How to Install a Window-Mounted Air Conditioner
Installing a properly sized window air conditioning unit will remove humidity and control air temperature in the selected room. In general, a 1 ton, 12000 British thermal units (BTU), air conditioner will cool a 500-square-foot room. While less efficient than central heat and air conditioning systems, window units generally cost less to run. Window air conditioners have energy efficiency ratio ratings (EER). Higher the EER ratings correspond to higher energy efficiency. Window air conditioners built after January 1,1990 must have an EER rating of 8.0 or higher. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Bracket set
- Drill
- 1/8-inch drill bit
- Anchor kit
- Hammer
- 1-inch pan screws
- Flat screwdriver
- Bubble level
- Shims
- Window locks
- Caulk
Instructions
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1
Open the window. Measure the window opening and the air conditioner's case with a tape measure. Compare the two sets of measurements to verify that the air conditioner will fit in the window.
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2
Inspect the window opening. The window frame must have solid construction. Replace any rotten wood and secure all loose building materials. Verify that nothing on the outside will interfere with the air conditioner's air flow out the rear of the unit.
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3
Find the center of the window sill with a tape measure and mark it with a pencil.
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4
Layout the mounting brackets using the center line as a guide. Modern window air conditioners come with a bracket template. Line up the center of the template with the center line and mark the screw holes on the window sill using the template as a guide. For older window units, install the brackets 1 inch in from the outside edges. Using the center line as a guide, mark the spot where the outside edges of the air conditioner will line up, then layout the bracket's screw holes 1 inch inside of that mark.
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5
Drill pilot holes in the window sill with a drill. If the window sill is wood, use a 1/8-inch drill bit for the pilot holes. Use an anchor kit for concrete window sills. The anchor kit will supply the proper size masonry drill bit. After using the masonry bit, push the anchors into the holes. Softly tap tight-fitting anchors with a hammer to set them in place.
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6
Install the bracket set. If the air conditioner came with a bracket kit, use the screws supplied. Use 1-inch pan screws if the bracket connects to a wood sill. Use the screws supplied with the anchor kit if the bracket connects to a concrete sill.
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7
Level the bracket with a bubble level. Some brackets have a leveling screw in the center and some will require shims placed as needed between the bracket and the window sill.
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8
Slide the air conditioner into place from the inside. Close the window.
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9
Secure the brackets to the air conditioner. Some, not all, brackets have attachment clips or screws that connect to the bottom of the air conditioner. Never drill new holes into the bottom of the air conditioner.
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10
Close the air conditioner's window extensions. The window extensions slide out from the side of the air conditioner and fill the space between the air conditioner and the window frame. Use the screws included to attach the extensions to the window frame.
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11
Install window locks on the window frame. Position the locks so that the window can not accidentally open.
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12
Caulk the seams between the air conditioner and the window on the outside of the house.
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13
Plug the units power cord into an electrical outlet.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit window air conditioner image by Aaron Kohr from Fotolia.com
