How to Install Window Type Aircon

Summer is always nasty due to the extreme heat and dry season it brings. This makes it harder for everyone to move around and work properly, without the fear of getting heat exhaustion. One common alternative is to buy an air conditioner. However, choosing the best type of AC unit to install is far more exhausting. 

A window type non inverter aircon is a great choice if you’re looking for a traditional and economical way to freshen up during summer vacations. With its fast-growing technology, brand new models have quieter fans, more fan speed options, and energy-efficient features. However, window air conditioner installation can be quite tricky and tedious. Luckily, here are some useful tips on how to install a window type air conditioner.

What Do I Need To Prepare in Installing a Window Type AC?

The first thing you need to do is to stay calm. There might be numerous components to consider when choosing the right window-type aircon, but the process and materials are achievable.

Take a look at some useful insights and recommendations that can help you kickstart your way in installing a window air conditioner.

1. Room Size

The crucial part of window AC installation is finding the right size for your room. Large window air conditioners can be quite challenging in keeping the moisture of your room stable, while small window AC may have trouble keeping your room cool.

To avoid choosing the wrong window air conditioner size for your space, first, evaluate the cooling capability. It is normally defined in British Thermal Units (BTUs), with a typical rating of 5,000 to 25,000 BTUs. As a rule of thumb, remember that for every square meter of space, you’ll need 20 BTUs. This will serve as your basis in calculating the right window ac size you need.

2. Window Type

Installing a window AC also requires the consideration of the window frame. A double-hung window is the majority design for houses where a window AC can be installed. Aside from measuring the area of your room, it is also necessary to determine the size of your window. Make sure you bring the measured data, along with the calculated area of your space when buying a window air conditioner.

It is also a good practice to take in mind if your window frame is hazard-prone or not. If you have a storm window frame previously built, make sure to remove it first because it might interfere with the overhanging portion of your window AC unit.

For reference, if you have a casement window that opens outward, a window AC unit cannot be installed. You can install a window to replace it and make sure that hot air goes out and cool air fills your room.

3. AC Positioning

The positioning of your window-type aircon is also important because air conditioners function properly if it is placed away from sunlight. Added sunlight can cause the unit to overheat, thus reducing its cooling power by 10%. To avoid this from happening, look for the eastern or northern part of your house and install your window AC unit at an angle that can cover wider parts of your room. In most cases, it is placed at the center of the room to ensure the maximum square footage unit it can cool.

4. Energy-Saving Qualities

The only disadvantage of wanting to enjoy a cool summer vacation is the monthly electrical bill. When buying a window type aircon, you must always check its Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) number. The EER is most commonly used to rate how much energy your room air conditioner uses, which can be derived by dividing the BTU rating of the unit by its wattage.

Commonly, window air conditioners have an EER rating between eight and 12. A rating of 10 is always recommended to optimize the cooling power of the window-type aircon without using too much electricity. For instance, an EER of 10 is a 12,000 BTU air conditioner that uses 1,200 watts of electricity. 

Moreover, aim for a window-type aircon that features options like digital room temperature controls, easy access air filter, variable fan speeds, and sleep settings. These components are good ways to save you from expensive aircon expenses.

Do You Need an Electrician to Install a Window Air Conditioner?

The simple answer is, not necessarily. One common characteristic of a window air conditioner is it runs on 240 Volt, which allows it to be externally connected to household outlets. A Do-It-Yourself installation can be done, without requiring the professional help of electricians or dedicated window aircon installers.

However, if your electrical outlet is too far for the window AC to work, immediately ask for help from electricians to avoid unnecessary accidents. Do not use an extension cord to force the installation of your window AC. Mostly, it is built with a major appliance cord to increase its durability.

Can I Install a Window AC Myself?

The answer depends on the weight of the window AC unit you’ll install. In most cases, window air conditioner installation requires second manpower to complete the tasks. You need people to help you decide the best place to place the AC, the type of window frame to make, how big the window opening of your wall is. While it’s feasible to do all the installation work, it’s still recommended to ask someone for help to install your new window-type aircon.

Does Window Type Aircon Need Bracket?

