Owens Corning
Install a Room Air Conditioner in a Window
A room air conditioner mounted in a window is easy to install and economical to operate. A properly sized room unit maintains a comfortable cool temperature while it filters and dehumidifies the air. It is economical to operate because it cools a specific living area instead of the entire house, so it can be turned off when the room isn't occupied. Room air conditioners come in models that fit different types of windows. They're made for horizontal installation in a traditional double hung window and for vertical installation in a casement window.

A room air conditioner transfers heat from inside a room to the outside. A compressor circulates a liquid refrigerant that absorbs heat as it expands into a gas in an evaporator coil inside the room. It gives off the heat as it changes back into a liquid in the outside condenser csoil. The cold evaporator coil cools and dehumidifies the room air.

It's important to choose a unit with the proper capacity to cool a room. Installing a unit with more cooling capacity than necessary causes the compressor to short cycle and wear out prematurely. The constant on-and-off of the unit reduces its ability to dehumidify.

The cooling capacity of a room air conditioner is stated in the number of British thermal units (BTUs) the air conditioner can remove in an hour. The more BTUs a unit can remove, the larger area it can cool.

Another consideration is efficiency. A measure of this is given by a unit's Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), which is the amount of electricity consumed for each BTU of cooling power. The higher the EER, the less energy the unit uses. A unit with an EER over 9 is very efficient.

The size of the room, whether it faces south, and how many people will use the area are other factors to consider when sizing the unit. Make note of these conditions to discuss with a salesperson when selecting a unit.

Window air conditioners are sold ready for do-it-yourself installation. They include instructions, a frame that holds the unit in the window and mounting brackets, hardware, gaskets, and weather stripping.

You can install a room air conditioner in any structurally sound window. But don't forget to see what's below the window because it drips condensed water.

Once installed, a room air conditioner requires little in the way of maintenance. Once a month during the cooling season clean the filter. Remove it and vacuum off the loose dirt. Then wash it in soapy water, rinse it with clear water, and wring dry. If it's damaged replace the filter. Every fall remove smaller units from the window for storage.

Installation Advice

- Before installing an air conditioner in a window, place it on a sturdy surface and turn it on to test that all fan settings and temperature controls work properly.

- If you have a choice of windows, install the unit in one that is far from an exterior door to prvent drafting when the door opens.

- Reposition furniture or change window treatments so they don't obstruct the flow of air.

- Adjust the vents in the front panel to direct the cold air toward the ceiling to circulate the air.

Planning

- Check out the wiring in the room where the unit will be installed. All air conditioners require a grounded receptacle.

- Depending on its size, an air conditioner requires either 120 or 240 volt current. Average size units (7,000 BTU or less) run on 115 volts and operate on any properly wired household circuit. Medium capacity units up to about 15,000 BTU require their own 115 volt circuit of at least 20 amp capacity. Large units need 230 volt circuits.

- If you plug the unit into an existing receptacle, don't use any other power-hungry appliances on the same circuit. This prevents blowing a fuse or tripping the circuit breaker.

Getting Ready


- Unpack the air conditioner and check that all parts are included.

- Measure the width of the window to find its center and to locate the position for mounting brackets (when included with the unit).

- Install the mounting brackets on the window sill and adjust them for proper slope so the unit drains.

- Slide the unit into the window and secure it in place by lowering the window sash. Lock the unit in place with the screws provided and then spread the side panels and secure them. Finally, weatherstrip around the perimeter to tightly seal the unit.

Steps for Installation

1. Set the unit on a sturdy surface and slide the top and bottom curtain panel tracks into the mating channels on the main case. Secure the plastic curtain to the case with screws provided.

2. Measure the window opening and mark its center on the sill. If mounting brackets are included with the unit, mark their position on the sill according to the manufacturer's directions.

3. Install the support brackets with the screws provided. Drill pilot holes for the screws to keep the sill from splitting. Put a dab of caulk in each hole to prevent moisture from causing rot.

4. Use a carpenter's level to adjust the brackets for a slight downward pitch. The back of the air conditioner should be at least 1/4-in. lower than the front to assure condensation runoff.

5. Place the unit in the window, then position it so its bottom is tight against the window stool. Lower the window until the top flange rests against the sash and then open the side panels.


6. Secure the side panels to the window frame with the screws provided. Plug any gaps between the side curtains and the window frame or sill with rope caulk supplied with the unit.

7. Install weatherstripping between the window and top flange. This model rests on brackets. Close the window to secure a unit without brackets and caulk any gaps.

8. Apply foam weather stripping between the sashes at the top of the window to prevent air leaks and drafts. Cut the foam strip to length, then push it between the glass and top of the sash.

Written by the editors of HouseNet.

Copyright HouseNet, Inc.

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