On the other hand, installing a central ducted air conditioning system might be a better investment if you plan on cooling/heating in several rooms or the house.
It only takes a few hours to install a window air conditioner, majority of that time is creating the hole for which it is to be installed inside, alternately it can be installed into an open window from. You can also remove and store it easily when summer is over. When you decide to move to a new place, you can pack and take it with you with ease. This makes it highly recommended for rental or commercial occupants.
Advantages of Window Air Conditioners
1. InexpensiveThe cheapest models are the smallest box units, so you can expect units with big cooling capacities to be a little more costly. Depending on your needs, these units can still be the most cost-effective options you will find.
You can install a RAC or room air conditioner if you are renting a house and the owner does not set up air conditioners. This is a good choice since investing in a costly air conditioner is most likely not worth it. We would still recommend consulting your agent or landlord and it does require some modifications to windows or holes in walls.
2. Effective
Most units now come with different digital controls rather than the basic settings. This is why the air conditioner you should pick must be energy-efficient. This feature allows you to lessen utility expenses. Moreover, RACs are more affordable if you want to cool one to two rooms instead of getting a whole-house ducted unit.
3. Easily Available
You can easily purchase a window air conditioning online or in store.
Installing a Window Air Conditioner
1. Take Your Room MeasurementsSince window air conditioners come in different sizes and cooling abilities, you need to pick a unit that is ideal for your room. What you need to do is measure your room so that you can assess the area that you want to be heated or cooled.
Other considerations are the size and heat coming through the windows to outside and the number of people staying in the room. You can also find handy sizing calculators to help you with this.
2. Pick a Window
The next thing you need to do is to figure out the window where you want to put your window air conditioner. To do this, take the width of the window and the air conditioner to determine if it will properly fit. It is crucial to know the available space before purchasing a unit.
Some units have an accordion-like panel to cover the extra space if your window is too big. However, you need to get a smaller unit or a unit that can be installed through the wall.
3. Inspect Your Window
Many units are made for different window types. It is crucial to prioritise safety when picking a window to install your unit. You need to make repairs first if you observe that your window frame is unstable. After making sure that everything is in place, you can then proceed to install the unit.
4. Install the Window Air Conditioner
You need to carefully take out all the components from the box and arrange the unit following the instructions. Most window units require extra parts such as accordion-like panels and flanges.
You can use your screwdriver if your unit comes with screws and put them where necessary. If there are no screws, you need to buy them first before you start installing your unit.
5. Put the Unit in the Window
Since window air conditioners are heavy, you might need to ask for assistance for this step. You open the window where you will place the unit. If your unit includes a sealing waterproof tape, we recommend you can use it on the windowsill.
Together with an assistant, place the air conditioner on the base of the window frame. Have your assistant hold the unit to keep it in position as you do the next step.
6. Fix the Window and Set Up the Angle Brackets
Adjust the window frame carefully until it is set behind your unit’s top flange. You also need to ensure that the bottom flange is properly fit with the windowsill.
There are two angle brackets that come with your unit. These are important because they will prevent your unit from dropping out the back of the window. Install them by putting one bracket on each side under the unit.
7. Close the Window Gap
Seal the gaps you see in the upper and lower frames to complete the installation of your window air conditioner. You can use an insulating foam strip to do this (this is often included in the package).
If there is none, you need to purchase it. You just need to force the strip on the part where the top and the bottom parts of your window frame meet. Finally, make sure it is snug before plugging it in.