How To Install Window Ac With Plywood

The Dos and Don'ts of Installing a Window Air-conditioning Unit

Take these tips to safely, merely install a window air conditioner and continue cool this summer.

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If sweltering days and nights without central air-conditioning threaten your summertime comfort, consider putting a unit in the window. Installing a window Air-conditioning is inside the capabilities of most practise-it-yourselfers if you follow the 10 tips here. Yous'll get the chore done safely and swiftly—and will soon exist proverb, "Ahhhhh!" no matter how hot it gets.

DON'T assume you're permitted to install a window unit of measurement.

While most single-family homeowners are free to install a window AC, if you alive in an apartment, condo circuitous, or a neighborhood with a homeowners' association, check with management or the HOA board before investing in a unit of measurement. Some complexes don't allow window ACs for aesthetic reasons (they're not the most bonny additions to a building's exterior) or because an improperly installed unit could fall from the window, creating a safety adventure.

Exercise appraise your windows.

Non every window is suited for an air conditioner. Most all such appliances are designed for a double-hung window, significant there is a fixed upper pane and a lower pane that slides up and downwardly. Sliding windows that movement from side to side, and casement windows that tilt outwards to open, aren't options for these air conditioners.

You'll as well demand an electrical outlet that accepts three-prong plugs adequately close to the window; most window units take a cord just well-nigh vi feet long. Never employ an extension cord for window ACs. This could void the warranty on many air conditioners and present a burn down run a risk if the extension cord isn't rated for appliances.

Finally, for best performance, consider the area straight within and outside the window. An air conditioner should exist in a shady or partially shaded window, because direct, intense sunlight tin can decrease the unit'southward efficiency past as much equally 10 percentage every bit it struggles to handle all that hot air. Also, remember that the air conditioner requires sufficient clearance for unimpeded air menses, so choose a window free of piece of furniture, copse, shrubs, walls, or other obstructions inside 20 inches of the unit on the inside or the outside of the window.

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DON'T neglect to bank check your measurements.

There are ii sets of measurements you'll demand to choose the right window air conditioner: the superlative and width of the window opening and the square footage of the room the unit of measurement will cool. Normally, the air conditioner'due south packaging will specify both the size range of acceptable windows and the maximum square footage the unit tin absurd, so brand sure your measurements are within the guidelines for the unit of measurement yous're considering.

To measure out the window, open up it as far equally it goes, and so use a record measure to determine the inches both from side-to-side and from elevation to bottom.

If you don't already know the square footage of the room you hope to absurd, take a helper agree the tip of the tape measure against the wall equally you extend the tape to the opposite side to get the length; and so repeat on the other side of the room for the width. And then multiply the two numbers to obtain the square footage. For example, if your room is xi feet wide and 12 feet long, it is 132 square feet.

DO choose advisable ability for your infinite.

Y'all'll need two other numbers, typically indicated on an air conditioner's packaging, to purchase the correct unit of measurement: energy efficiency rating (EER) and British thermal units (BTUs), which is a measurement of the apparatus's cooling power.

EERs can range from 8 to 12: The higher the number, the more energy-efficient the air conditioner. The U.South. Department of Energy recommends an EER of 10 or more for the all-time efficiency and savings on your electric bill.

The larger the room, the college the required BTUs to cool it. If the air conditioner isn't powerful enough for the space, it will run continuously without reaching your desired temperature. Also powerful, and the unit of measurement will tend to cycle on and off too quickly, which won't allow plenty time to reduce room humidity effectively and leads to uneven temperature throughout the space. Generally, a window unit'south BTU rating will lucifer the manufacturer'southward recommended room size, but to calculate information technology yourself, endeavour the online BTU calculators here.

DON'T attempt installation without a helper.

Window air conditioners typically weigh between 50 and 100 pounds, so maneuvering the appliance into the window and then holding it in place while it'due south being secured with screws requires an banana. Installing a window Air conditioning on your own is an easy way to injure yourself, or accidentally drop the unit of measurement out the window.

