venting portable AC thru hinged window with fabric screen

How To Vent A Portable Air Conditioner Through A Casement and Awning Window?

As the weather heats up, it’s important to have a reliable way to cool down your home. Portable air conditioners are a popular option for those who don’t want to install a central air conditioning system or are looking for a more affordable alternative. However, to ensure that your portable air conditioner is operating effectively, it’s essential to have proper ventilation.

While venting through traditional windows may be straightforward, it can be more challenging to vent a portable air conditioner through casement and awning windows. These types of windows are popular in many homes, but their design makes it difficult to create a proper seal for the exhaust hose.

In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to vent a portable air conditioner through a casement and awning window. We’ll also cover the tools and materials you’ll need, provide tips and tricks, and discuss the importance of regular maintenance. So, let’s get started and keep cool this summer!

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Importance of Air Conditioning

Air conditioners are lifesaving machines that cool us from the scorching summer heat. They keep us rejuvenated and active even is temperatures are above 100°F. As days pass by, air conditioners are becoming smaller in design.

The smaller ones are easier to transport around the house. Instead of window ACs nowadays people prefer portable ones with an exhaust hose and vent.

Starting from offices to schools, and restaurants, portable ACs are everywhere. If you want to opt for a portable air conditioner, but you have casement windows at home, do not worry! In this article, we will discuss all the ways how to vent a portable air conditioner through a casement window.

The portable air conditioner is a great solution for cooling small to medium-sized rooms. It cools your space quickly, saves you money, and gives you efficient service for a respectable number of years.

However, for the portable air conditioner to work optimally, it needs to be properly vented. With the different types of windows in homes, installing portable air conditioners can become quite tricky, especially with awning windows. Despite the dilemma, there are solutions to solve the problem.

Understanding Casement and Awning Windows

Before we dive into the details of venting a portable air conditioner through a casement or awning window, let’s take a closer look at these types of windows.

Casement Windows

Casement windows are hinged on one side and swing outward. They are available in various materials such as wood, vinyl, and aluminum. There are two types of casement windows: traditional casement windows, which are hinged on the side and swing outward, and French casement windows, which are hinged on both sides and meet in the middle.

Awning Windows

Awning window

Awning windows are hinged at the top and swing outward, creating an awning-like effect. They are also available in various materials, including wood, vinyl, and aluminum. Awning windows allow good room ventilation and prevent falling objects such as leaves and rain from entering the house. Sometimes fly screens are installed on the inside to prevent insects from entering the room.

Traditional Windows

The key difference between casement and awning windows and traditional windows is their design. Casement and awning windows have a crank mechanism that opens them outward, making it difficult to create a proper seal for the exhaust hose of a portable air conditioner. Traditional windows, on the other hand, slide up and down or left to right, allowing for easier venting.

By understanding the design and types of casement and awning windows, you can better prepare for venting your portable air conditioner and select the right accessories for a secure and efficient seal.

Can I Went A Portable Air Conditioner Through An Awning Window?

Yes, you can connect your portable air conditioner to the awning window and vent it outside.

If your room has this type of wind out window, please keep reading to learn about several ways how to install a portable AC in an awning window.

Is Venting Your Portable AC Through Your Casement Window Difficult?

If you have never vented your air conditioner through a window before then it might be a little tough for you. However, if you have previously seen someone vent AC on your window this should be easy.

In comparison to venting portable AC through a sliding window, push-out windows are tougher. As push-out windows act like doors and open on the vertical axis.

To vent ACs through your push-out window you will need to remove and reattach your entire window frame. Then you will have to add a layer of clear plastic or polycarbonate to your window.

These are the two most important tasks! After adding a layer of plastic or polycarbonate to your casement window the rest of the steps are very easy. All you need to do is attached your AC vent kit to your window.

Even though most types of portable ACs come with a window kit, however, you can use any insert of your preference. We would suggest you opt for Plexiglass. These are great for keeping hot air out of your room and helps circulates cold air inside.

Installing A Portable Air Conditioner Vent In Casement And Awning Window

There are 2 methods of how you can vent a portable air conditioner through your casement or awning window – using a fabric window seal or installing a semi-transparent plastic sheet in the window frame.

