Interested in learning how to install a portable air conditioner in a horizontal sliding window? Well, it is simple. And unlike window or ductless air conditioners, which you must install permanently, you don’t have to worry about the current placement because you can move it whenever you want.
Why Ventilate A Portable AC Unit?
Every type of air conditioner uses the same basic operating principle, which involves drawing hot air from the environment and circulating cool air into space. The warm air is released, humidified, and then cooled down during the most active part of the process.
The hot air will not be able to exit the cooling system without a suitable venting system. The air would instead return to the space where your air conditioner is trying to reduce the temperature.
The purpose of having an ac in the room would be defeated if the hot air could not find a way to be vented and dispersed outside. Regardless of how many hours the portable air conditioner has been running, the room will continue to be warm. Therefore, it is essential that every portable air conditioner be vented using one of the methods that are available.
A sliding window is an ideal outlet to use for homes where a venting system cannot be built on the wall. In such cases, the portable air conditioner will come with a window kit.
How Much Length Is Permitted For The Exhaust Hose On A Portable Air Conditioner?
The majority of portable air conditioning units have exhaust hoses that are between 5-7 feet in length. The portable AC’s ability to cool may be compromised if the hose is extended past its safe length.
A longer, more transportable AC exhaust hose may be easier to find if you so choose.
What Safety Steps Should Be Taken Before Installing An AC Unit?
Any type of air conditioning system installation can be made safer by following the right safety procedures beforehand. The following are a few of the common safety precautions to take:
Read The Owner’s Manual
To assist installers with the setup procedure, portable air conditioners frequently come with instruction manuals. These manuals typically include additional information to increase installer safety and facilitate successful installation procedures.
Have An Assistant
A portable air conditioning unit will still weigh between 50 and 80 pounds despite having the word “portable” in its name. Accidents can result from overestimating one’s ability to lift this weight on their own.
Having a helper for the lifting can lessen the likelihood of accidents occurring while the installation is being done.
You can read our post here to learn more about the size of a portable air conditioner.
Avoid Using An Extension Cord
In general, it is not a good idea to power a portable air conditioner with a regular extension cord. An 8,000 BTU portable AC unit has a power requirement of 1,000 watts, so using a 600-watt extension cord on it may significantly increase the risk of a short circuit.
It is still possible to use an extension cord for that appliance if the distance from the closest wall socket is still too great for the portable air conditioner to be properly vented.
Instead, customers should invest in a special extension cord that can safely supply the portable cooling system with the necessary power.
Save Power Supply For Last
Do not assemble the rest of the set’s components before connecting the portable air conditioner to a nearby outlet. By doing this, electricity will be used to power the appliance, endangering the installer’s safety.
Mind The Gaps
Windows may need to be left open for vent hoses in certain portable air conditioner setups. Due to the unused space, owners should also consider potential security breaches.
Consider ways to close the gap once the installation is complete. Installing additional security measures, such as an alarm or CCTV, can also aid in defending the area from robbers and other people with malign intentions.
Materials Needed To Install Portable Air Conditioner In Sliding Window
Because window kits are readily available and you only need a few additional tools for the job, installing a portable air conditioner in your apartment or home is a hassle-free process. You will require the following tools to get started, whether it is a horizontal or vertical sliding window:
Measuring Tape
It is crucial to note all of the fundamental dimensions before moving on to anything else. Before installing your portable air conditioner in a window, you might want to precisely measure all of its lengths.
After that, note the separation between the air conditioner and the outlet as well as the air conditioner’s separation from the window. You’ll also need to use the measuring tape to record the length of the necessary hose.
Window Kit
Not all window kits will be suitable for all windows. This is so that the kit size can be determined precisely by the window size. Although a lot of portable air conditioners come with a window kit, some are left up to the user’s discretion and cost about $35 in an annex.
You’ll need to be aware of the window’s length, width, and height. The size of the integrated hose is another thing you might want to learn.
Read More: How To Vent A Portable Air Conditioner Without A Window?
Duct Table
The duct table serves as a filler during any installation process. When your portable air conditioner is in the sliding window, but you notice gaps around the corners, this is especially helpful. Duct tape will be required to close the gaps.
This is crucial because gaps could result in unintentional venting of the room air, causing irregularities in the overall temperature cooling that is accomplished.
Screwdriver And Screws
The window kit will be secured in place using the screwdriver and screws. There won’t be any needless bending or displacement of the assembly once the hose and air conditioner are properly positioned and all the screws are bolted in. It’s possible that trapped air is interfering with the venting process if the hose kinks to allow for movement.
Read More:
- Arctos Portable AC Review
- Why Do My Portable Air Conditioners Turn Off Automatically?
- How to Pick The Portable Car Air Conditioner
- How To Vent A Portable Air Conditioner Without A Window
- How Long Can You Run A Portable Air Conditioner Continuously
- How To Clean Portable Air Conditioner? ( 9 Easy Steps)
How Should A Portable Air Conditioner Be Installed In A Horizontal Sliding Window?
Estimate the space needed for the machine to vent through your horizontal sliding window before buying a portable air conditioning system. To advance a genuine wind stream, the latitude should typically be about 12 feet on each portable AC unit side.
- If a flat head or a Philips screwdriver is required, make sure to check the screws. Choose the appropriate screwdriver for your screw’s type. We now need to recall the other parts of the equipment set.
- When you feel that you are prepared for the job, carry on with this activity by performing the actions listed below:
- Attach the boards for the sliding windows that should be provided with the unit.
- Apply the froth gaskets or strips to the sliding window boards’ finishes.
- Slide the window, then insert the board into the gap. Close the glass sheet after adjusting the board gathering for a snug fit.
- The board, window, and air conditioner all need to be screwed in.
- The vent or exhaust hose should be extended. Then, join one end to the exhaust port on the indoor unit of the central air conditioner, which is located at the back.
- To get it, turn the hose connector around several times in the clockwise direction.
- Connect the opposite end of the exhaust hose to the spout. You should submit this section more than once.
- Put the spout in place on the window board.
- By joining it to a nearby wall attachment, you can turn on the portable air conditioning unit.
How Do I Fit A Window With A Double Hung Portable Air Conditioner?
A double-hung window, also known as a “vertical sliding window,” typically has two sashes that slide up and down rather than left and right as in a horizontal sliding window.
However, the orientation of the window assembly is the only distinction between this installation process and the setup process to install a portable air conditioner in a typical sliding window.
A portable air conditioner’s panel assembly must be positioned vertically for a typical sliding window installation, it should be noted. However, for double-hung window configurations, the panel assembly must be positioned horizontally.
Some Important Things To Note
The exhaust hose has a few crucial components that you should be aware of. First off, it’s best to keep the exhaust hose short for the best cooling effects even though the air conditioner comes with a long one. Ensure that the hose is straight and free of bends and kinks. They may cause the condensation or air to become trapped in the hose. To avoid bending, use the hose adapters.
To make the exhaust hose longer, never add more hose to it. For maximum cooling, it is best to place the hose no more than 20 inches from the window. And never use an exhaust hose that wasn’t included with the appliance to replace it. Order a replacement from the manufacturer of the air conditioner if you need one.
Conclusion
Portable air conditioners are simple to install, but for flawless performance, certain safety precautions must be followed. It would be much easier if you knew how to put a portable air conditioner in a sliding window.
Read the cooling unit’s instruction manual in addition to this article’s instructions, and after installation, be sure to check for security issues and leaks.