How to Install Window Air Conditioners

Beat the heat with a window air conditioner

With the heat of summer quickly approaching, those in homes or apartments without central air conditioner have two choices: broil all summer, or install a window air conditioning unit. Although the task might seem daunting, installing modern window units is easier than you might think. Installing a window air conditioner can be done by one person in less than an hour.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Window air conditioner unit and hardware
• Pencil
• Measuring tape
• Waterproof caulk
• Caulking gun
• Level
• Screwdriver

1. Locate a window that is near an electrical outlet.

2. Open the window and inspect the windowsill. If the wood is rotten or if the sill is loose and wiggles when you apply pressure to it, you need to replace the windowsill wood or choose another window in which to mount your window air conditioner.

3. Mount the center bracket that came with the air conditioner unit. This is the main support of the air conditioner, so carefully follow the instructions that came with the unit.

4. Use a level to adjust the center screw of the mounting bracket, adjusting the depth of the screw until the mounting bracket is perfectly level. If this bracket is not level, you could end up damaging your windowsill, having the draining water end up inside your home rather than outside or having the unit fall out of the window completely.

5. Lift the air conditioner unit to the windowsill, and carefully place the unit on top of the mounting bracket. If the air conditioner is too heavy for you, have someone help you lift it to the window. There is a coordinating "groove" on the air conditioner unit that fits perfectly over the mounting bracket, and you will be able to feel when the unit is in place.

6. Close the window onto the window air conditioner unit.

7. Pull out the side extensions on both sides of the air conditioner. These are usually vinyl and will extend all the way to the side of the window frame.

8. Secure the side extensions with the screws provided by screwing them onto the window sash (window frame).

9. Place the foam strip (standard with most window air conditioning units) in the gap between the windows, above the window air conditioner.

10. Go outside and apply waterproof caulking to the outer edges of the air conditioner installation, sealing where the unit and the extensions meet the window. This will keep your cool air inside and the summer heat outside.