Venting a portable air conditioner can be a challenge. Even though many portable air conditioners come with window kits, you will not be able to get one that works with awning and casement windows.

However, with the right equipment and techniques, the challenge of installing a portable air conditioner in the awning or casement window can be met and perfectly mastered. There are several ways to do this.

Using A Window Seal or Fabric Screen

One of the most practical ways to install mobile air conditioning in awning windows is to use a window seal. Window seals are specially designed for this purpose.

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To do this, we first need to measure our awning window. Then, with the measurements, go online and order a window seal in the appropriate size online.

The installation of a window seal is very simple. First, we clean the frame and sash of the awning window. Let it dry. Then we attach the Velcro strips to the frame and the casement. Next, we take the seal and attach it with the Velcro strips on all sides.

Now open the window slightly and open the zipper in the seal. Squeeze the air hose of the air conditioner through the zipper. Secure the hose with a zip tie to keep it secure. That is how you install a portable air conditioner with a window seal in awning windows.

 

Installation Instructions

Items that you will need

  • Fabric seal kit
  • Velcro Strips
  • Zip Ties
Steps
  1. First of all, you need to get Velcro strips and attach them to your window’s frame.
  2. Clean your window frame properly, before attaching the Velcro strips.
  3. Check the Velcro strips to find to widest fabric point on the seal, keep that far away. Make sure to always attach the narrow portion to the frame. The zipper should also be facing inside.
  4. Cover the fabric around the window frame. Make sure to fold the Velcro strips in a way so that it makes a 90-degree angle. Try not to keep any extra left-overs. Tuck it inside to make it look tidy and clean.
  5. Now, you need to open your window as well as the zipper.
  6. Bring your air conditioner and keep it near. Take its hose and stick out the hose vent through the zipper hole. Close it properly so that it stays in place. That’s it you are all good to go.

Installing A Polycarbonate, Plexyglass, or Plastiboard Sheet In Window Frame

The idea here is to install a sheet of transparent material in the window frame with an attached AC hose while keeping the window open.

 

@dreamydebc Installing an air conditioner in a window that pushes out part 2. #sleepcool #airconditionerinstallation #bestsleep @dreamydebc ♬ original sound – Life Hacks✨✨✨

If you want to opt for a top-notch installation of your portable air conditioner, you should try this way. It is known as the plexiglass method.

Installation Instructions

Items that you will need:

  • Plexiglass
  • Caulk
  • Drill
  • Screws

Steps

  1. First of all, you need to measure the size of your window with a measuring tape. Find out its length and width. This is because you will need to find plexiglass of the same size. You can go to any hardware store and ask for plexiglass to be cut in your preferred dimensions. If you have plexiglass at home, you can cut it yourself.
  2. To cut your plexiglass, you will need a jigsaw with fine blades. You need to cut a hole in the plexiglass to fit your exhaust house in it.
  3. It would be better if you let professionals cut it as the hole needs to be of the correct size to fit the hose properly.
  4. After you are done cutting your Plexiglass you can start installing it. Open your push-out window and attach a strong latch to your window and the frame. This is done so that they don’t blow away too far as the PAC will be running. This will also ensure your push-out window stays secured during any external weather damage.
  5. Take your portable air conditioner near your casement window. Keep it at least 5 to 6 feet away from the window. If you don’t have an electric outlet near you need to use an extensible plug.
  6. Next, connect the flexible hoses to the outlet behind your portable air conditioner.
  7. Your plexiglass might have an extra screen, you need to remove it if it has any then place the plexiglass in your window frame. To firmly adjust the plexiglass you need to drill holes.
  8. After you are done installing the plexiglass to your window frame, attach the exhaust hose to your Plexiglass.
  9. Insert each hose end inside your window’s exhaust and insert them in the window panel’s opening. Make sure to carefully push them down and the vent opening is near to your window frame’s bottom.

Polycarbonate

You can also use polycarbonate to install a portable air conditioner on your awning window. To get the polycarbonate, go to your local hardware store and ask for a 1mm polycarbonate. You can also get it from a plastic sheet supplier.

Do not take anything thicker than 1mm, as it’s too thick to score. There’s also a risk that the polycarbonate will crack. So cut the polycarbonate according to the dimensions of the window.