One of the essential knowledge to know when researching for “how to install window type aircon?” is whether or not you should build a bracket. Usually, the unit is accompanied by an owner’s manual to help with the installation. Depending on the size of your window air conditioning unit is the type of bracket you should build. 

If your AC unit is small, you don’t have to install brackets. However, large units require two sets of L-shaped brackets to support their weight. The purpose of these brackets is to support the weight of the window type aircon and to ensure that it won’t collapse unnecessarily on the window sill. It is also good for sliding windows because the brackets can elevate the window type aircon more, to avoid colliding with the side panels.

What is the Required Amount of Insulation?

To optimize the cooling capacity of your window type aircon unit, you need to properly insulate the place where you installed it. The insulation will allow better airflow and reach your desired temperature for a cool room. Make sure that there are no holes surrounding the side panels of either your vinyl window or double-hung windows. If you’re using an extension cord, secure the pathway where there will be potential holes for the wire to pass through.

One good technique to secure a well-insulated window sill is to hold a candle and rotate it around the AC. If the flame flickers, then there are potential crevices and gaps that need immediate action.

Steps in Installing Window Air Conditioners

After finishing all the necessary preparations, you are now ready to install the window type aircon in your room! Below are the steps on how to install the window AC properly.

1. Prepare the Materials

Make sure that you properly removed the window type aircon from its casing or box packaging. As a rule of thumb, read the manufacturer’s instructions in installing a window type aircon. Usually, an additional kit is provided with all the screws, an installation guide, and other metal panels which you use. These components will ensure that the window opening is secure and airtight.

2. Mark the place where the Window AC will be installed

Hold your window type aircon’s bottom sash and pull it as far as it can go. Using the measurement of your window, determine its center and secure the bottom sash and upper sash won’t get strapped with each other. By marking the middle, the side panels of your window will be evenly distributed. Check the step-by-step guide of the manual and see if there are other considerations you need to ponder before installing the window type aircon. Also, check if there is a need to build mounting rails to support the AC’s weight.

3. Install the Window Type Aircon

Place the lower sash at a place where it won’t interfere with anything. Ask your partner to carry the window-type aircon with you, and place it on the designated window sill. Attach the side panels on your window AC, using the screws provided by the manufacturer. Make sure the attached panels are tightly screwed to prevent air pollution from entering your house. This will also make your window aircon well insulated. Close the window after that, making sure the bottom window sash is exactly aligned with the AC.

Depending on the type of window mainframe you have, you can build either a wooden or iron frame to protect your window type aircon. An iron frame can be built around the window, however, it may cause unnecessary noise due to the vibrations of the AC. In addition, ensure that the wall, where you installed the window air conditioner is rigid enough to withstand its weight.

4. Do install the L-brackets and foam window gasket (if necessary)

If your window type aircon is too heavy, install L-brackets to support its weight and help keep it in place. The window sash should also be screwed with the L-bracket, to prevent it from being lifted accidentally. This additional support will ensure that the air conditioner is installed properly and follows the safety hazard guidelines of the government.

5. Don’t Leave any Gaps

Once the upper pane of the window unit is secured, there will be potential gaps that surround the window type aircon. If this happens, you can use the foam seal included with the item package to fill that gap. 

In some cases, the seal needs to be cut to fit the window. Make sure the window sash is also properly secured to keep outside drafts out of the room. The advantage of using seals to solve the problem of the window gap is it keeps the air conditioner fully functioning. Your window unit will have a difficult time maintaining the stability of your window type aircon, if there are external factors like a window sash or extreme sunlight, that destabilize the window AC unit.

Final Notes

Without a doubt, window type aircon is one of the most affordable and sought-after window ACs in every country. Its economic features give it an over other air conditioners. The installation guide is user-friendly, the requirements, and materials are available commercially. 

This is one of the reasons why we became too reliant on air conditioners to keep us cool and fresh during steamy hot seasons. Because of this, countless technological innovations and breakthroughs were made to cater our desire for better air conditioning units. Hence, the least thing we could do is learn more about air conditioners, their different types, purposes, and features to properly optimize their cooling capability.