How To Install A Window Air Conditioner In A Wall
At that place's no simpler, more affordable way to cool downwardly a room than with a window-mounted air conditioner. These meaty units are reliable, durable, able to cool most whatsoever size room, and today's models are exponentially more energy efficient than units congenital just x years ago. Plus, window air conditioners are easy to install.
🛠You love fixing stuff. We dear fixing stuff. Let'southward practice information technology together.
Here, I'll share some tips on what to consider when ownership an air conditioner, then how to install it deeply and remove it for winter storage.
Size the Room
Window-mounted A/C units come various sizes and cooling capacities, ranging from near five,000 BTU to 25,000 BTU (British thermal units). Equally a general rule, you demand nigh twenty BTU of cooling for every square foot of living infinite. So, for instance, a 12x16-ft. room would require an air conditioner with a cooling capacity of approximately 4,000 BTU (12 x 16 = 192 sq. ft. x 20 = 3,840 BTU).
Here'due south a simpler, no-math way to make up one's mind which size air conditioner to purchase. Listed below are the most common sizes of window air conditioners for rooms ranging from 150 to ane,600 square feet:
Information technology'southward critically important to choose a model with a cooling capacity sufficient to absurd the room. If yous choose a unit that's likewise pocket-sized, it'll struggle to keep the room cool on the hottest days. And choosing a unit that's too big—a common mistake—is just as problematic.
An oversized air conditioner will pump too much moisture back into the room, raising the humidity to unsafe levels, especially for those with breathing difficulties. Excessive moisture can also create a breeding footing for dust mites and mold. Plus, a too-big A/C unit of measurement is louder and burns more electricity than a properly sized unit.
Buy the Best
If you're looking for a new window A/C, well, you're in luck.
Summer might be hot, merely so is the competition to sell these appliances, with anywhere from i.74 million to 5.iv million being sold in any given twelvemonth recently, according to statista.com and U.Due south. Department of Energy.
That competition helps yous, as manufacturers hold down prices and outbid each other to add features such equally vocalism control, app control, hand-held remotes, timers, and features like a dehumidifier setting. Bells and whistles are overnice, but more so is the increased energy efficiency of these appliances.
Check Your Window
Nigh window-mounted air conditioners are designed to fit into double-hung windows, but most units can also exist placed in swing-out casement or sliding windows. (Bank check with the air-conditioner manufacturer for specific installation instructions.) Here, I'll discuss installation for double-hung windows, which are by far the about popular fashion of window.
Outset past raising the lower sash, and then measure out the superlative and width of the opening. Be sure to have those dimensions on hand when shopping for an air conditioner to ensure information technology'll fit comfortably into the window. Also, proceed burn safety in mind when deciding where to install the air conditioner: Don't place it in an egress window that serves every bit the simply means of escape should a burn erupt.
Consider Free energy Efficiency
The free energy efficiency of a room air conditioner is designated by its EER number, which stands for Energy Efficiency Rating. The EER is calculated by dividing the unit's BTU rating by the wattage of the unit. For example, a 12,000 BTU air conditioner that uses ane,200 watts of electricity has an EER of x.
⚠️ Don't misfile EER with SEER—Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio—which is used to calculate the energy efficiency of key air-conditioning systems.
Window A/C units typically have ratings between about eight and 12. A rating of 10 or higher is considered platonic for saving electricity and lowering your utility bills. And exist sure to look for features such every bit digital temperature controls, variable fan speeds, and slumber settings, which also can help conserve power.
Installation
Installing a window air-conditioner is all-time done with two people. Even pocket-size air conditioners are heavy and awkward to lift. And the last affair you want is for your A/C unit to autumn out window or onto the floor.
💡 Save the air conditioner's original box and packing materials; you lot can utilise it later for storing the unit of measurement.
Showtime past reading the installation manual and familiarizing yourself with all the included hardware and fasteners. Most units come with a kit that includes adjustable window extensions and metallic mounting brackets. These parts will ensure a secure and closed fit in the window opening. And for additional support, especially for larger air conditioners, consider purchasing a steel back up bracket and mount it to the outside house wall, directly below the windowsill.
Raise the window's lower sash and ready the A/C unit centered on the windowsill. Nigh the weight will be hanging out the window, so be certain to keep a house grip on the unit. Now pull down the lower sash until information technology contacts the top of the A/C unit directly behind the metal flange running across the height of the unit. Keep downward pressure on the lower sash; it'due south preventing the unit of measurement from toppling out the window. The installation kit typically includes two small L-shaped metal brackets, which are used to forestall the lower sash from existence raised.
Set i bracket on the far left, acme edge of the lower sash. Then, use a cordless drill to screw the subclass to the upper sash. Echo to install the remaining bracket to the far correct side of the lower sash. Depending on the A/C unit, you may also need to bulldoze short screws through the metal flange running across the top of the unit and into the lower sash. With the brackets screwed in identify and the lower sash locked in positioned, and the A/C unit is secured.
Adjacent, attach the ii accordion-like extensions, ane to each side of the A/C unit. (Notation that in some cases you must install the extensions prior to setting the unit of measurement in the window; cheque the installation manual for specific details.) Pull out each extension to shut off the space to the left and right of the air conditioner. Screw the vertical mounting flange of each extension to the window jambs. Accept the thick foam-rubber weather stripping and stuff information technology into the gap along the meridian border of the lower sash to block out insects and hot air.
When properly installed, the A/C unit will tip slightly to the outside. This is important to allow condensation to baste outside, not into the room.
Ability Information technology Upwards
Air conditioners draw a fair amount of electricity, so be mindful of the circuit into which you lot plug the unit. If the aforementioned circuit powers other high-energy appliances—refrigerators, dryers, ovens—consider plugging in the air conditioner elsewhere. If y'all're using an extension cord, it's important to use a cord that'south specifically designed to handle the electrical load; these heavy-duty cords are usually labeled as, "air-conditioner string" or "major-appliance cord."
And be certain to check the air filter monthly throughout the cooling season to ensure it's clean and articulate of obstructions.
Removal for Storage
Removing a window air-conditioner unit of measurement can be hard, and so unless you really need admission to the window or want to create a better seal for winter, it's best to leave it in place and protect it with a slip-on comprehend.
If you make up one's mind to remove the air conditioner, once more, it's best to have two people. Start past reversing the installation steps, simply be very careful not to unscrew the two small L-shaped brackets until yous've slid the air conditioner into the room far plenty so that it'southward resting securely on the windowsill and not tipping in or out.
After removing all the hardware, heighten the lower sash and lift the air conditioner out of the window and set it onto a thick blanket spread on the flooring. Vacuum the outside of the unit—especially the louvered vents—and so wipe it down with a damp textile.
Identify the air conditioner back into its original box, using the dense-foam packing material to protect it from damage. Put all the screws, brackets and other installation hardware items in a re-sealable plastic bag, and put the handbag in the box. Set the box in a cool, dry place for the winter. And if the storage room has a concrete flooring, place ii 2x4s beneath the box to raise it upwards and protect it from moisture.
Picket This:
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to aid users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information almost this and like content at piano.io
How To Install A Window Air Conditioner In A Wall,
Source: https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/a6030/how-to-install-a-window-air-conditioner/
Posted by: doanewiteld.blogspot.com
0 Response to "How To Install A Window Air Conditioner In A Wall"
Post a Comment