy air conditioner. When installing your unit, take the time to attach a strip of wood to the outside of the house just underneath the window to help support and distribute the air conditioner’s weight. If the unit is extremely heavy, use L-brackets to install a shelf for it to sit on. Make sure the shelf is constructed of expanded metal or another porous material so it does not block the water draining out of the unit. Keep It Level Air conditioners remove water from the air as part of the cooling process, much like a dehumidifier. This causes condensation to collect inside the unit and drain from a hole in the back. Many people incorrectly believe that window air conditioners should be installed at an angle to help facilitate this drainage.

In reality, air conditioners are built with gutters and channels that direct the water where it needs to go when the unit is level. Tipping the unit can direct the water away from the proper channels and into parts of the air conditioner where it should not be. This may actually make it more difficult for the unit to drain. Always make sure that the air conditioner is level when it is installed and allow the internal channels to direct the condensation to the drain on their own. Insulation As is true of all heating and cooling appliances, a window air conditioning unit must work harder when it is located in a poorly insulated room. Unfortunately, placing an air conditioner in a window requires keeping the window open and creates an opening between the inside and outside of the house. Fill the space between the top and bottom window panes with a strip of insulating foam. Most air conditioners come with foam that can be cut to size; if yours did not, or if last year’s foam is worn out, replace it with a new piece of foam from the home improvement store.