How Hard Is It To Install Window Air Conditioner
There'south no simpler, more affordable way to absurd down a room than with a window-mounted air conditioner. These compact units are reliable, durable, able to cool near any size room, and today's models are exponentially more energy efficient than units built simply 10 years ago. Plus, window air conditioners are easy to install.
🛠Yous love fixing stuff. We love fixing stuff. Let'due south do information technology together.
Here, I'll share some tips on what to consider when ownership an air conditioner, and and then how to install it securely and remove it for winter storage.
Size the Room
Window-mounted A/C units come various sizes and cooling capacities, ranging from about 5,000 BTU to 25,000 BTU (British thermal units). As a full general rule, you need about 20 BTU of cooling for every square foot of living space. So, for example, a 12x16-ft. room would crave an air conditioner with a cooling capacity of approximately 4,000 BTU (12 x sixteen = 192 sq. ft. 10 20 = three,840 BTU).
Here's a simpler, no-math way to determine which size air conditioner to buy. Listed below are the near common sizes of window air conditioners for rooms ranging from 150 to i,600 square feet:
Information technology's critically of import to cull a model with a cooling chapters sufficient to cool the room. If you choose a unit that'due south as well small-scale, it'll struggle to keep the room cool on the hottest days. And choosing a unit that's too big—a common mistake—is but as problematic.
An oversized air conditioner will pump besides much moisture back into the room, raising the humidity to unsafe levels, especially for those with breathing difficulties. Excessive moisture tin also create a breeding footing for dust mites and mold. Plus, a too-big A/C unit is louder and burns more electricity than a properly sized unit.
Buy the Best
If yous're looking for a new window A/C, well, you're in luck.
Summer might be hot, but so is the competition to sell these appliances, with anywhere from 1.74 million to 5.4 million existence sold in any given twelvemonth recently, co-ordinate to statista.com and U.S. Department of Energy.
That competition helps y'all, as manufacturers concord down prices and outbid each other to add features such equally vocalization control, app command, hand-held remotes, timers, and features like a dehumidifier setting. Bells and whistles are dainty, merely more so is the increased energy efficiency of these appliances.
Bank check Your Window
Most window-mounted air conditioners are designed to fit into double-hung windows, but almost units can also be placed in swing-out casement or sliding windows. (Check with the air-conditioner manufacturer for specific installation instructions.) Here, I'll discuss installation for double-hung windows, which are by far the most popular mode of window.
Commencement by raising the lower sash, and then mensurate the height and width of the opening. Be certain to have those dimensions on hand when shopping for an air conditioner to ensure it'll fit comfortably into the window. Also, keep fire safe in heed 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.
Consider Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency of a room air conditioner is designated by its EER number, which stands for Energy Efficiency Rating. The EER is calculated by dividing the unit'due south BTU rating by the wattage of the unit. For case, a 12,000 BTU air conditioner that uses one,200 watts of electricity has an EER of 10.
⚠️ Don't misfile EER with SEER—Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio—which is used to summate the free energy efficiency of fundamental air-conditioning systems.
Window A/C units typically have ratings between nearly 8 and 12. A rating of 10 or higher is considered ideal for saving electricity and lowering your utility bills. And be sure to look for features such as digital temperature controls, variable fan speeds, and sleep settings, which also can help conserve power.
Installation
Installing a window air-conditioner is best done with two people. Fifty-fifty small air conditioners are heavy and awkward to elevator. And the terminal affair you want is for your A/C unit to fall out window or onto the floor.
💡 Save the air conditioner's original box and packing materials; you lot can use it later for storing the unit.
Start by reading the installation manual and familiarizing yourself with all the included hardware and fasteners. Most units come with a kit that includes adaptable window extensions and metal mounting brackets. These parts will ensure a secure and airtight fit in the window opening. And for additional support, peculiarly for larger air conditioners, consider purchasing a steel support bracket and mountain information technology to the outside house wall, direct below the windowsill.
Enhance the window's lower sash and set the A/C unit centered on the windowsill. Most the weight will be hanging out the window, and so be sure to continue a firm grip on the unit. At present pull down the lower sash until information technology contacts the top of the A/C unit directly behind the metal flange running across the top of the unit. Keep downward pressure level on the lower sash; information technology's preventing the unit from toppling out the window. The installation kit typically includes ii small L-shaped metal brackets, which are used to foreclose the lower sash from being raised.
Set one bracket on the far left, top edge of the lower sash. Then, utilize a cordless drill to screw the bracket to the upper sash. Repeat to install the remaining bracket to the far right side of the lower sash. Depending on the A/C unit, you lot may besides need to drive short screws through the metallic flange running across the top of the unit and into the lower sash. With the brackets screwed in place and the lower sash locked in positioned, and the A/C unit is secured.
Side by side, attach the two accordion-like extensions, 1 to each side of the A/C unit. (Notation that in some cases you must install the extensions prior to setting the unit of measurement in the window; check the installation transmission for specific details.) Pull out each extension to close off the space to the left and right of the air conditioner. Screw the vertical mounting flange of each extension to the window jambs. Take the thick foam-rubber weather stripping and stuff it into the gap forth the top edge of the lower sash to cake out insects and hot air.
When properly installed, the A/C unit will tip slightly to the exterior. This is of import to allow condensation to baste outside, not into the room.
Power It Up
Air conditioners draw a fair amount of electricity, so be mindful of the circuit into which you plug the unit. If the aforementioned circuit powers other high-energy appliances—refrigerators, dryers, ovens—consider plugging in the air conditioner elsewhere. If yous're using an extension cord, it's important to utilize a cord that'southward specifically designed to handle the electrical load; these heavy-duty cords are usually labeled as, "air-conditioner cord" or "major-appliance cord."
And be sure to bank check the air filter monthly throughout the cooling flavour to ensure it's clean and clear of obstructions.
Removal for Storage
Removing a window air-conditioner unit of measurement can be difficult, then unless yous really demand access to the window or want to create a better seal for wintertime, it's best to leave it in place and protect it with a sideslip-on cover.
If you determine to remove the air conditioner, again, it'due south best to accept two people. Start by reversing the installation steps, but be very conscientious not to unscrew the two small Fifty-shaped brackets until you've slid the air conditioner into the room far enough so that it'south resting securely on the windowsill and not tipping in or out.
After removing all the hardware, enhance the lower sash and lift the air conditioner out of the window and set up it onto a thick blanket spread on the floor. Vacuum the outside of the unit of measurement—especially the louvered vents—so wipe it down with a damp cloth.
Place the air conditioner back into its original box, using the dumbo-foam packing fabric to protect information technology from harm. Put all the screws, brackets and other installation hardware items in a re-sealable plastic purse, and put the bag in the box. Prepare the box in a absurd, dry place for the winter. And if the storage room has a physical flooring, identify two 2x4s beneath the box to enhance it up and protect information technology from moisture.
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