Stay cool… you got this
Window A/C installation works best in single- or double-hung windows that slide vertically, so check your window type before you buy.
Window units cost $140 to $530 on average, and your monthly running costs range from $15 to $40 depending on usage and efficiency.
Improper leveling or loose installation can cause your unit to leak or fall, creating safety risks and potential water damage inside your home.
Hiring a local air conditioner installing professional keeps heavy lifting safe and ensures proper leveling, weatherstripping, and electrical connections for reliable cooling.
Dogs are cute, but the dog days of summer are not. The added heat and humidity turn any living space into a drenched mess. That’s where air conditioners come in. If your home lacks the option for a central system, putting in a window unit is the next best thing. Window ACs are budget-friendly, work with many window types, and are relatively easy to install. Just how easy are they to install? You are about to find out. Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to install an air conditioner in your window.
The main step in preparing to install a window AC is to check your windows for integration, in addition to purchasing a correctly-sized air conditioner for that window. Here are tips to do just that.
Buy right: Not all window types do well with window units, and some don’t work at all. This type of AC works best in single- and double-hung windows that slide vertically. Window AC units cost between $140 and $530, on average.
Casement windows are an issue: Window units do not integrate well with cranking casement windows and horizontal sliding windows. In these cases, look at rolling portable air conditioners.
Don’t worry about width: Most modern window ACs ship with accordion extenders or something similar, so you should not have to worry about the width of your window. Perform measurements in the rare case that you have an extremely narrow or wide window.
Remove storm windows: Beyond making the right purchase, start prepping by removing any storm windows and screens on the outward-facing exterior.
Eliminate debris: While you are there, clear away any brush and debris that might get in the way of the air conditioner later on. A tidy window is a happy window.
Your first step is to make sure the AC unit sits level in the window opening. Believe it or not, not all windows are actually level, particularly when measuring from front to back. To solve this problem, add a wood block or two between the windowsill and the future home of the air conditioner. Add one in the front to start and make a measurement, adding another toward the back when necessary.
Standard 2x4s cut into smaller pieces work well for this, but it truly depends on what is going on with your windowsill and how even it is already.
In an ideal world, all of the cool air stays in your home, while the hot air jettisons outside. To assist with this, weatherstrip the window and the area immediately surrounding the AC before going ahead with the installation. Some AC units ship with weatherstripping of some kind, but a standard 1-¼” x 1-¼” foam weatherstrip works great here.
Cut, peel, and stick the strip as you normally would, making precise cuts so it fits the windowsill to a tee. Affix one strip to the windowsill, another to the bottom of the window, and a final strip on top of the air conditioner.
Before placing the window unit, make sure there are no people, pets, or delicate objects on the ground below where your AC will go. It’s also wise to ask someone to assist you for the actual AC placement. Window AC units are notoriously heavy and easily slip from your grasp, careening to the ground in a thunderous crash. Start by opening the window and liting the air conditioner into the window opening until the accordion wings are completely even with the window jamb. This should center it within the opening. Lower the upper window down on top of the AC and hold it in place. Finish this step by expanding the air conditioner wings so they close the gap on each side.
Affixing the AC to the window is an optional step, as once the AC is correctly placed and the upper window is pushed down into the center, it will hold. If you want extra security, however, affix the AC to the window by inserting some screws through the holes in the wings. This does put holes in your actual window, so exercise caution here, go slowly, and use the correct type of screw. Four screws, two on each side, should finish it off.
Window AC units require a designated 20-amp circuit. If the plug struggles to reach the nearest outlet (window AC plugs are on the shorter side,) feel free to connect it to a heavy-duty appliance cord and run that cord into the outlet. Avoid low-grade extension cords and surge protectors. Give the AC its own spot in the outlet to minimize any chances of overloading the system.
As you now see, this is a DIY-friendly job appropriate for most skill levels. The prep work is minimal and the installation process is fairly universal. However, there are still scenarios that benefit from an experienced hand. Contact a local HVAC specialist if the AC is too heavy to lift and install on your own or if your windows are uniquely-shaped, thus making the installation precarious (to say the least.) You should also consult a pro if you are not sure if your window integrates with window ACs. They will let you know if a portable AC is your best bet.
Finally, contact a local electrician if there is no suitable power outlet near the air conditioner or if you worry that your current electrical system is not ready for the new appliance.
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