How To Install A Window Air Conditioner In A Sliding Window

Many people are purchasing air conditioners that fit into a window because they're cheaper than portable units or central air.

Nevertheless, most of these units are designed to fit vertically opening windows.

If you have horizontal sliding windows and want a window Air conditioning, you may take noticed that ACs made for this type of window are significantly more expensive.

Quick Questions Before Starting

It'south possible to conform ACs made for vertical windows to fit in a sliding window. If you live in an apartment or if you simply need an air conditioner a few months of the year, this is a perfect solution for you.

How Hard is This to Exercise?

Installing the AC unit of measurement is about a medium difficulty level; still, it's all-time to have a friend help you lift your air conditioner and concur it in identify.

How Long Does it Take?

This projection volition accept you approx 1:30.

How Much Practice Materials Cost?

Depending on the supplies you already have, this project will price you $250-$700.

Items Needed

Here's a listing of all the items you'll demand to complete this project and their estimated price. Many people already have some of the tools necessary to complete this project. If not, y'all can pick them upwardly at any local hardware store.

A box of screws: $8.97
Electric drill: $l
A Phillips and flat-head screwdriver: $14.97
AC unit: $150
An assistant
Measuring tape: $14.97
Scissors: $vi.97
Wrench: $xix.97
Ladder (optional): $80
Weatherstripping: $8.48
Full: $354.33

How To Install a Window AC Unit In a Horizontal Sliding Window

Before starting on the projection, brand sure to measure out your air conditioner's width and elevation. Include any vents that might stick out on the sides, as well equally the peak of the window's opening.

Choosing a Window

The window should exist almost a three-pronged outlet—using an extension cord may not provide enough power for the unit to function properly. Inspect the windowsill; if information technology's old, weak, or shows signs of harm, information technology may not support the unit's weight. You'll need to replace the windowsill or select a different window.

Weatherstripping

Cut a piece the same width as the window'due south opening. Follow the instructions to place the weatherstripping correctly and adhere it to the windowsill then that the unit will exist on top of it when in place. Firmly printing the weatherstripping to help it adhere to the windowsill.

Back up Brackets

With an electric drill or screwdriver, secure the bracket to the ledge of your window with screws. Check to see if your Ac needs a tilt or whatsoever leveling. Depending on your unit, either employ a level to brand sure the brackets are straight or angle them between 1/iv and 1/2 inch.

The instructions included with your air conditioner volition bear witness you how to assemble the subclass, if it's pre-assembled, and where to install the bracket along the windowsill. To foreclose the Air conditioning from falling out the window on either side, yous should identify a bracket in the center of the windowsill.

Depending on your unit's size and weight, the exterior subclass may attach only below your windowsill or farther down the side.

Get together the AC Unit

You might need to attach air conditioner panels along the sides and top of the unit. The panels will attach with screws; any special tools you need should come with the Air conditioning unit. These panels frame the Air-conditioning and prevent warm air, allergens, and pollution from entering your abode. You can add weatherstripping on the sides of the panels to create an air-tight seal.

Closing the Gap

Subtract the height of your unit of measurement from the elevation of your selected window. You can cover this gap with the plastic curtain that comes with your Air conditioning unit. Cut the plastic curtain with scissors to cover the gap between the unit of measurement and the tiptop of the frame.

For example, if the unit is thirty inches high and the window opening is 50 inches tall, cutting the curtain to 20 inches in length. Slide the drapery into the frame that came with the unit, and adhere it to the unit, sliding the frame neatly into the side panels.

Attach the frame to your air conditioner using a screwdriver; if necessary, some units slide into place.

Place Your Air Conditioner

Slide the air conditioner into the window opening until it rests against the back up subclass. Inquire someone to help you lift the unit and hold it in identify. Utilise a screwdriver to attach the Air-conditioning unit to the subclass.

It may be easier to do this from the outside of the building, rather than trying to piece of work around the unit. The bracket will adhere with one or more screws in the dorsum of the Ac unit.

Securing the Unit

Drill holes through the unit'south lesser panel into the window's track, using the screws to attach the Air conditioning unit'south base to the window. Attach the pall frame to the sides of the window past pre-drilling holes with an electric drill and using a screwdriver to tighten the screws.

