Summer weather can come rather quickly, so it is good to start planning for installation of an air conditioner as winter winds down. Installing an air conditioner in a window or wall opening is much easier than taking on a central air conditioning project. If your house does not already have central heat, than you will have to put in all the duct work.
A wall or window mounted air conditioner is a good option for its flexibility, ease of install, and affordability. This article will go over some important planning and installation tips.
Tip 1 - Decide which Area You Want to Cool
Are you cooling just one room? You can cool a section of a house, if there is an open floor plan. Think about where you spend most of your time in the house. Where did you suffer most of the summer heat last year? Once you decide which part of the house you first want to air condition. (Or where you want to condition the air next if you already have air conditioning installed in part of the house), then you will want to measure that area. You will want to measure the height of the ceilings, in addition to the square footage so you can calculate the cubic feet of air to be moved. You will also want to measure the space of the all the potential window openings in which you may install the air conditioner.
Tip 2 - Consider the Egress
If you are installing an air conditioner in a bedroom, you will still need another window (or a door) for egress.
Tip 3 - Shopping for the Best Air Conditioner to Meet Your Needs
Once you are armed with the cubic foot measurement, of the air to be cooled, you can go to the appliance store to find out how many BTUs you will need to cool your target space. If the physical size of the air conditioner is too large for the available opening, you may want to consider creating a new wall opening. This should not be a problem if you are only cooling a standard size room, but with larger areas the dimensions of the opening could cause a problem. Or, if you have only have a small windows, that could pose a problem.
Tip 4 - Possible Expanding of Wall Opening
If you need to expand the wall opening, you can first consider expanding an existing window opening. This can be a DIY project if you have basic skills in masonry and carpentry.
Measure out the area needed for the opening, taking into account the area needed for the new framework. Uninstall the old window and frame. If need be, chisel out the bricks to be removed. Half the bricks removed will have to be replaced with bricks cut in half. Next carefully motar half bricks back into the opening, then after the mortar dries, put in your framework.
Tip 4 - Tools and Materials You Will Need for the Job
You will need a level, waterproof caulk, foam stripping, measuring tape, screws, screwdriver, a power drill, and a caulking gun.
Tip 5 - Basic Steps to Installing the Air Conditioners
First install the mounting brackets. Carefully read the directions and make sure you have the proper mounting screws.
Next, slide the air conditioner into the opening and attached it to the brackets, per the manufacturer's instructions. Lower the window down onto the top of the unit, if it is a window mounted model.
Now pull out the extensions and attach them to the window or opening frame.
Never use loose items, such as pieces of wood, to level the air conditioner. Mount in the shims to level the opening first.
Tip 6 - Sealing
Squeeze in the foam around the air conditioner supplied by the manufacturer, and then caulk around the outside of the air conditioner.
Tip 7 - Last steps
Attach the drainage hose, if the air conditioner comes with one. Now you are ready to plug in the air conditioner and start enjoying its comforts.
If you are uncomfortable installing the air conditioner yourself then its best to call for a professional help. You may check our complete list of professionals at handycanadian.com
Posted by: TrustedProsSuggested Reading For You
The Importance of Spring HVAC Maintenance: Keeping Your System Efficient and Reliable
When winter ends and summer is on its way, it's essential to get your HVAC system checked. This system...
Going Green for Winter
It's October, which means we're stepping into the welcoming cool weather of autumn with winter in ...
