When the summer heat hits, a window air conditioner can feel like a lifeline because it can offer you quick relief without the hassle of a central cooling system. But getting that cool air flowing safely and effectively isn’t always as simple as plugging it in and turning it on. To make sure your window AC provides you with the comfort that you need all season long, it’s essential to set it up right and use it wisely.
Pick the Right Windows
One of the first things to consider is the windows you want to use for these appliances. Typically, you’ll want to have a double-hung window that is large enough to support the size of the unit that you choose. Your AC unit should be slightly smaller than the opening. When installing it, ensure it’s positioned horizontally, as it won’t function vertically.
Know Your Desired BTU Rating
Another important factor to consider is the cooling capacity of your window air conditioner. It’s essential to realize that one appliance won’t be capable of completely cooling your home because they are designed to cool a couple of rooms at best. You’ll need multiple units to fully cool your home during the summertime. Every window air conditioner you choose should be appropriately sized for the room that it’s destined for.
All air conditioners have a cooling capacity measured in the form of British thermal units or BTUs for short. As a general rule of thumb, you can take the total square footage of the room and multiply it by 25 to get an estimated cooling capacity. Be sure to add an additional 1,000 BTUs for every door and window in that room. For example, let’s say that you have a 200-square-foot room that has two windows and a door. The BTU requirement would be 5,000 for your square footage and an additional 3,000 for the windows, making a grand total of 8,000 BTUs for your new AC.
Far too often, homeowners opt for purchasing a larger model than they actually need. All this does is cost more upfront and leads to humidity issues. Units that are oversized for your application won’t run long enough to sufficiently remove enough humidity from the air. This can leave the room feeling uncomfortable and have you turning down the temperature even further. Instead of increasing your energy costs, opt for purchasing an appropriately sized unit for the space that you have.
Inspect Your Window Frame
Before installing your new window air conditioner, it’s best to fully assess the window frame. It needs to be completely solid and structurally sound to support your new AC. If there is any cracking, rotting, or warping of your window frame, it needs to be repaired before using your window unit. Attempting to put an AC in a rotted window frame can lead to the unit falling out of the window or more damage happening to the frame.
If you have a larger air conditioner, consider using support brackets to help relieve some of the stress that’s on your window frame. A lot of the bigger air conditioners will have built-in brackets for you to use during the installation process. If yours doesn’t, make sure that you order separate support brackets that will fit the particular size model you have. It’s best to confirm that you have everything you need prior to doing the installation.
Safe Installation Process
When it’s time to install your new air conditioner, it’s always helpful to have another person there. Window AC models can be very heavy and bulky to maneuver around on your own. Start by removing the window screen or pushing it up if you have a double-hung window. Slowly set the window air conditioner down onto the window frame.
It’s best to position the unit with a slight downward tilt going outside to allow for adequate water drainage from the unit. About one-quarter to one-half of an inch is recommended. Next, pull down on the window sash so that it’s snug up against the air conditioner. There should be a protrusion on the top of your equipment that rests up against the window sash for additional support.
Now is when you want to install your support brackets if necessary. Some air conditioners will have pull-out sides that work to seal up the gaps on either side of the unit where your window is exposed. If you don’t have pull-out sides, you’ll need to install foam panels to cover up the open window space. Many homeowners opt for using weather stripping around the foam panels and air conditioner to completely seal off the window from outside air intrusion.
Use a Wall Outlet
Your new air conditioner should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord or power strips, as these devices are not rated to handle the high wattage your AC pulls and can easily create a fire hazard. To prevent overloading the circuit, avoid plugging any other devices into the same outlet that powers your window unit.
Clean the Filter Regularly
The filter inside your air conditioner has a significant impact on its overall performance. If the air filter is clogged full of debris, your unit will struggle to effectively cool your home. This can drive up your energy costs and leave you feeling uncomfortable. Instead, check the air filter every couple of weeks and clean it as necessary. Keep in mind your filter needs to be completely dry before reinserting it. Never put a wet filter back in your air conditioner, as it will create toxic mold and mildew growth.
Don’t Block Airflow
For your window air conditioner to function optimally, it must have adequate airflow. This includes the airflow inside where your cold air is coming out and the airflow outside where the hot air is being dispersed. Any shrubbery blocking the outside of your unit can significantly reduce its performance. The same goes for any inside items, like curtains or furniture, that can block cold airflow out of your unit.
Turn Off During Storms
You should never be running your window air conditioner during storms for a plethora of different reasons. One of the most important reasons is power surges through your local grid can cause permanent damage to your unit. If you don’t have a whole-home surge protector or a surge-protecting circuit breaker, it’s best to completely shut off your equipment and wait until the storm is over to use it again.
Take Advantage of Energy Saver Modes
It’s common for a lot of window air conditioners to come along with energy-saving modes to reduce your energy bills. Aim to take advantage of these features. For example, you can utilize its timer so you can shut your unit off when you’re not at home to save energy.
Reliable AC Installation Service
F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling provides reliable AC installation service for the Cheshire, CT community, including ductless mini-split installation. We can also help with all your cooling system replacement, maintenance, and repair needs. Phone our office staff today to book your next appointment with one of our helpful HVAC technicians.
