how to install a window air conditioner

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. How to Install a Window Air Conditioner Step 1: Remove Your AC and Find the Center of Your Window. Check for obstructions in the window opening. (Check with the air-conditioner manufacturer for specific installation instructions.) Vacuum the outside of the unit—especially the louvered vents—and then wipe it down with a damp cloth. How To Cool Down a Room (Without Blasting A/C), This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. 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. Step 5 Slide the window down tight onto the air conditioner and spread the spacers out to close the gaps between the air conditioner and the window frame. This will help you avoid a tripped breaker or blown fuse. Air conditioners are deceptively heavy. Screw each one to the window sash to keep them in place. Here are the tools and materials you will need to install a window air conditioner. Bells and whistles are nice, but more so is the increased energy efficiency of these appliances. Plus, window air conditioners are easy to install. If your A/C comes with a foam seal, cut it to size and slip it in place. This may be a single hose with connectors already attached, or you may have to first attach an exhaust connector to the unit, and then attach the hose to the connector. Window AC unit; Screwdriver bit; Scissors; Tape measure; Drill with bits; Insulating foam; Now that you have all the tools and materials needed let’s look at how you can install a window AC for easy insulation. Be sure to have those dimensions on hand when shopping for an air conditioner to ensure it’ll fit comfortably into the window. Then, use a cordless drill to screw the bracket to the upper sash. With the step-by-step guide provided here, you can spare the money you would have spent on having a professional do it by setting up the window … You can see how one homeowner did it … Determine whether your window is sliding, a double-hung or casement style. Excessive moisture can also create a breeding ground for dust mites and mold. You’ll also be following the manufacturer’s instructions, but begin by placing the air conditioning unit inside the window (you may need to recruit a friend to help lift the unit into the window for this part). Also, keep fire safety in mind when deciding where to install the air conditioner: Don’t place it in an egress window that serves as the only means of escape should a fire erupt. 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. 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. First, inspect the window to make sure it’s in good repair. A rating of 10 or higher is considered ideal for saving electricity and lowering your utility bills. Window air conditioners are simple to install and save big money when compared to construction of a central air system. As a general rule, you need about 20 BTU of cooling for every square foot of living space. Double-check the unit’s measurements and compare them to the window opening. Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site. NewAir Portable Air Conditioner How Your Portable Air Conditioner Works: A Quick Guide Part 1: The cooling method Though specific models vary, all air conditioning units — from an old window air conditioner to the bright white mini-split air conditioners that also function as heaters — … 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. With the bottom window sash up as far as it'll go, center and insert the A/C in the window. This will prevent any air from seeping in our out of the home. Open the window to install the mounting brackets onto the windowsill. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, 25 Last-Minute Gifts and Stocking Stuffers, The Best Generators To Keep Your Home Running, 20 Painting Secrets the Pros Won't Tell You, Make a Gift: A Copper Bracelet With DIY Style, You Should String Lights on Your Tree Vertically. Prices and availability of products and services are subject to change without notice. The Best Outdoor Gifts for Every Type of Adventure, Serenity Series Quiet Window Air Conditioner (6,000 BTU). Not a good idea, for a number of reasons. Adding more barriers will keep the water from coming in. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Leaked Photo Shows ‘Motionless, Cube-Shaped’ UFO, Gen. Chuck Yeager on Breaking the Sound Barrier, Illness Plaguing Diplomats Might Be Energy Weapon. Attach the bracket using the provided hardware. This is important to allow condensation to drip outside, not into the room. Measure the window where you would like to install the unit to make sure it is large enough to accommodate the unit’s size. If you are worried about the stability (and safety is number one) use angle brackets. Enlist a helper to set the A/C in position. 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. Choose from well-known window air conditioner brands like LG window air conditioners and Frigidaire window air conditioners, then let us handle the rest. 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. Hot Debate: How Cool Should You Keep Your House? Close the window tightly to keep the unit secured in place and prevent it from falling or wiggling. A storm window frame or screen might interfere with the overhanging part of the A/C on the outside. 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. 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. This would also work if you want to install an air conditioner in a sliding window as well. While window unit air conditioners offer much-needed relief when central air isn’t an option, installing the window unit in a hurry can have a downside. Before installing a window A/C unit, decide how much additional insulation and rain protection you’ll want to add around the window (beyond the A/C's side curtains). This Energy Star–rated Frigidaire is one of the best-looking window-mounted air conditioners we’ve seen. Install the Air Conditioner: Attach the included accordion panels to the sides of the air conditioner according to the instructions, and lift the air conditioner into place. Here's how to choose and install a window AC unit like a pro. 