How To Install A Window Ac Unit
There's no simpler, more affordable way to cool down a room than with a window-mounted air conditioner. These compact units are reliable, durable, able to cool nearly any size room, and today's models are exponentially more than energy efficient than units built just 10 years ago. Plus, window air conditioners are easy to install.
🛠Y'all dearest fixing stuff. We love fixing stuff. Allow'south do information technology together.
Hither, I'll share some tips on what to consider when buying an air conditioner, and and so how to install it securely and remove information technology 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 general rule, you need about 20 BTU of cooling for every square foot of living space. So, for example, a 12x16-ft. room would require an air conditioner with a cooling capacity of approximately 4,000 BTU (12 ten xvi = 192 sq. ft. x 20 = iii,840 BTU).
Here'due south a simpler, no-math way to determine which size air conditioner to buy. Listed below are the most mutual sizes of window air conditioners for rooms ranging from 150 to 1,600 square feet:
It'south critically of import to choose a model with a cooling capacity sufficient to cool the room. If you choose a unit of measurement that's too small, information technology'll struggle to proceed the room cool on the hottest days. And choosing a unit that'south likewise big—a common mistake—is just as problematic.
An oversized air conditioner volition pump too much moisture back into the room, raising the humidity to unsafe levels, especially for those with breathing difficulties. Excessive moisture can besides create a convenance ground for dust mites and mold. Plus, a besides-big A/C unit is louder and burns more than electricity than a properly sized unit of measurement.
Purchase the Best
If you're looking for a new window A/C, well, y'all're in luck.
Summer might exist hot, but so is the competition to sell these appliances, with anywhere from 1.74 1000000 to 5.iv million being sold in any given year recently, according to statista.com and U.S. Department of Energy.
That competition helps you, as manufacturers concur down prices and outbid each other to add features such as phonation control, app control, hand-held remotes, timers, and features similar a dehumidifier setting. Bells and whistles are nice, but more than so is the increased free energy efficiency of these appliances.
Check Your Window
Most window-mounted air conditioners are designed to fit into double-hung windows, simply most 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 style of window.
Start 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 information technology'll fit comfortably into the window. Also, keep burn condom in listen when deciding where to install the air conditioner: Don't place it in an egress window that serves as the but means of escape should a burn down erupt.
Consider Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency of a room air conditioner is designated past 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 example, a 12,000 BTU air conditioner that uses 1,200 watts of electricity has an EER of 10.
⚠️ Don't confuse EER with SEER—Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio—which is used to summate the energy efficiency of central air conditioning systems.
Window A/C units typically have ratings between about eight and 12. A rating of x or higher is considered ideal for saving electricity and lowering your utility bills. And exist sure to look for features such every bit digital temperature controls, variable fan speeds, and sleep settings, which also tin can help conserve power.
Installation
Installing a window air-conditioner is best done with 2 people. Fifty-fifty small-scale air conditioners are heavy and awkward to lift. And the concluding thing you want is for your A/C unit to fall out window or onto the flooring.
💡 Save the air conditioner'due south original box and packing materials; you tin employ information technology afterward for storing the unit.
Kickoff by reading the installation manual and familiarizing yourself with all the included hardware and fasteners. Well-nigh units come with a kit that includes adjustable window extensions and metal mounting brackets. These parts volition ensure a secure and airtight fit in the window opening. And for boosted back up, peculiarly for larger air conditioners, consider purchasing a steel back up bracket and mount information technology to the outside firm wall, directly below the windowsill.
Raise the window's lower sash and set the A/C unit centered on the windowsill. Most the weight will be hanging out the window, so be certain to keep a firm grip on the unit. At present pull downward the lower sash until information technology contacts the top of the A/C unit straight behind the metal flange running across the top of the unit. Go along downward pressure on the lower sash; information technology's preventing the unit from toppling out the window. The installation kit typically includes two small L-shaped metal brackets, which are used to forestall the lower sash from being raised.
Set one subclass on the far left, top edge of the lower sash. Then, use a cordless drill to screw the subclass to the upper sash. Echo to install the remaining bracket to the far right side of the lower sash. Depending on the A/C unit of measurement, you may also demand to drive brusk screws through the metal flange running across the tiptop 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, adhere the two piano accordion-similar extensions, one to each side of the A/C unit of measurement. (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.) Pull out each extension to close off the space to the left and right of the air conditioner. Spiral the vertical mounting flange of each extension to the window jambs. Take the thick foam-rubber conditions stripping and stuff information technology into the gap along the superlative edge of the lower sash to block out insects and hot air.
When properly installed, the A/C unit will tip slightly to the outside. This is important to let condensation to drip outside, non into the room.
Ability Information technology Up
Air conditioners depict a fair amount of electricity, and so be mindful of the circuit into which you plug the unit. If the same circuit powers other high-energy appliances—refrigerators, dryers, ovens—consider plugging in the air conditioner elsewhere. If you're using an extension cord, it's important to use a cord that'due south specifically designed to handle the electric load; these heavy-duty cords are usually labeled as, "air-conditioner cord" or "major-appliance string."
And be certain to bank check the air filter monthly throughout the cooling season to ensure it'due south make clean and clear of obstructions.
Removal for Storage
Removing a window air-conditioner unit can be hard, then unless you really need access to the window or want to create a amend seal for winter, it's best to leave information technology in place and protect it with a skid-on embrace.
If you lot decide to remove the air conditioner, again, it'due south best to have 2 people. Showtime by reversing the installation steps, just be very careful non to unscrew the 2 small L-shaped brackets until you lot've slid the air conditioner into the room far enough so that it'southward resting securely on the windowsill and not tipping in or out.
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. Vacuum the exterior of the unit—especially the louvered vents—and and then wipe information technology down with a damp material.
Place the air conditioner back into its original box, using the dumbo-cream packing material to protect it from damage. Put all the screws, brackets and other installation hardware items in a re-sealable plastic bag, and put the bag in the box. Set the box in a cool, dry place for the winter. And if the storage room has a concrete floor, place two 2x4s beneath the box to raise information technology upwardly and protect it from moisture.
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How To Install A Window Ac Unit,
Source: https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/a6030/how-to-install-a-window-air-conditioner/
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