Written by: Bob

You’ve had enough of the heat and have finally gone and bought that window air conditioner unit that you hope will provide some relief against summer heat waves. Now you have to find out how to install a window air conditioner unit. How long will that take? How complicated is it? Well, depending on your experience, it could take anywhere from a half an hour to an hour. Having someone to help hold and lift the unit would be nice, but is not mandatory, making this a true do-it-yourself job.

How to Install a Window Air Conditioner Unit – Installing

Before installing your window air conditioner, you need to know a few things. Usually, an air unit is hung in a double-hung window, which means one that slides up and down. It is more difficult to install a window air conditioner in a window that slides shut from side to side, as you will have to board up the area not filled in by the A/C unit. In addition, the window and its sash should be in good condition.

If possible, place the window unit in a window closest to the center of your room, and in one that receives some shade in the afternoon. In addition, try to place your unit close to an electrical outlet, as efficiency will drop the further away you are from your electrical source.

Your window air conditioner may come with mounting brackets, if necessary. If not, the unit may be lightweight enough to hang without mounts. Install the brackets according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Place the air conditioner into the open window. Most window air units come with an accordion-style flap attached to one or both sides, for proper fitting into various size windows. Close the window to ensure a firm fit.

Secure the mounting frame and the accordion flap firmly to the window sash with screws. Check several times with a bubble level to make sure that your air conditioner is level. This will not only ensure proper working conditions, but also maintain a good, tight seal in the window area. If necessary, shim, using store-bought shims or those you can make yourself from stiff cardboard or wood scraps.

Some window air conditioning units also come with angled brackets to hold the window sash in place above the A/C unit. Screw them to the upper sash of the window. If your window air conditioner didn’t come with angled brackets, you can purchase them at your local hardware store for less than a dollar. These will ensure that your window won’t slip open.

How to Install a Window Air Conditioner Unit – Weatherproofing

For a good, weatherproof seal, place foam weather stripping between the glass of the upper sash and the top of the window now resting on top of the A/C unit to ensure an airtight seal. Since newer models of window air conditioners are very lightweight, this is definitely a job anyone can do himself or herself. However, use due caution when installing any type of air conditioning unit in an upstairs window!
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