In the bottom corner of your window, where it meets the jamb, line up the L bracket with the Ac's base of operations. Drill into the hole of the 50 bracket into the window frame, keeping it in place. This subclass will finish anyone from opening the window from the exterior.

Enjoy Your Air-conditioning

Plug your unit in and wait for your room to cool off.

Tips and Safety Considerations When Installing a Window Air conditioning Unit In a Horizontal Sliding Window

When purchasing an AC unit, wait for an free energy efficiency rating (EER) of 10 or more than for better efficiency. Information technology'due south as well important to know the British thermal units (BTUs) of the AC. If your unit doesn't take the correct amount of BTUs, it won't reach desired temperatures, or information technology'll turn on and off too quickly, leading to an uneven temperature in the space. Cheque the box to run into the manufacturer's recommended room size; you can also find online tools to find how many BTUs your room requires.
Some AC units require a tilt to prevent condensation from dripping downwards the wall within your home. The tilt should exist no more than half an inch, but bank check the installation guide for the manufacturer'southward recommendation. Other units don't require a slant; they have a baste pan inside them at an angle to collect the condensation.
Window air conditioners counterbalance between fifty and 100 pounds, and then lifting the apparatus and holding it in place while securing information technology with screws definitely requires assistance. You may injure yourself or accidentally driblet the unit of measurement out the window if you attempt and install an AC by yourself.

Common Issues

Exist on the lookout for these mutual problems with installing a window AC in a horizontal sliding window.

Size

The nigh mutual problem is installing a unit of the incorrect size. The most efficient and constructive window air conditioner has a cooling capacity of 20 BTUs per square foot of space in the room.

If your desired room has high ceilings or is in direct sunlight, yous may need a slightly larger capacity—bigger is not always better. An oversized unit of measurement in a small-scale room won't cool amend than a smaller unit. A smaller AC running for a longer time is more than efficient than a larger unit turning itself on and off repeatedly.

Weight Distribution

It may be tempting to open up the window, slide the air conditioner in, and close the window firmly onto the unit. Doing this forces the window and the window sash to bear the weight of the air conditioning unit and tin cause damage to the window. When installing your AC unit, have the time to attach brackets to help support and distribute the air conditioner's weight.

Tilting

Air conditioners cool air by removing moisture from information technology, causing water to puddle inside the AC and drain from the back. Some air conditioners have gutters and channels built into them, allowing them to bleed when the unit is level. Others require a slight tilt for the AC to drain correctly.

Conclusion

Window-mounted air conditioning units are a cost-effective alternative to cardinal air that can provide firsthand relief on a hot solar day. Make sure that your window unit is the right size for your window and has adequate support. Ask a friend to help y'all to prevent personal injury and harm to the unit.

People As well Ask

Window air-conditioning units provide cooling to any room in your abode. When the air conditioner is no longer needed during seasonal conditions, you lot tin hands remove it, and your window will be fully operable. However, many people have questions earlier they install their AC units.

How Practise I Secure an AC in a Horizontal Sliding Window?

To secure an Air conditioning unit of measurement, make sure to install its support brackets. Secure them to the window frame and the business firm's side.

Use wooden screws if your frames are made of wood or vinyl, and if y'all accept metal frames, employ siding or sheet metal screws.

Adding L brackets prevents the window from existence opened inadvertently, decreasing the risk of the unit falling out of the window.

Is it Safety to Take a Window Unit of measurement in a Horizontal Sliding Window?

There are some great options for adding security to a window with an air conditioner. A quick fix is to grab an old stick, broom, piece of wood, or whatever you have lying around.

Cut it to fit the rails of your window to forestall it from being opened. Yous tin can likewise effort a sliding window lock; they're little locks that you fix onto the window'south sliding track to block information technology from opening. However, these are difficult to remove in case of an emergency.

Are Window Air-conditioning Units Allowed in a Horizontal Window in a Neighborhood With an HOA?

In most single-family homes, yous tin install a window Ac. However, if you live in a condo, an flat, or a neighborhood with an HOA, cheque with your HOA lath or landlord before buying a window AC unit.