How to Install a Window Air Conditioner Flush With a Window

Window air conditioners can protrude into a room when they are mounted on sills without supporting brackets. With support brackets, though, a window air conditioner can be positioned so that it is flush with the window. This not only can present a more attractive appearance of the room, and the window in particular, it can also give you those few extra inches that can often make a difference when the room is small and the positioning of furniture is an issue.

Things You'll Need

• Helper
• Level
• Outdoor mounting bracket
• Ladder
• Weatherproof shims
• Foam insulation strips
• Screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench

Instructions

1. Install the mounting brackets outside the window. Installation of the brackets varies with the manufacturer, but generally you will need to ensure that the braces on the mounting brackets are either screwed into the wall studs or into a horizontal support that is in turn screwed into the wall studs. This will ensure the air conditioner is properly supported.

2. Position the window air conditioner onto the mounting brackets. It's important that you have a helper because air conditioners can be heavy, and the helper can hold the air conditioner in place while it is screwed into place.

3. Use a ladder if necessary to reach the window unit from the outside. Begin tightening the mounting bolts or screws that secure the air conditioner to the mounting bracket. The hardware used will vary with make and model of the air conditioner unit. Have the helper slightly adjust the position of the air conditioner until the helper verifies that the unit is flush with the window, then tighten the mounting bolts or mounting screws.

4. Spread the side leaves out from the front of the air conditioner, and screw them into the sides of the window frame. Place foam insulation strips on the top and sides of the window air conditioner, then close the window.

Tips & Warnings

• You might need weatherproof shims to ensure the air conditioner is tilted slightly down at the back. Use a level to double-check that there is a tilt. This is so that condensed water will drip outside the room and not inside.

• Dropping an air conditioner can cause injury. Have a helper (or two) assist you with your air conditioner installation.

Resources

• Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Appliances