How To Secure Window Air Conditioner

The Dos and Don'ts of Installing a Window Ac Unit of measurement

Have these tips to safely, simply install a window air conditioner and keep cool this summer.

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If sweltering days and nights without central air-conditioning threaten your summertime comfort, consider putting a unit in the window. Installing a window Air-conditioning is within the capabilities of most do-information technology-yourselfers if you follow the 10 tips here. Yous'll get the job washed safely and swiftly—and will soon be saying, "Ahhhhh!" no thing how hot it gets.

DON'T presume you're permitted to install a window unit of measurement.

While nigh single-family unit homeowners are gratis to install a window Air conditioning, if you alive in an apartment, condo complex, or a neighborhood with a homeowners' association, check with direction or the HOA board before investing in a unit. Some complexes don't permit window ACs for aesthetic reasons (they're not the almost attractive additions to a building's exterior) or because an improperly installed unit could fall from the window, creating a prophylactic gamble.

Do appraise your windows.

Non every window is suited for an air conditioner. Almost all such appliances are designed for a double-hung window, meaning at that place is a fixed upper pane and a lower pane that slides upwards and downwardly. Sliding windows that motion from side to side, and casement windows that tilt outwards to open, aren't options for these air conditioners.

You'll also need an electrical outlet that accepts three-prong plugs adequately close to the window; nearly window units have a string simply virtually vi feet long. Never use an extension cord for window ACs. This could void the warranty on many air conditioners and present a fire take a chance if the extension cord isn't rated for appliances.

Finally, for best performance, consider the area straight inside and exterior the window. An air conditioner should be in a shady or partially shaded window, because direct, intense sunlight tin can decrease the unit'due south efficiency past as much as 10 percent every bit it struggles to handle all that hot air. Too, recollect that the air conditioner requires sufficient clearance for unimpeded air catamenia, so choose a window free of furniture, trees, shrubs, walls, or other obstructions inside 20 inches of the unit of measurement on the inside or the outside of the window.

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DON'T neglect to cheque your measurements.

There are two sets of measurements y'all'll demand to choose the correct window air conditioner: the height and width of the window opening and the square footage of the room the unit volition cool. Normally, the air conditioner's packaging will specify both the size range of acceptable windows and the maximum foursquare footage the unit can cool, so brand sure your measurements are within the guidelines for the unit you're considering.

To measure the window, open it as far as it goes, and and then employ a tape measure to determine the inches both from side-to-side and from pinnacle to bottom.

If you don't already know the square footage of the room you lot hope to cool, accept a helper agree the tip of the record measure against the wall as y'all extend the tape to the reverse side to get the length; then repeat on the other side of the room for the width. Then multiply the two numbers to obtain the foursquare footage. For example, if your room is 11 feet wide and 12 feet long, it is 132 square feet.

DO choose appropriate power for your space.

You'll need two other numbers, typically indicated on an air conditioner'south packaging, to purchase the right unit: energy efficiency rating (EER) and British thermal units (BTUs), which is a measurement of the apparatus's cooling ability.

EERs tin can range from 8 to 12: The college the number, the more energy-efficient the air conditioner. The U.Due south. Department of Free energy recommends an EER of 10 or more for the all-time efficiency and savings on your electric bill.

The larger the room, the higher the required BTUs to cool it. If the air conditioner isn't powerful enough for the space, information technology will run continuously without reaching your desired temperature. Too powerful, and the unit will tend to cycle on and off too speedily, which won't allow enough time to reduce room humidity effectively and leads to uneven temperature throughout the space. Mostly, a window unit's BTU rating will match the manufacturer's recommended room size, but to calculate it yourself, try the online BTU calculators here.

DON'T attempt installation without a helper.

Window air conditioners typically weigh betwixt 50 and 100 pounds, so maneuvering the appliance into the window and and so holding information technology in identify while it's being secured with screws requires an assistant. Installing a window Air-conditioning on your ain is an easy way to hurt yourself, or accidentally drib the unit of measurement out the window.

