How To Install Portable Air Conditioner In Sliding Window?

There is no need to get in a flutter thinking about how to install a portable air conditioner in a sliding window. Whether your window is a horizontal slide or a vertical one, you’ll only need a maximum of 30 minutes, even if you are installing one for the first time.

That being said, you would still need the right tools and segments. If you’re looking to install portable ac in your window, you must be aware of the influence of venting.

Materials Needed to Install Portable Air Conditioner in Sliding Window

What makes installing a portable air conditioner in your apartment or house such a hassle-free process is the availability of the window kits and the need for the few additional tools that you may require in the process. Whether it’s a vertical sliding window or horizontal, you’ll need the following tools to get started:

Measuring Tape

Before anything else, it is essential to take note of all the basic dimensions. You may want to accurately measure all the lengths of the window you plan to install your portable ac in.

Following that, take note of the distance of the air conditioner to the outlet and from the ac to the window itself. You’ll also need to take note of the length of the hose required with the measuring tape.

Window Kit

All window kits won’t be appropriate for all windows. This is because the kit size depends precisely on the window dimension. While many portable air conditioners come with a window kit, some are left to the users to choose from.

You’ll have to know the length, width, and height of the window you want to install the AC in. Additionally, you may want to find out the dimension of the exhaust hose.

Duct Table

In any installation process, the duct table acts as a filler. This is especially useful when you have installed your portable ac in the sliding window but notice gaps around the corners. You’ll need to seal the gaps with duct tape.

This is important as gaps could lead to unwanted venting of the room air causing irregularity in the overall temperature cooling achieved.

Screwdriver and Screws

The screwdriver and the screws will ensure that the window kit is locked in place. When the hose and air conditioner placement are right and all the screws are bolted in place, there won’t be unnecessary bending or displacement of the assembly. If the hose kinks for movement, there may be trapped air disrupting the venting process.

Portable Air Conditioner Sliding Window Kit

Window kits vary depending on the size of the sliding window. For this reason, the measurements and the dimension of the window that would be working at the outlet are so significant. This would also circumscribe the distance and length of the hose being used.

The window kit usually comprises moveable and rigged glasses, with a steel frame. Along with that, you will also notice the horizontal beam supported by a static low-slung glass. These kits are usually ready to install and only need to be screwed to points.

Although window kits have a conventional style based on window design, it is possible to make adjustments if the window is too small or too big. If the window opening is humbler, you can cut off the panel and trim it to a good fitting. Window kits also make sure your window screen stays intact while the hose makes its way to the open air.

How to Install Portable Air Conditioner in Horizontal and Vertical Sliding Window?

The process is similar to both window’s position whether it’s a vertical or horizontal sliding window. We’ve covered both in this article.

This process is uncomplicated and requires a few tools, including the window kit that comes with the package.

Here are the steps you have to follow:

1. Get Everything You Need

The window kit would possibly comprise tools you might need for the installation process. That being said, you must check the kit thoroughly and make sure the kit has everything you need. Essentially you may need duct tapes, measuring tapes, screws, and a screwdriver for the assembly.

Additionally, you may want to have extra tools and equipment like scissors, drilling machines, and cleaning towels just in case. Keep the portable air conditioner near, so you don’t have to move it right before the installation. Also have the grated covers, hose, and additional covers nearby.

2. Choose the Right Location

In knowing how to install a portable air conditioner in a sliding window, it is significant that the positioning of the ac unit is right.

You may want to consider the height of the window, the distance of the outlet to the air conditioner, and the distance of the window to the air conditioner unit.

The placement of the air conditioner should be such that the air can circulate having enough space. Also make sure that the cord is not bent, compressed, or stretched out.

3. Secure and Install Grate

Using screws and screwdrivers, put the grated covers with the kit holes. Subsequently, place the plate in the opened window end, and make sure the longer side preludes in the outward direction.

Next, you have to adjust the size of the plate. You may have to increase the width to fit the window opening. If there is a gap after the step, you can seal the gaps using duct tapes for safety. Also, make sure the window is closed and sealed properly.

4. Finish Connections

Install the attachments and connectors to the exhaust hose. Next, increase the length of the hose to a measured span and then pin the connectors in a clockwise direction to the hose.

In case there is a gap that needs to be filled, filler materials like plywood can also work for enclosing the opening. Of course, the duct tape could be an equally effective filler if you track it over a few times.

5. Set Up the AC

For this, you may want to recheck the reach of the portable air conditioner from the outlet and the window. Once in position, make sure the distance from the window, depending on the height, is in the range that the exhaust hose is straight enough for proper air circulation. Succeeding that, plug in the ac to the hose.

6. Run Final Checks

Fasten the rest of the connectors and the loose end of the hose. Screw-in the connections securely. Run a check to see if there are gaps in the assembly. If there are gaps, the installation would not be effective.

Turn on the portable air conditioner to see if it works properly. If the temperature does not rise to what is expected, you may have to check for leaks or loose connectors.

Important Safety Tips

While the installation process for both vertical and horizontal sliding window is similar and easy to crack, there are a few factors that you would want to keep in mind for safety, security, and ease of installation:

Read the Instructions Carefully

No matter how many “how-to” articles you go through on the internet for instructions on the installation procedure of your portable air conditioning unit, there is no substitute for the instructions that come with the unit itself. This is because the instructions may vary according to the type of ac, and what size it is.

The manual would recommend an approximate placement distance along with steps on how to use the kit as well. The safety instructions that come with the manual are indispensable even if you have taken enough of the measures.

Choose the Right Power Outlet

One of the most important safety instructions that often escape many trying to install a portable air conditioner is choosing the right power outlet. Air conditioner units are heavy and draw large amounts of power every minute they are turned on.

Make sure to connect and plug in the ac system to a grounded electrical outlet. Additionally, when your ac is plugged in and ready to run, make sure the exhaust and drain openings are completely sealed.

You may use duct tape, foam, or other filler materials to achieve an air tight and water tight environment.

Amplify House Security

Installing a portable air conditioner into a sliding window makes your home less secure because of the opening It creates. One way to make sure your venting system is out of danger Is by properly installing it. You can make sure the outward hose is secured and under some protection.

Although there will be chances of theft, you could at least buy yourself some time. Window alarm sensors are another way to detect unprecedented movement just around the window. Moreover, many household stores have security window locks and wedges that keep the window from snapping under any movements.

Don’t Carry the AC Unit

Portable air conditioners are heavy and should not be carried out without professional help. It’s never a good idea to lift up the unit all by oneself as it can cause injuries to you or damages to the unit if it is dropped or placed with impact on the floor.

Few units come with wheels on the bottom, so you can take it to the desired location simply by pushing it.

Place the AC on the Right Location

The location and placement of the air conditioner is a crucial factor to consider when installing these units in a sliding window. Always place the unit on a hard floor, ensuring there are no curtains or furniture at least a good foot around the unit. Never place the ac on either a shelf or any kind of platform.

Once the hose and air conditioner are in place, make sure the distance of the ac from the window or outlet does not stretch or compress the hose. Bending the hose will make the circulation system ineffective.

Final Thoughts

Portable air conditions are easy to install but certain safety precautions must be practiced for a seamless performance. Knowing how to install a portable air conditioner in a sliding window would make the procedure a lot simpler.

Apart from the instructions in this article, read the manual that comes with the cooling unit and make sure to check for security and leaks after the installation.

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