How to to Install a Energy Efficient Window Air Conditioner

Window air conditioners are fairly simple to install and require only few tools. However there may be times when your window air conditioner will require additional support. Below I have outlined the basic steps to follow when installing a window air conditioner.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape
• Assorted screwdrivers
• Adjustable crescent wrench
• Duct Tape
• Carpenter’s level

1. Measure the window opening that your air conditioner is going to be installed in. Also check to make sure you have a 120 Volt AC outlet nearby (220V for heavy duty units). If you don’t have an AC outlet nearby, you will have to purchase an air conditioner extension cord. DO NOT use any extension cord.

2. Look for an air conditioner with an EER of 10 or better. The higher the EER the more money you will save. For additional information on choosing an energy efficient air conditioner, check out my article “How to choose an energy efficient air conditioner”. See Resources link below.

3. Read the manufacture’s installation instructions before attempting to install the air conditioner.

4. Using a carpenter’s level, make sure that the air conditioner is sloping down towards the outside. This is very important to ensure that the water drains out of the air conditioner onto the ground.

5. Make sure that your air conditioner is well supported in the window frame. If it is not, you will need to purchase an air conditioner brace or bracket for outside your window.

6. Use the weather stripping that was supplied with the air conditioner to seal all spaces on the inside of your window. You can purchase additional weather stripping and duct tape to seal up all outside spaces.

7. Read the owner’s manual on how to use the air conditioner and learn how to use the energy saving features.

Resources

• How to Choose an Energy Efficient Air Conditioner

[sunshineandrose]

on 7/2/2009 very good summertime article thanks!5*