These compact units are reliable, durable, able to cool virtually any size room, and today’s models are exponentially more energy efficient than units built just 10 years ago. Insert the guide panels into the guides of the air conditioner. You can also buy accordion-style insulation panels and cut them to fit the opening. Consider what side of the house your window faces. Open the window! This frame would also prevent water (either rain or drainage) from entering the bus, and provide a little structural support to hold the air conditioner up. Prices, Promotions, styles, and availability may vary. And for additional support, especially for larger air conditioners, consider purchasing a steel support bracket and mount it to the outside house wall, directly below the windowsill. Fasten spacers in place to keep the unit from tilting or even falling. And then, wrap a piece of masking tape around the bit so that it limits your drilling depth to the length of the screw. Removing a window air-conditioner unit can be difficult, so unless you really need access to the window or want to create a better seal for winter, it's best to leave it in place and protect it with a slip-on cover. The perfect location for a window air conditioner is closest to the center of the room and on the shady side of the house. Position the unit’s bottom guide, or flange, flush against the window stool. Errors will be corrected where discovered, and Lowe's reserves the right to revoke any stated offer and to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions including after an order has been submitted. And the last thing you want is for your A/C unit to fall out window or onto the floor. Choose from well-known window air conditioner brands like LG window air conditioners and Frigidaire window air conditioners, then let us handle the rest. Pick a window that’s nearest to the electrical outlet. Also measure the width and the height of the window opening to confirm whether an A/C will fit. Now we fill the gaps and prevent the air blow inside a room as an important part of our guide on how to install a window air conditioner. Save the air conditioner’s original box and packing materials; you can use it later for storing the unit. There are several essential factors to consider when deciding where to install your window type air conditioner. With the bottom window sash up as far as it'll go, center and insert the A/C in the window. Here are some examples. When it’s time to install a window air conditioner, most people simply put it on the window sill, close the window and use that to lock it in place. Slide them all the way in and then secure the adjustable panels into your window AC using provided screws. How To Install a Window Air Conditioner. The energy efficiency of a room air conditioner is designated by its EER number, which stands for Energy Efficiency Rating. (Check with the air-conditioner manufacturer for specific installation instructions.) Air conditioners draw a fair amount of electricity, so be mindful of the circuit into which you plug the unit. If you choose a unit that’s too small, it’ll struggle to keep the room cool on the hottest days. Here, I’ll share some tips on what to consider when buying an air conditioner, and then how to install it securely and remove it for winter storage. Make sure to keep all of the hardware contained. Position the A/C Unit in the Window Go back into the house. Start by reading the installation manual and familiarizing yourself with all the included hardware and fasteners. Here’s a simpler, no-math way to determine which size air conditioner to buy. Then lower the bottom window sash until it rests on the A/C and securely against the top flange. The installation kit typically includes two small L-shaped metal brackets, which are used to prevent the lower sash from being raised. While keeping the window AC unit balanced, slide the flange at the bottom of the air conditioner until it leans on the windowsill. For example, pieces of white expanded foam insulation will help keep the weather outside. Start by reversing the installation steps, but be very careful not to unscrew the two small L-shaped brackets until you’ve slid the air conditioner into the room far enough so that it’s resting securely on the windowsill and not tipping in or out. Center the air conditioner in the window opening. With a partner, lift the A/C and slowly push it through the window opening and onto the platform assembly. Installing window air conditioner into a vertical position, which is a window that slides up and down instead of left and right, is similar to installing a horizontal-sliding window. Determine whether your window is sliding, a double-hung or casement style. Keep it balanced as you slide the flange on the bottom of the case against the outside edge of the windowsill. It’s a simple method, and in most cases it works reasonably well. This often involves attaching brackets and the accordion-style side curtains. Install brackets and attach panels. Keep the window air conditioner in a … If your window frame has a lip, set a wood strip on the exterior window sill. Close the window onto the unit. Our local stores do not honor online pricing. 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. A/C Safe AC-160 Universal Heavy Duty Window Air Conditioner Support Installing a window A/C bracket fall in the DIY category but as always call a professional if in doubt. To uninstall your window air conditioner you will need a helping hand. Some producers provide the brackets and screws for this reason. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. And be sure to look for features such as digital temperature controls, variable fan speeds, and sleep settings, which also can help conserve power. Take the thick foam-rubber weather stripping and stuff it into the gap along the top edge of the lower sash to block out insects and hot air. Then, make another outline that’s 2 ½ inches larger than the existing outline. Most the weight will be hanging out the window, so be sure to keep a firm grip on the unit. Pull out each extension to close off the space to the left and right of the air conditioner. Bells and whistles are nice, but more so is the increased energy efficiency of these appliances. Now, pour yourself a cold glass of water while you wait for your newly air conditioned room to cool off. Check for obstructions in the window opening. Raise the window’s lower sash and set the A/C unit centered on the windowsill. (Note that in some cases you must install the extensions prior to setting the unit in the window; check the installation manual for specific details.) Here's how to install a window air conditioner (A/C) safely and efficiently so you can enjoy cool, indoor comfort wherever you need it. Cut the foam strip to the width of the window sash and stick it on the bottom edge of the sash before installing the air conditioner. So, for example, a 12x16-ft. room would require an air conditioner with a cooling capacity of approximately 4,000 BTU (12 x 16 = 192 sq. Choosing the Location of the Unit. And choosing a unit that’s too big—a common mistake—is just as problematic. Depending on the A/C unit, you may also need to drive short screws through the metal flange running across the top of the unit and into the lower sash. Next, pick up the unit and rest it on the bottom of the window frame. This compact model from Haier is one of the quietest and most energy-efficient window air conditioners on the market. An oversized air conditioner will pump too much moisture back into the room, raising the humidity to unsafe levels, especially for those with breathing difficulties. Most window-mounted air conditioners are designed to fit into double-hung windows, but most units can also be placed in swing-out casement or sliding windows. Screw the vertical mounting flange of each extension to the window jambs. Adding more barriers will keep the water from coming in. That competition helps you, as manufacturers hold down prices and outbid each other to add features such as voice control, app control, hand-held remotes, timers, and features like a dehumidifier setting. Ideally, a portable air conditioner should be placed near an outside window and near an electrical outlet. In many parts of the country, temperatures are rising steadily as summer approaches. Place the air conditioner back into its original box, using the dense-foam packing material to protect it from damage. Not every A/C fits every type of window. Summer might be hot, but so is the competition to sell these appliances, with anywhere from 1.74 million to 5.4 million being sold in any given year recently, according to statista.com and U.S. Department of Energy. GE Appliances is the first to announce voice-enabled air conditioners, so you can turn these units on and off or adjust the temperature without leaving your couch. Then, use a cordless drill to screw the bracket to the upper sash. In apartments without central air, the race toward summer means that it’s time to install a window air conditioning unit. Do not attempt to use an extension cord to make it work. Open the bottom window sash all the way and attach the bracket that came with your air conditioner to the sill. Cut the seal strip to the window width, removing the backing and attach the seal strip to the underside of the window. After installation, you probably won't remove the unit until the end of the season, so now’s a good time to wash the glass inside and out. This is important to allow condensation to drip outside, not into the room. Remove the drywall between those studs indicated from the floor to the ceiling first by scoring the … With the brackets screwed in place and the lower sash locked in positioned, and the A/C unit is secured. Popular Mechanics participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. If your window receives lots of sun, consider cutting white foam insulation board to fit snugly around the outside opening. Place the air conditioner back into its original box, using the dense-foam packing material to protect it from damage. Rest the unit on the bottom of the window frame and mounting support bracket. Most units work only in double-hung windows with a bottom sash you can raise and lower. How To Install a Window Air Conditioner Support Bracket. Enlist a helper to set the A/C in position. Each installation is unique and will have to be thought-out. Listed below are the most common sizes of window air conditioners for rooms ranging from 150 to 1,600 square feet: It’s critically important to choose a model with a cooling capacity sufficient to cool the room. ⚠️Don’t confuse EER with SEER—Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio—which is used to calculate the energy efficiency of central air-conditioning systems. And if the storage room has a concrete floor, place two 2x4s beneath the box to raise it up and protect it from moisture. Use a bit that’s slightly smaller than the core of the screw. How we test gear. Next, connect the exhaust hose to the unit and run it to the window. Be sure to have those dimensions on hand when shopping for an air conditioner to ensure it’ll fit comfortably into the window. Installing a window air-conditioner is best done with two people. Raise the window sash, and screen, if you have one. Plus, window air conditioners are easy to install. If the circuit is also powering other devices, even simple ones such as a hair dryer, you should consider adding a dedicated circuit, choosing another window near a different circuit or moving other appliances elsewhere. Set the box in a cool, dry place for the winter. Open up the window to the width of the A/C, plus another 4 or 5 inches. If the same circuit powers other high-energy appliances—refrigerators, dryers, ovens—consider plugging in the air conditioner elsewhere. Here's how to choose and install a window AC unit like a pro. And be sure to check the air filter monthly throughout the cooling season to ensure it’s clean and clear of obstructions. Designed to quickly cool large spaces, this high-performance, 8,000 BTU LG window air conditioner is ideal for rooms up to 17 x 20 feet. Open it wide enough to accommodate the height of the air conditioner. Once the window kit is in place the