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. The Window Air Conditioner Installation Process Step 1. Position the air conditioner in the window opening so the spacers rest on the inside edge of the window frame and tilt the air conditioner backward slightly to force condensation outside. Window air conditioners are available in a variety of sizes and cooling capabilities. Expanding curtains will help seal your room, but they’re no substitute for insulation. 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. If you decide to remove the air conditioner, again, it’s best to have two people. Window-mounted A/C units come various sizes and cooling capacities, ranging from about 5,000 BTU to 25,000 BTU (British thermal units). The air conditioner … 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. Lift the unit into the window sill. Keep downward pressure on the lower sash; it’s preventing the unit from toppling out the window. Want to beat the heat in your home? And then, wrap a piece of masking tape around the bit so that it limits your drilling depth to the length of the screw. If your window receives lots of sun, consider cutting white foam insulation board to fit snugly around the outside opening. This compact model from Haier is one of the quietest and most energy … Next, attach the two accordion-like extensions, one to each side of the A/C unit. Once you have secured the unit into its appropriate place, close the window on the top. Not every A/C fits every type of window. West-facing windows may catch more sun and force the A/C to work harder. ⚠️Don’t confuse EER with SEER—Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio—which is used to calculate the energy efficiency of central air-conditioning systems. 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. Use a stud finder to locate two adjacent stud bays that will provide enough room for the opening. While studying the AC, bring the window sash down behind the upper guide of the AC unit. The installation kit typically includes two small L-shaped metal brackets, which are used to prevent the lower sash from being raised. Repeat to install the remaining bracket to the far right side of the lower sash. 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. Pull the side curtains out to the edges of the window frame to keep bugs, moisture and hot air from entering the room. Prepare the Window for Your Window A/C. Determine the Space to Cooled. You must also insulate the unit to keep the cold air outside, and the warm air in. Here, I’ll discuss installation for double-hung windows, which are by far the most popular style of window. Save the air conditioner’s original box and packing materials; you can use it later for storing the unit. A window air conditioner is a common sight, particularly in older homes and unit blocks. Carefully set the AC in the window, so that it is centered and placed the AC saw at the front edge of the bottom guide is against the back edge of the sill. 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. If you choose a unit that’s too small, it’ll struggle to keep the room cool on the hottest days. And the last thing you want is for your A/C unit to fall out window or onto the floor. Check the load on the circuit you plan to use. How to Install Window Air Conditioners Know Before You Buy a Window A/C. How To Install A Window Air Conditioner Materials Needed. (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.) This is primarily because they are a lot easier to install than split systems – everything comes in one box that sits on your window frame. Pull out each extension to close off the space to the left and right of the air conditioner. Insulating your window air conditioner doesn't cost a lot of money or take a lot of time. There’s no simpler, more affordable way to cool down a room than with a window-mounted air conditioner. Also measure the width and the height of the window opening to confirm whether an A/C will fit. Screw the vertical mounting flange of each extension to the window jambs. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Open your window. Step 1: Inspect the Window Raise the window’s lower sash and set the A/C unit centered on the windowsill. 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. If you already have some of these air conditioners … Most AC units have accordion or sliding extensions that … Window A/C units typically have ratings between about eight and 12. For a more finished look, you can install trim or molding around the unit to suit your taste. What If Black Holes Are Actually Fuzzballs? Window-mounted A/C units come various sizes and cooling capacities, ranging from about 5,000 BTU to... Buy the Best. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. Don't leave spacers loose. Use a bit that’s slightly smaller than the core of the screw. 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. Step 1 Measure the width, height and depth of your window air conditioner so you'll know the exact size cover to buy. Lower the sash while still holding the back of the air conditioner, with your arm outside the window. Start by reading the installation manual and familiarizing yourself with all the included hardware and fasteners. The air conditioner should be placed such that the bottom sash can be lowered onto the outside of the air conditioner. After removing all the hardware, raise the lower sash and lift the air conditioner out of the window and set it onto a thick blanket spread on the floor. Either remove the storm window and frame, or fasten a spacer block to the windowsill to lift the A/C case away from the obstruction. 