If you use a 1 mm sheet, you can easily score it with a Stanley knife. Score the hole for the vent on both sides of the panel about a dozen times. This can take a lot of time and bending back and forth. Keep doing this until you can pry the hole out.

You can also tape the whole sheet to the window casement with sticky Velcro. Cut two holes for portable dual hose air conditioners. You may need some extra tubing for this. This solves the complexity, and your AC will work quickly.

Don’t use acrylic sheets to replace the glass, as they may break. Also, acrylic sheets can have serious health consequences if they contact with heated objects. Therefore, it’s much better to use polycarbonate.

Plexiglass

One way to vent your portable air conditioner in the awning window is through Plexiglas. To do this, you’ll need to go to your local hardware store and get a piece of Plexiglas cut to the appropriate dimensions. You’ll also need a roll of self-adhesive Velcro tape.

This is a very cheap and long-term solution that’s probably ideal for awning windows. You’ll also need to cut a hole in the Plexiglas for your vent hose. Remember that the plexiglass must be cut to the size of the window.

You need to install a plexiglass sheet with a hole for the portable air conditioner’s exhaust vent in the window frame. Stick the Velcro on the window (the part that moves) and the window frame (the part that holds the window closed).

In this way, you can conveniently attach the exhaust hose of the portable air conditioner. If you use a double hose, you need to cut two holes according to the dimensions.

Benefits of Plexiglass

Plexiglass is similar to plastic but stronger. It is also stronger and more resistant than normal glass. The best thing about plexiglass is that it is shatter-resistant. Even if strong winds act on it, or your push-out windows hit, it won’t break. Plexiglass is very reliable and easy to use in terms of installation and handling.

Plastiboard and Pegboard

As with most other portable air conditioners, if the portable air conditioner is equipped with a window slider and vent connector, you can also attach it to your awning window using a plastiboard. If the window slider and vent connector are separate, you can connect the vent connector anywhere.

First, go to your local hardware store and get a large plastiboard (the corrugated plastic sheets used for signs). Then cut it to the size of your awning window. Cut a hole in the plastiboard near the “bottom” (that’s bottom where it’ll be installed) and screw the vent connector to the plastiboard.

Then tape the plastiboard to the awning window casement and attach the hose to the vent flange. However, if your portable air conditioner generates a lot of heat, the plastiboard may sag, the duct tape may come off, and the gasket may break.

This can allow hot air to get in. One way to solve this problem is to use long, thin wooden stiffeners on the sides. This might compromise the aesthetics of the window, but it’s worth a try.

You can also use a thin sheet of wood, I.e., pegboard without holes. You can find them at your nearest hardware store. They are water-resistant on one side and look better than plain wood. Also, it’s very cheap and sturdy and can hold screws if you figure out a way to screw the hoses in.

Alternative Methods

None of these methods is perfect. One of the most significant disadvantages of awning windows is that they cannot be heavily modified. Therefore, it’s best to find alternative ways.

One possible albeit expensive alternative is to remove the awning or push out window and instead install a sliding window. Portable air conditioners are more suitable for these types of windows. They’ve come with an arrangement that facilitates installation.

Another alternative is to forgo the window and use a ceiling or wall installation. If you install portable air conditioners with a hole in your ceiling or wall, you will get a sturdy and durable setup without sacrificing the pleasure of your window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Put A Window Air Conditioner In An Awning Window?

Yes, you can put a window air conditioner in the awning window but it will require a lot of preparation. In short, you will need to remove the moving part of the window and install the wooden plate and the AC unit in the opening.

Can I Simply Buy Air Conditioner Awning Window Installation Kit?

No, unfortunately, there are no air conditioner awning window kits for sale. At least I was not able to find them. If you know where to buy a such kit (awning window kit, not the regular window seal!), please let me know in the comments.

Bottom Line

Now that you have read this article, you should know how to vent your air conditioner through your awning or casement window.

You can try any of the methods, however, we suggest you try the first method because it is easier to implement.

On the other hand plexiglass method is more difficult and expensive but provides better stability than Velcro strips.

Now, you will not need professional help to vent your AC, you can do it yourself.

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