How to Install Window AC Units, a Brief Guide

This is not a detailed window air conditioner installation guide but more of an overview of some of the common things that are required installing window air conditioners. This is just a way to quickly install a window ac unit and is certainly not the method I would use if security were a concern.

When it comes to following the window air conditioner installation instructions that come with these units it is often a futile act. I have probably installed hundreds of window ac units and have never been able to rely on the instructions that come with this equipment. Your best plan of action is to read the rest of this article to see if it is helpful and then plan your own installation. If you have any questions send an email and I will try to help.

Window Mounted Air Conditioner Installation How-To, a Common Method

When installing a window ac unit, one of the most important things that you need to do is support the weight of the unit properly. For smaller units this is as easy as setting the air conditioner on your window sill, opening the sliders and sliding the window down onto the top of the ac unit. You want the window to come down behind the track that the sliders mount in. This way the weight of the ac unit will be against the window. Sometimes the slider will not open wide enough and you will have to add cardboard or thin plywood to fill in the rest of the opening.

There are usually holes in the sliders at the bottom or top that are meant for screws. Using small screws, anchor the sliders to the window and this will keep the window down and prevent the air conditioner from falling out.

Sometimes this is not necessary but try to have the end of the air conditioner that is outside a little lower than the section inside. This is to ensure that condensation will flow to the outside and out the back of the air conditioner.

For larger units you will want to use a brace under the air conditioner. Twelve thousand BTU units and above are heavier and will require more support. This is something you will have to judge for yourself. Some ac units come with window brackets that are adjustable and you mount them to the side of your house under the ac unit. Others do not and you will have to make something to do the job. If the window is only a few feet from the ground you can simply use a length of two by four between the ground and the unit to support the end.

After you have the ac unit installed you will have to seal around the edges. This can be done with weather stripping or some sort of foam. Many people use duct tape also to make sure that there are no openings around the unit. This is only for a temporary installations and would not be a very good method to use for long term installations. If you have any further questions about how to install window ac units ask and I will try to help.