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installing a window air conditioner is a sweaty job, so that you should be would becould very well be tempted to with no trouble open the window, boost the air conditioner into place, close the window, and hope for the most desirable. no longer a good suggestion, for a few motives. 

To help you get this job finished correct, we requested CR's resident air conditioner skilled, Chris Regan, to walk us in the course of the steps for making bound your AC is safely put in (these things weigh forty kilos or extra) and placed to retailer energy and prevent air leaks. He's been setting up and checking out window air conditioners at CR for 15 years and knows a factor or two.

brief tip: believe getting a help bracket, primarily if you are living a number of floors above highway stage in an residence building. These connect to the outdoor wall directly below the window to your AC to relaxation on, and price around $30 to $a hundred. (For greater window AC suggestions in case you reside in an apartment, study our AC e book for condominium dwellers.)

One different notice: you should still read throughout the manual in your certain AC model. "Do as we do and at all times observe the company's installation directions and use the hardware that includes the AC," Regan says.

Steps for Securing a Window AC

Step 1: investigate That it works!

when you unbox the AC, make certain to get rid of any foam blocks, tape, and plastic fasteners. And be careful: "The bottom of the unit has very skinny metal cooling fins that may easily slice fingers," says Regan. region the AC on the flooring and plug it in to be sure it really works. You don't are looking to move through the entire installation steps simply to discover that the issue is a dud.

Step 2: attach the Panels 

Unplug the AC and screw or slip on the two accordion-like facet extensions (these extend so so you might close up the areas on either side of the unit as soon as it be in the window to retain the cool air inside and the warm air outside). Most fashions also include a separate metallic rail that you'll be able to need to screw on to the right of the unit, which acts as a guide tune for the facet panels and helps dangle the AC in the window.

Step 3: position the AC in the Window

carry the window sash, and display, if you have one. core the AC on the windowsill. most of the weight will be placing out the window, so be sure to preserve an organization grip on the unit (you could need a further set of hands). Pull down the window in order that it rests on the exact of the AC unit at once in the back of the steel rail. keep downward drive on the window to avoid the unit from tumbling out the window. 

Step 4: be certain the Unit Can Drain thoroughly 

When the AC is on, it creates water condensation, and that water has to go somewhere. Some newer fashions have a slanted drain pan constructed into the unit and you have got to make certain the AC is completely degree. Others come with a windowsill assist for the outside of the AC to be certain it sits at the correct angle for water to empty (to look which models include a windowsill support, see our air conditioner rankings). if your AC has neither, you'll should tilt it returned in the window ever so just a little in order that the water drains outdoor as opposed to into your condo or home. 

Step 5: Lock It In 

Your AC comes with a sash lock, which is an L-formed bracket that you connect to the properly of the lower window sash and the side of the upper sash to avoid the window from being opened—both by chance by means of a person at home or through an outsider from the outside. Use a cordless drill (or a screwdriver) to lock it in location. if you have vinyl windows and don't wish to screw into them, Regan suggests reducing a block of wood to fit snugly within the space between the desirable of the opened window and the desirable of the window frame to avoid the window from being opened. A picket curtain rod or thick dowel would also do the trick.

Step 6: close up the Gaps 

Pull out every extension panel on the facets of the AC to pack up the spaces to the left and correct of the air conditioner. Screw each one to the window sash to retain them in area. (There should be screw holes to demonstrate you exactly the place to fasten them.)

To seal out scorching air and insects from the outside, stuff the thick foam climate stripping that got here along with your unit into the hole on the desirable of the window sash it truly is conserving your AC in place, between both panes of glass. in case your unit additionally came with insulating foam panels to region over the side accordion panels to reduce air leaks, reduce the panels to dimension and area them over each and every extension. 

most desirable Window ACs From CR's checks

Which ACs are excellent at protecting you cool all summer season lengthy? take a look at the excellent-performers from our extensive lab tests, prepared via the room size you are looking to relax in.

most advantageous Window ACs from CR's tests

Which ACs are excellent at holding you cool all summer lengthy? try the top-performers from our extensive labs tests, organized through the room dimension you need to chill in.

top-quality Window ACs from CR's tests

Which ACs are great at retaining you cool all summer season lengthy? check out the suitable-performers from our extensive labs assessments, organized via the room measurement you want to chill in.

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