How To Install A Window Ac By Yourself

How to Install Window Air Conditioner

| February 18, 2022
Author: Raj Kain

Installing a window air conditioner is ane of the all-time ways to beat the heat during warmer seasons. Window air conditioning units (ACUs) are the about common type found in households across the world. This type of ACU has maintained its popularity fifty-fifty with the availability of other kinds of ACUs like central air conditioners, ductless mini splits, dual fuel air conditioners, and portable air conditioners. This is considering a new window air conditioner offer plenty of benefits, such equally:

They are less expensive and typically more energy-efficient.
They are meaty and platonic for small houses with minimal wall space.
They can exist packed away for storage when wintertime starts.
They are a perfect fit for supplemental cooling , which is a price-constructive alternative to centralized air-conditioning.
Some window type ACUs likewise have a heating feature.
Window air conditioner installation is relatively quick and easy.

If you are looking to learn how to install a window air conditioner, you lot're in the right place! In this blog, nosotros talk virtually proper window AC installation steps. We will as well cover a few preparatory tips similar choosing the right window ACU and finding the best spot to install it.

Let's swoop right in!

Side view of a window air conditioner installed into a fixed window

Stride ane: Choosing a Window-Mounted Air Workout Unit

one. Consider the Different Cooling Capacities of Window Air Conditioners

The cooling chapters of many air conditioners is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs.) The college the BTU of a window air conditioner, the more powerful information technology is. It'due south crucial to pick a model with enough cooling capability to chill the entire area. If the room is larger but the air conditioner's cooling capacity is lesser, the air conditioner volition have to work more to cool the entire area. This will decrease the window AC's operation and lifespan, as well as raising your heating expenses.

The British Thermal Units of an air conditioner should match the room size where the unit volition be placed. Some manufacturers will include a recommended foursquare footage to support along with their air-conditioning units. However, as a rule of pollex, for every square foot of living space that is to be cooled by the ACU, you would need twenty BTU . To cross-cheque, y'all tin can also use a BTU calculator or an ac BTU chart .

2. Factor In the Free energy Efficiency of Your Air Conditioner

Look for the energy efficiency ratio (EER) of the ACU that you are going to purchase. The EER is derived past dividing the BTU rating by the unit's wattage. Therefore, the higher the energy efficiency ratio of an air-conditioning unit of measurement, the less yous would need to spend on hydro.

3. Get Your Window Measurements

Take the interpretation of the width and the elevation of the opening of your window where the ACU will be safely installed. When you lot're out shopping for window air-conditioning units, compare the dimension of the unit against the measurements of the window opening to brand sure that it will fit. Don't forget to include the tilt of the unit when calculating.

Step ii: Determine the Location for Window Air Conditioner Installation

These are two principal factors to consider when deciding where to install your window air conditioner.

Pick a window that's nearest to an electric outlet – avert using an extension cord to make this work. Instead, seek the assist of a professional electrician if the outlet source distance is an outcome.
Make sure there is no clutter or whatever obstructions near the spot for the window AC unit – both inside and exterior – equally it can touch the ACU'southward cooling operation.

Step iii: Make Sure You Have Windows Suited for Air Conditioner Installation

Non all window types are ideal candidates to firm window-mounted air conditioners.

Nearly window air conditioning systems are specially designed to fit into double-hung windows , which have a fixed upper pane and a bottom pane that opens. However, some air conditioners tin can also be mounted on sliding windows or on casement windows . Manufacturers will typically indicate what type of windows their ACUs can be placed on.

Annotation – For rooms with windows that have no opening mechanism, the air conditioning systems can be mounted on the walls instead. However, this is not appropriate to practise if you lot are renting because y'all would need to bore a window opening into the wall which can exist against your leasing contract with your landlord. In such cases, it'south best to e'er check first.

Step 4: Get A/C Brackets if Needed

Properly-installed window air conditioners are usually able to sit securely in place without the need for additional back up from an A/C bracket. However, heavier air conditioners that weigh effectually or more than than 100 pounds would crave additional support. Commonly, A/C brackets are sold separately from the air-conditioning unit.

A window air-conditioning unit that has A/C brackets

Tin can You Install Window Air-conditioning Unit Past Yourself?

Installing a window air conditioner safely without professional assist is possible. The majority of commercial air workout units currently bachelor in the marketplace are now fabricated to exist convenient every footstep of the fashion.

How to Install a Window Air Conditioner In a Sliding Window or Hung Window

Follow along these skillful tips when installing air workout units in your double-hung or sliding windows.

Equip yourself with the proper tools and ensure that you take read through the user manual of your window AC unit to take note of whatever special instructions from the manufacturer.
Lift or slide the sash of your window where yous programme to install your air conditioner. You may as well want to clean your window and/or window frame before proceeding with the window air conditioner installation steps.
Sometimes weather strips are provided past the manufacturer of the ACUs. Employ these strips to protect your window frames from straight contact with your window Air-conditioning unit. These will stop the A/C from scratching or warping the surface of your window frame.

Notation – Do this regardless if your window frame is fabricated out of woods, vinyl, or plastic. An extra benefit from this proactive step is to ensure that there'southward no gap where common cold air from the inside tin can escape. Information technology'southward too an effective strategy to keep insects out.

If A/C brackets are needed for your air-conditioning unit, brand sure to install these showtime as per the subclass manufacturer'south installation instructions.
Next, position the air conditioner on the center of the window sill.
Some manufacturers include top and bottom mounting rails forth with accordion-manner side panels. Securely attach these components as per your manufacturer's instructions.
Plug and turn the ability on to cheque if the air conditioner is running smoothly.

What to Avoid with Window Air Conditioner Installation

Avert installing a window air conditioner all past yourself. Ask a friend or a housemate to support you lot. Despite their portable quality, window-type A/Cs can still be heavy for a single person to lift. The worst-case scenario would exist dropping information technology from your apartment building's window and endangering the people below. You can also hurt yourself or damage your window frames if you accidentally drop your air conditioner considering of its weight.
NEVER install your air conditioner in an egress window . These big windows offer an alternative burn down go out for the residents of your dwelling house. If you install an ACU on an egress window, you will not only violate fire safety codes but as well put you and your family unit at risk.
DON'T skip the manual. Sometimes doing DIY installations tin can pose the temptation to just wing information technology. However, you would really need to read your ACU user instructions to know more about the manufacturer'south specific guidelines for window air conditioner installation procedure.

Energy-Efficient Windows for Whatsoever Type of A/C Unit of measurement

In this article, we have covered the steps on how to install window air conditioners, however, we can't emphasize enough that the success of any window air conditioner installation process relies on having the right blazon of window.

Clera Windows + Doors offers stylish, energy-efficient, and durable windows suited for air conditioner installation. Our Free energy STAR Certified , multi-pane windows with Depression-Eastward blanket will aid continue your room cool during the summertime and assist in blocking outside dissonance.

Because we utilize 100% uPVC for our window frames, these sturdy modern windows are as well maintenance-free. For more than details and to request a gratuitous habitation guess, please contact us today !