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. Set one bracket on the far left, top edge of the lower sash. Drill pilot holes to keep the screws from splitting the wood. Before installing a window AC, open the window as far as it goes, remove the screen, and clean the windowsill, glass, and window frame. Pull out each extension panel on the sides of the AC to close up the spaces to the left and right of the air conditioner. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for directions on screwing or clipping the curtains in place. 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. Before considering a unit for your room, you will need to determine how much space needs to be cooled. Start by raising the lower sash, and then measure the height and width of the opening. Use sheet metal screws for a metal window frame, or wood screws for a vinyl or wood frame. How to Install a Window Air Conditioner 1 Completely open the bottom sash of the window, remove the window screen if there is one, and clean the sill and... 2 Prepare the extensions. Prepare the unit for mounting before installation. Not all windows allow you to use L-shaped clips to hold the bottom sash in place. Keep it balanced as you slide the flange on the bottom of the case against the outside edge of the windowsill. Screw one end into the sill and adjust the center screw on the bracket so the air conditioner will be level. Build a jamb box of 1×6 pre-primed pine about 4 inches wider and 4 inches taller than the air conditioner required. The EER is calculated by dividing the unit’s BTU rating by the wattage of the unit. Consider what side of the house your window faces. Together with your friend hold the unit up and slide it into a place in the frame. If you’re using an extension cord, it’s important to use a cord that’s specifically designed to handle the electrical load; these heavy-duty cords are usually labeled as, "air-conditioner cord" or "major-appliance cord.". Plug the unit in, using an A/C extension cord if needed. And choosing a unit that’s too big—a common mistake—is just as problematic. Most units work only in double-hung windows with a bottom sash you can raise and lower. Even small air conditioners are heavy and awkward to lift. Connect the exhaust hose that came with the portable air conditioner to the air conditioning unit. That space between the frame of the lower sash and the window on the upper sash needs to be filled. The last step is to install a window air conditioner in a sliding window or door. And, should something go wrong with your window A/C unit, our Lowe’s protection plan has you covered. Air conditioners draw a fair amount of electricity, so be mindful of the circuit into which you plug the unit. If your window is a vinyl window, you can replace the clips by cutting strips of wood (paint stirring sticks are ideal) just long enough to wedge snugly between the sash and the top of the window frame. Step by Step. Fasten spacers in place to keep the unit from tilting or even falling. It includes the best models you can buy for each size room. 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. Most units come with a kit that includes adjustable window extensions and metal mounting brackets. Now, pour yourself a cold glass of water while you wait for your newly air conditioned room to cool off. How we test gear. You’ll also want to clear the area around the window and leave yourself plenty of working space with no tripping hazards. And be sure to check the air filter monthly throughout the cooling season to ensure it’s clean and clear of obstructions. If you need new foam fillers, you can buy them separately. Mounting a Standard Air Conditioner in a Sliding Window (From the Inside, Without a Bracket): Many people have inexpensive air conditioners that are intended to fit into a double-hung (vertically sliding sash) windows and want to use them in horizontally sliding windows. Window mounted air conditioners are a quick and cheap to install. Here’s a simpler, no-math way to determine which size air conditioner to buy. Prices, Promotions, styles, and availability may vary. The following tips will make the process of installing a window air conditioner a breeze. Weather, vibration and the challenge of lifting a heavy A/C unit onto a windowsill can knock an unsecured spacer out of position. With the brackets screwed in place and the lower sash locked in positioned, and the A/C unit is secured. Slide the accordion panels onto both sides of 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. Put all the screws, brackets and other installation hardware items in a re-sealable plastic bag, and put the bag in the box. 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. Make sure the mounting brackets are level. If you’re not already handy with wall and siding repair, this is a case to hire a professional. Follow the directions that came with your unit. Then lower the bottom window sash until it rests on the A/C and securely against the top flange. For example, a 12,000 BTU air conditioner that uses 1,200 watts of electricity has an EER of 10. Place the air conditioner back into its original box, using the dense-foam packing material to protect it from damage. With a partner, lift the A/C and slowly push it through the window opening and onto the platform assembly. For example, pieces of white expanded. Products, costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market. Make sure the sash is behind the metal bracket that is … The energy efficiency of a room air conditioner is designated by its EER number, which stands for Energy Efficiency Rating. If you're looking for a new window A/C, well, you're in luck. Our local stores do not honor online pricing. Set the box in a cool, dry place for the winter. How to Install a Window Air Conditioner Size the Room. 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