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DO fix the window and install brackets, if necessary.

Before installing a window AC, open the window as far every bit information technology goes, remove the screen, and make clean the windowsill, drinking glass, and window frame. Measure the width of the windowsill, and use a pencil to mark its center.

A properly installed air conditioner should sit securely in the window without an boosted support bracket. Even so, very heavy units (those more than 100 pounds) do require additional back up and some locations, notably New York City, crave the use of a bracket for all window air conditioners regardless of weight. Mostly, you'll need to buy a support bracket separately. Most dwelling house improvement centers that sell window units also sell brackets, and you'll also detect them available online. Wait to pay from $30 to $100 for a support subclass.

There are different configurations of AC brackets, but virtually either resemble a small shelf or a pair of "legs" that extend slightly outside the window to help hold the unit firmly in identify. These days, many window unit support brackets, such as the Ivation Window Air Conditioner Support Bracket (available on Amazon), require no drilling or screws for installation, profoundly simplifying installation. The Ivation has an expandable bar that fits deeply in the lower window frame while two rubber-tipped "anxiety" rest against the exterior wall to back up the air conditioner's weight.

DO attach mounting rails and side panels.

Some window units come with the superlative and bottom mounting runway—which aid hold the air conditioner deeply in the window—already in place. If your unit does not, use the included screws to adhere the mounting rails, making sure to tighten all screws completely.

Next, attach the piano accordion-style side panels by sliding them along the grooves on each side of the air conditioner. When the entire installation process is complete, the panels will fill in the gaps between the air conditioner and the sides of the window frame.

Once the mounting track and side panels are in identify, lift the window unit–with your assistant's help–and prepare it in place on the windowsill. The bottom mounting rail should fit into the lower window frame, positioning the air conditioner correctly and helping hold it in place. Line upwardly the eye of the air conditioner with the marking y'all made before indicating the center of the window. Now, accept your assistant hold the window unit of measurement steady while you lower the open up window sash until information technology sits on the superlative of the air conditioner, with the unit's top mounting rail resting directly in front of the lower edge of the sash. This serves as another safeguard keeping the window unit in place.

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DON'T forget to measure out the unit's tilt.

Many window units require a very slight tilt away from the edifice to keep condensation in the drip pan outside the room, rather than puddling down the wall inside your dwelling. Typically, the tilt shouldn't be more than than one-half of an inch, only check the installation guide for the manufacturer's recommendation. Some newer units don't crave a tilt, as the manufacturer has installed the baste pan at a slight angle.

Practice install the L-brackets and foam window gasket.

Have your assistant continue to hold the window unit of measurement in identify while you use a power screwdriver or drill to install the Fifty-brackets—the letter L-shaped pieces that serve as a final safety measure to keep the air conditioner securely in place. One side of each L-subclass screws into the lower edge of the sliding windowpane'southward sash and the other side of the bracket screws to the side of the window frame, securing the sliding pane in identify. This prevents the window from opening, which could crusade the unit to autumn out. Depending on the manufacturer, your air conditioner will come with one or 2 50-brackets.

Once the upper pane is secured, there volition be a gap betwixt the two panes of the window. Fill that gap with the cream seal included with the unit. Cutting the seal if necessary to fit your window, and then printing it into the gap. This keeps drafts from outdoors out of the room. Neglecting to fill the window gap with the cream seal makes your window unit work harder to control the indoor temperature, and potentially lets wet, dust, and insects enter your home, as well.

DON'T leave side flaps unsecured.

For the final step, extend the squeeze box side panels of the air conditioner until they impact the sides of the window frame. Use the screws that came with your air conditioner to secure the side panels to the window frame, using a power screwdriver or drill.

Congratulations! Your new window air conditioner is safely installed. Plug information technology in, plow it on, and savor the cool relief from summer's rut.

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Source: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/installing-a-window-ac/

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