How To Install Window Ac Unit

The exterior of a house with a brand new AC unit in the window.
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Window air workout units may seem intimidating, but they're actually quite easy to install. With a bit of background cognition, the correct tools, and a guide to show the way, cooler temperatures are on the horizon—even when it'southward humid exterior.

When the hot weather hits, we all need a fleck of reprieve. Unfortunately, many older houses and apartments don't have central air, which means window AC units are an absolute necessity. Merely these units can be heavy, and the thought of hanging an expensive appliance out of a window can seem intimidating. With this guide on how to install a window AC unit, you'll be able to cool down in no time.

How to Mount an Air-conditioning Unit in a Window

You lot'll need a few items in lodge to install a window Air conditioning unit correctly. About DIYers will have them on hand already:

A sturdy stool or bench to identify the AC unit onUtility knifePower drillScrewdriverTorpedo levelTape measureIt can also be handy to have a helper for larger Air conditioning units, equally they tin can be heavy. Ane person can hold the unit while the other lowers the window to lock it in place.

What to Know About Window Ac Unit of measurement Installation

Older homes might not be great candidates for window AC units. This is particularly true if the sills aren't in good shape or the sashes aren't every bit structurally sound as they used to be. A window-mountain Air-conditioning unit can cause more damage, and damaged windows tin preclude the installer from securing information technology in place.

Before attempting to install a window AC unit, ensure that information technology will fit. If the Air-conditioning unit of measurement is new, check the specs on the box to ensure that it's the right size for your window. If the air conditioner is pre-owned, measure out the unit itself, as well as the distance the side panels extend, and compare the dimensions to the window opening.

Besides, sympathise that window AC units come in unlike outputs, known as BTUs. Different BTU values tin cool differently-sized spaces. The all-time resource is the manufacturer, simply here's a quick, rough guide:

v,000 to 6,500 BTUs for rooms 100 to 300 square anxiety in size7,000 to 8,500 BTUs for rooms 250 to 500 foursquare anxiety in size9,800 to 12,500 BTUs for rooms 500 to 900 square feet in size Window Ac units are designed to work in double- or unmarried-hung windows. Casement and sliding windows will complicate things and crave additional hardware. Be certain that there is an outlet virtually whichever window yous choose, or purchase an AC-rated extension cord.

Steps to Install a Window Air-conditioning Unit:

Footstep 1: Gear up the window for the Air conditioning unit

The starting time step in installing a window AC unit is to fix the window. Remove any items from the window sill, open the window completely (from the bottom), and remove the screen. It's besides a skilful idea to place the stool or demote near the window, to provide a nearby identify to rest the Air conditioning unit without putting information technology on the floor.

Some alarm sensors might become in the way, so be certain to assess yours. Temporarily removing them might exist in order.

Pace ii: Unbox and gather the window-mountain Air conditioning unit

Window Air-conditioning units typically come in boxes with Styrofoam bottoms. Place the box on the stool so y'all're not working on the ground. Cutting the paper-thin along the dotted line to remove the box and reveal the Air conditioning unit of measurement.

The back of the window Air-conditioning unit will contain aluminum fins, and they're sharp. They're also piece of cake to crush, which will reduce the AC unit of measurement'due south effectiveness. Ensure yours aren't crushed and be careful when removing the unit from the box.

Install the extendable side panels and corresponding brackets according to the instructions. This will usually crave a screwdriver. If you use a drill, lower its torque to prevent it from stripping the AC'due south housing.

Step 3: Identify the Ac unit in the window opening

With the brackets attached, face the front end of the window Air conditioning unit of measurement and lift it from the left and right sides. Air conditioners can be heavy, so be certain to lift with your legs as much as possible to prevent dorsum injury.

All window Ac units have a bracket of some sort on their bottom side. This is often the subclass into which the extendable side panels slide. This bracket must sit on the exterior of the window'due south bottom lip. There is besides a bracket on the peak of the unit of measurement, and it must be inside the window.

With these points in mind, lift the air conditioner and identify it in the window. Steady the unit of measurement with ane hand while lowering the window sash with the other. If you lot have a helper, ask them to lower the sash for you. Be certain that the dorsum of the top bracket sits flush confronting the bottom of the window sash before letting go of the Air conditioning unit.

Check to ensure that the unit is centered in the window. Place a torpedo level on superlative to ensure that it'southward level side to side, as well equally pitched backward so water will drain exterior, rather than in.

Pace 4: Extend and secure the side panels

With the Air-conditioning unit sitting properly in the window, extend the side panels and then they block the openings on either side completely. Follow the manufacturer'due south instructions for securing the side panels. This will involve either attaching brackets to the window sash or running screws through holes in the panels and into the window sash.

Step 5: Screw the window Air conditioning unit in place

The unit is by and large in place at this point, but manufacturers typically include brackets to anchor it downwardly.

The installation kit will almost certainly include at to the lowest degree i L-shaped subclass. This bracket keeps the window sashes locked in place, and information technology installs where they meet. Follow the manufacturer'southward instructions to ensure it'due south installed properly; installation generally involves placing the bracket on top of the lower sash and attaching it to the upper sash with a screw. This will lock the Ac unit of measurement in place and prevent information technology from falling out of the window.

Step 6: Plug in the window AC unit of measurement

The only thing left to do is plug the AC unit into an outlet and turn information technology on. Don't be alarmed if information technology takes a few minutes to produce absurd air; AC condensers frequently demand a few minutes of running before they kicking on and pump refrigerant through the lines.

With your window AC unit installed, you'll be able to benefit from cooler, more comfy temperatures when the weather is brutal. Kick back, take hold of a cold beverage, and savor the cold air pumping from your newly installed air conditioner.

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