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Exercise prepare the window and install brackets, if necessary.

Before installing a window Air-conditioning, open the window as far as it goes, remove the screen, and make clean the windowsill, glass, and window frame. Measure the width of the windowsill, and employ a pencil to marking its center.

A properly installed air conditioner should sit securely in the window without an additional back up bracket. Notwithstanding, very heavy units (those more than 100 pounds) do require additional support and some locations, notably New York City, crave the use of a bracket for all window air conditioners regardless of weight. Mostly, you'll demand to purchase a support bracket separately. Virtually home improvement centers that sell window units too sell brackets, and you'll also notice them available online. Await to pay from $30 to $100 for a support bracket.

There are different configurations of AC brackets, just most either resemble a pocket-size shelf or a pair of "legs" that extend slightly outside the window to help concur the unit firmly in place. These days, many window unit support brackets, such equally the Ivation Window Air Conditioner Back up Bracket (bachelor on Amazon), require no drilling or screws for installation, greatly simplifying installation. The Ivation has an expandable bar that fits securely in the lower window frame while two rubber-tipped "feet" rest against the exterior wall to support the air conditioner's weight.

Do attach mounting rails and side panels.

Some window units come up with the top and bottom mounting rail—which help agree the air conditioner securely in the window—already in identify. If your unit of measurement does not, employ the included screws to attach the mounting track, making sure to tighten all screws completely.

Next, adhere the piano accordion-style side panels by sliding them along the grooves on each side of the air conditioner. When the entire installation procedure is complete, the panels volition fill in the gaps between the air conditioner and the sides of the window frame.

In one case the mounting track and side panels are in place, lift the window unit–with your assistant's help–and set it in place on the windowsill. The bottom mounting rails should fit into the lower window frame, positioning the air conditioner correctly and helping concord it in place. Line up the eye of the air conditioner with the marker you fabricated earlier indicating the center of the window. Now, have your assistant hold the window unit steady while you lower the open window sash until it sits on the acme of the air conditioner, with the unit'southward acme mounting rail resting directly in front of the lower edge of the sash. This serves every bit another safeguard keeping the window unit in identify.

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DON'T forget to measure the unit's tilt.

Many window units require a very slight tilt away from the building to keep condensation in the drip pan outside the room, rather than puddling downwards the wall inside your habitation. Typically, the tilt shouldn't be more than one-half of an inch, but check the installation guide for the manufacturer'southward recommendation. Some newer units don't require a tilt, equally the manufacturer has installed the drip pan at a slight angle.

Exercise install the L-brackets and cream window gasket.

Have your assistant go on to hold the window unit in place while you use a power screwdriver or drill to install the L-brackets—the alphabetic character L-shaped pieces that serve as a final safety measure to keep the air conditioner securely in place. I side of each Fifty-bracket screws into the lower edge of the sliding windowpane'south sash and the other side of the bracket screws to the side of the window frame, securing the sliding pane in place. This prevents the window from opening, which could cause the unit to fall out. Depending on the manufacturer, your air conditioner will come with one or two L-brackets.

Once the upper pane is secured, there will exist a gap between the two panes of the window. Fill that gap with the foam seal included with the unit. Cut the seal if necessary to fit your window, and then printing information technology into the gap. This keeps drafts from outdoors out of the room. Neglecting to fill up the window gap with the cream seal makes your window unit work harder to command the indoor temperature, and potentially lets moisture, dust, and insects enter your home, as well.

DON'T leave side flaps unsecured.

For the final pace, extend the squeeze box side panels of the air conditioner until they touch the sides of the window frame. Use the screws that came with your air conditioner to secure the side panels to the window frame, using a power screwdriver or drill.

Congratulations! Your new window air conditioner is safely installed. Plug it in, plough information technology on, and enjoy the cool relief from summer's heat.

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Source: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/installing-a-window-ac/

Posted by: keegansuching.blogspot.com

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