final steps to install a portable a/c are nothing more than applying a security bracket to the window so it can't be opened from the outside, hooking up a vent from the air conditioner to the window panel, and plugging the system in a grounded outlet. Drill pilot holes to keep the screws from splitting the wood. Prepare the unit for mounting before installation. Expanding curtains will help seal your room, but they’re no substitute for insulation. Repeat to install the remaining bracket to the far right side of the lower sash. Fit them along the sides or within the gap between the upper and lower window sashes. Installing a unit through a wall also allows the owner to put it in almost any place.. A hole will have to be cut into the wall and a sleeve put into it to hold the HVAC unit. Remove any molding above and below the intended opening location. Keep downward pressure on the lower sash; it’s preventing the unit from toppling out the window. Most manufacturers advise that you keep the hose as short and straight as possible. Fasten the curtains to the unit with 4-type A screws on each side. If there’s no three-prong outlet nearby, you’ll need an. The EER is calculated by dividing the unit’s BTU rating by the wattage of the unit. 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. With the window opened widely, position the air conditioning unit in the center, placing the bottom flange on the window seal. First, inspect the window to make sure it’s in good repair. If a windowless room needs a cooling unit, a through-the-wall air conditioner sleeve system should be used to provide proper ventilation. Vacuum the outside of the unit—especially the louvered vents—and then wipe it down with a damp cloth. Pull the side curtains out to the edges of the window frame to keep bugs, moisture and hot air from entering the room. A support bracket helps keep the air conditioner securely in place and is much more convenient and safer than propping up the air conditioner on the outside sill with bricks, as many people do. If you're looking for a new window A/C, well, you're in luck. Clear the area. Using the supplied guide paper or sleeve, trace around the outline so you can mark the opening for the air conditioner on the wall. Most units come with a kit that includes adjustable window extensions and metal mounting brackets. A rating of 10 or higher is considered ideal for saving electricity and lowering your utility bills. Set one bracket on the far left, top edge of the lower sash. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for directions on screwing or clipping the curtains in place. ft. x 20 = 3,840 BTU). Double-check the unit’s measurements and compare them to the window opening. Plus, a too-big A/C unit is louder and burns more electricity than a properly sized unit. To prevent the sash from being accidentally raised, insert at least two screws through the upper flange on the A/C case into the window sash. Seek the help of a professional electrician if the outlet source becomes an issue. Next, attach the L-shaped clips that connect the bottom sash frame to the top sash frame, or cut spacers from 2-inch-by-2-inch stock and wedge them between the bottom sash and the top of the window frame. Window A/C units typically have ratings between about eight and 12. These parts will ensure a secure and airtight fit in the window opening. Prices and availability of products and services are subject to change without notice. Excessive moisture can also create a breeding ground for dust mites and mold. The final steps will be simply securing the unit into place. Step 8: Fasten The Window AC Unit on A Sill. Also, check that the vent hose can reach the window without over stretching it. Find the center of the window sill and mark it. Open the window to install the mounting brackets onto the windowsill. West-facing windows may catch more sun and force the A/C to work harder. Not all windows allow you to use L-shaped clips to hold the bottom sash in place. If you decide to remove the air conditioner, again, it’s best to have two people. If you need new foam fillers, you can buy them separately. For example, a 12,000 BTU air conditioner that uses 1,200 watts of electricity has an EER of 10. Tip: Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on how … Window air conditioner installation requires a bit of prep work to the area, but you'll be rewarded with low-maintenance indoor comfort all season long. Ford Offers to License Its Police “Surveillance Mode” Camera Tech to Other Cop-Car Makers, 9 Ways to Celebrate Star Wars Day (Other Than Watching Star Wars), Staying Cool: How to Replace Your Old Central Air Conditioner, 7 Window -Mounted Air Conditioners in a Cool-Down Competition. Now pull down the lower sash until it contacts the top of the A/C unit directly behind the metal flange running across the top of the unit. Check the load on the circuit you plan to use. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. As a general rule, you need about 20 BTU of cooling for every square foot of living space. This will help you avoid a tripped breaker or blown fuse. Center the AC on the windowsill. In our pre-last step, we need to fasten the unit on a windowsill as a part of security. Here, I’ll discuss installation for double-hung windows, which are by far the most popular style of window. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, 100 Items You Should Reuse Instead of Throw Out, Start Gardening Early By Building This Cold Frame, Don't Toss That X-Mas Tree: Let's Make Something, How to Paint the Trickiest Places in Your Home. Go ahead and attach any rails, flanges, brackets, or panels that need to be installed before placing the unit into the window. , flush against the window AC unit on the bottom window sash all the from! Window to make available the space to the electrical outlet screws on each side a tripped breaker or fuse... Confirm whether an A/C will fit us handle the rest the flange at the bottom flange on lower! For an air conditioner you decide to remove the air conditioning unit, pieces white! 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