How to Install an Air Conditioner

In the middle of the summer you could probably be convinced that just about the best invention anyone has ever come up with is an air conditioner. However, after you've bought the unit and lugged it home you still need to install it before you can enjoy that beautiful cool air. Good news, it's straightforward and simple.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Caulking gun and waterproof caulk
• Measuring tape and pencil
• Air conditioner, mounting hardware, foam insulation (usually provided by manufacturer)
• Screwdriver and screws

1. Measure the area you want to cool and calculate the size of the air conditioner you will need. (See below)

2. Determine where you want to install the air conditioner and measure the window opening. The air conditioner you buy needs to fit into the opening and all air conditioners aren't the same size.

3. Install the mounting brackets that came with the air conditioner unit (be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions).

4. Slide the air conditioner into the window opening and attach it to the mounting brackets (again as per manufacturer's instructions).

5. Lower the window down onto the top of the unit.

6. Pull out the extensions on each side of the air conditioner and attach them to the window frame.

7. Use a piece of foam (may be provided by the manufacturer), seal between the top of the air conditioner unit and the window.

8. Attach the drainage hose (if supplied) to the outside of the air conditioner.

9. Caulk around the outside of the unit to help keep the warm air outside.

10. Plug in your air conditioner, turn it on and enjoy that cool air.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have an option, install your air conditioner in either a North-facing (best) or South-facing (next best) wall. Both East-facing and West-facing walls get direct sunshine so the unit has to work harder.
• Air conditioners are rated by their British Thermal Unit capacity (BTU). A rule of thumb is that a 12,000 BTU unit will cool 500 square feet of room.
• Air conditioners are also rated by their Energy Efficiency Rating (EER). A higher EER is better since it uses less electricity. Most air conditioners are rated between 8.0 and 10.5.
• Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions for installing both the mounting brackets and the unit itself. Air conditioners are heavy and improperly installed brackets could allow the unit to fall.

[Andy]

on 5/28/2009 I don’t think I’ve ever seen a window screen that you couldn’t remove, but if that’s the case with your window you still do have a couple of options.Free standing air conditioners are available that are essentially window air conditioners on wheels. You just plug them in and they can be moved from room to room. Check at home or hardware store or even a department store.You could also get a freestanding dehumidifier that would take the moisture out of the air and combine it with a fan to move the air.

[canadaglen]

on 5/27/2009 HELP! My room is an oven in the warm months, but my window has a screen built in, which makes installing a much-needed air-conditioner seem impossible. Suggestions and non-destructive solutions would be most welcome! Thanks. Glen - Toronto, ON

[Ryancol]

on 6/25/2008 for my side to side sindgle hung window I built a platform for the a.c. unit to sit on and secured it to the window sill (the platform sticks out to the outside). I removed the sliding window and screen. Cut out 1/4 inch plywood the same size as the window that was removed. Cut out a square in the plywood for the ac unit to fit in and attached the plywood to where he window use to be. Slid in the ac unit on the platform and plugged it in. Voila, sunshine on the left and ac unit on the right! Took about 30 minutes.

[jfrederic]

on 6/21/2008 How do you install in a window that opens side to side, not up/down? Thanks!!

[taser1984]

on 5/22/2008 Window air conditioners (and all air conditioners really) are designed with the knowledge that they will be outside. They are designed to stand up to the elements. Most units are designed to be installed with a slight outward tilt for drainage (the manual usually addresses this). Some even have this tilt designed into the case. Covering the unit may cause airflow blockage, which can hinder performance and even damage the unit.