How to Install a Window Air Conditioner

The mercury is rising and the humidity is making it feel even hotter. It's time to install that air conditioner! If central air conditioning is too expensive to consider, then a window unit should be enough to cool things down. Once you have the air conditioner home, it will take just minutes to install it in the window…and you'll be on your way to a cool night's sleep!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape
• Level
• Foam strip
• Screws
• Screwdriver
• Drill
• Waterproof caulk
• Caulking gun

1. Install the mounting brackets onto the windowsill. Screw one end into the sill. Adjust the center screw on the bracket to level the air conditioner.

2. Open the window fully. Slide the air conditioner over the sill and onto the mounting brackets. Close window to the top of the air conditioner casing.

3. Pull out the extensions on either side of the air conditioner until they touch the sides of the window. Once fully extended, drill small holes into the window sash and use screws to fasten each extension to the sash.

4. Secure the sashes to each other with angle brackets, if brackets are supplied by the air conditioner manufacturer. Use a strip of foam to insulate the gap where the two sashes meet to prevent the cool air from seeping outside.

5. Make sure to tilt the air conditioner slightly away from the window to ensure proper water drainage. Caulk the unit outside around the air conditioner. Then plug in the air conditioner. It's now time to cool off!

Tips & Warnings

• Measure the room to be cooled to ensure that you're buying an air conditioner with the proper cooling capacity.
• Make sure the window is in good condition to support the air conditioner. A double hung window near an electrical outlet is best.
• Always follow the instructions in the manufacturer's manual accompanying the air conditioner.
• Never use loose objects, such as a block of wood, to support the air conditioner.

[apscorp]

on 6/8/2009 At Associated Plastics we produce custom made Plexiglas A/C window inserts.Acrylic air conditioner panels are needed for windowless air conditioners, portable A/C, sliding doors, oversized windows, transom windows, vertically opening windows, condominium windows, apartment windows, townhouse windows, house windows, patio doors and more. Installation of the new acrylic panel depends on your window or door type. Sliding patio door inserts fit into the door track with the door holding the acrylic A/C panel in place. Air conditioner window kits can be purchased with sticky back Velcro attaching one side of the Velcro to the acrylic and the other to the window frame. Velcro is available in black or white colours. Simply measure your window leaving room to attach the air conditioner window kit to the window frame, note the placement of the air conditioner vent hose fitting and bring in the...

[msvictoria12]

on 6/20/2008 I recently bought a window air conditioner and I am trying to install it. I feel like there is too much tilt outside and am afraid there's not enough support. I have secured the brackets as instructed. Placed the air conditioner in the window and slid the bottom guide into the notches. There still seems to be too much tilt. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to fix this problem?

[msvictoria12]

on 6/20/2008 I recently bought a window air conditioner and I am trying to install it. I feel like there is too much tilt outside and am afraid there's not enough support. I have secured the brackets as instructed. Placed the air conditioner in the window and slid the bottom guide into the notches. There still seems to be too much tilt. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to fix this problem?

[msvictoria12]

on 6/20/2008 I recently bought a window air conditioner and I am trying to install it. I feel like there is too much tilt outside and am afraid there's not enough support. I have secured the brackets as instructed. Placed the air conditioner in the window and slid the bottom guide into the notches. There still seems to be too much tilt. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to fix this problem?

[CR67]

on 4/12/2008 The best way to solve this problem is go to a Home Depot or Lowes and buy a sheet of plexiglass. Install your ac unit and then measure from the top of your ac unit to the top of the inside of your window sill. Once you have the measurments, you can cut the plexiglass to fit in that area. Unfortunately Home Depot and Lowes will not cut plexiglass. (they cut wood, but for some reason they no longer cut plexiglass) So try and find somebody with a die grinder or you can use a strong utility knife and do it yourself. Just be real careful and it's kind of hard using a utility knife. (but it WILL work) Once it's cut to size, fit the plexiglass into the spot above your ac unit. Get some clear packing tape and tape the plexiglass all the way around the window sill to seal it up from bugs and to keep the cool air from escaping. Now I've seen people use plywood and do the same thing, but