Install Window Mounted Air Conditioner
Installing a properly sized window air conditioning unit will remove humidity and control air temperature in the selected room.
In general, a 1 ton, 12000 British thermal units or BTU, air conditioner will cool a 500-square-foot room.
While less efficient than central heat and air conditioning systems, window units generally cost less to run.
Window air conditioners have energy efficiency ratio ratings or EER.
Higher the EER ratings correspond to higher energy efficiency.
Window air conditioners built after January 1,1990 must have an EER rating of 8.0 or higher.
How to Install Window Mounted Air Conditioner
Open window
Open the window. Measure the window opening and the air conditioner's case with a tape measure. Compare the two sets of measurements to verify that the air conditioner will fit in the window.
Inspect window opening
Inspect the window opening. The window frame must have solid construction. Replace any rotten wood and secure all loose building materials. Verify that nothing on the outside will interfere with the air conditioner's air flow out the rear of the unit.
Find center of window sill with a tape measure and mark it with a pencil
Find the center of the window sill with a tape measure and mark it with a pencil.
Layout the mounting brackets using the center line as a guide.
Modern window air conditioners come with a bracket template.
Line up the center of the template with the center line and mark the screw holes on the window sill using the template as a guide.
For older window units, install the brackets 1 inch in from the outside edges.
Using the center line as a guide, mark the spot where the outside edges of the air conditioner will line up, then layout the bracket's screw holes 1 inch inside of that mark.
Drill pilot holes in the window sill with a drill.
If the window sill is wood, use a 1 or 8-inch drill bit for the pilot holes.
Use an anchor kit for concrete window sills.
The anchor kit will supply the proper size masonry drill bit.
After using the masonry bit, push the anchors into the holes.
Softly tap tight-fitting anchors with a hammer to set them in place.
Layout the mounting brackets using the center line as a guide.
Modern window air conditioners come with a bracket template.
Line up the center of the template with the center line and mark the screw holes on the window sill using the template as a guide.
For older window units, install the brackets 1 inch in from the outside edges.
Using the center line as a guide, mark the spot where the outside edges of the air conditioner will line up, then layout the bracket's screw holes 1 inch inside of that mark.
Drill pilot holes in the window sill with a drill.
If the window sill is wood, use a 1 or 8-inch drill bit for the pilot holes.
Use an anchor kit for concrete window sills.
The anchor kit will supply the proper size masonry drill bit.
After using the masonry bit, push the anchors into the holes.
Softly tap tight-fitting anchors with a hammer to set them in place.