New Jersey City Air Conditioner Window Cage Gates
Window air-conditioner units are a reliable and simple-to-install solution to keep a room cool while avoiding the costly construction of a central air system. Better yet, when the summer heat dies down, these units can be easily removed for storage, and you can use the windowsill for other purposes. Here, Don Vandervort, creator of Hometips.com, walks us through the basic steps of a/c installation.
Step 1 – Size the room
Window a/c units come in various sizes and cooling capacities, and it is important to choose the one that best fits the needs of the room. "There is a formula to all of this," Vandervort says. The first part of the formula is room size. An air-conditioning calculator makes this job easy—you put in a room's dimensions and it tells you how much BTU power you need. If the room is open to an additional area, like through an arch or open doorway, make sure you include the other area in your square-foot count.
Aside from square footage, there are other factors to consider. Think about the climate of the room. "You can decrease the BTU rating by 10 percent if it is on a shaded side, or increase it by 10 percent if it is on a sunny side," Vandervort says. In addition, if the a/c unit is for a kitchen, Vandervort suggests adding 4000 BTUs to your capacity figures; if the room is to be occupied by more than two people, add 600 BTUs per person. All air conditioners are packaged with room coverage factors on the label, but it is always good to double check these numbers, and consider adding or subtracting power based on the room you wish to cool. Plus, keep in mind window size. Most units are meant to fit in double-hung windows, but there are models designed for casement windows as well.
When choosing a window to place the air conditioner in, keep fire safety in mind. An air conditioner can block egress in the event of a fire, especially if the unit is in a room with only one window.
Step 2 – Consider energy efficiency
Air conditioners are rated for energy efficiency. The EER (energy efficiency rating) ranges from 8 to 11.5, and Vandervort says a rating of 10 or higher is ideal for saving electricity (and lowering your bills). However, expect to pay more for a more efficient unit. These greener units offer digital temperature controls, variable fan speeds and sleep settings, which help conserve power.
Step 3 – Installation
Before you take the unit out of the box, make sure you have a friend handy to help with the installation. Air-conditioner units are clumsy objects, and you don't want your brand-new appliance falling out during installation and landing on the ground below.
If you have double-hung widows, installation should be simple. It may be necessary to assemble the unit's window extensions; some models have these already installed. Other models utilize special brackets for window attachment, Vandervort says. In that case, you put those brackets in place first. Always check with the owner manual. While the installation of different units should be similar, there are variations between a/c designs.
Raise the lower pane, and have your helper place the unit on the windowsill. Slide out the unit's extensions to fill the empty window space. Next, level the unit according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most air-conditioner models should tip slightly to the outside to drain condensation. However, keep in mind that some units may not be designed to tilt.
Fasten the unit to the brackets or lower the window pane onto the unit to lock it into place. Most models will have you secure the upper windowpane into place to prevent movement. Next, secure the extensions to the window jamb. Finally, seal the unit. On the inside, use weatherstripping provided by the manufacturer; on the outside, use calk around the perimeter to ensure a good seal.
With other styles of windows, or with odd-shaped windows, you may have to get creative, Vandervort says. Use plywood boards to help seal or fit an unusual opening that the a/c's extenders will not fill.
Step 4 – Plug it in
Air conditioners can use a lot of power, so keep in mind the circuit you are connecting the unit to. If the same circuit powers other high-energy appliances—refrigerators, dryers, vacuums—consider plugging it in elsewhere. The cord's package should say either "air-conditioner cord" or "major-appliance cord." These cords are rated for the heavy current draw that an air conditioner will impose. Use the shortest cord that will do the job. Clean the filter at least twice a year to maintain maximum energy efficiency.
Step 5 – Removal for storage
If the unit seals your house against the elements, there is no reason why you cannot keep the a/c in the window for the whole year. However, if you want your window back, removal and storage are easy. Unfasten the unit and remove it from the window, making sure you do not lose all of the hardware and weatherstripping. Store it upright away from any potential moisture or corrosive chemicals.
Read more: How to Install a Window Air Conditioner - Window Unit AC Installation - Popular Mechanics
Follow us: @PopMech on Twitter | popularmechanics on Facebook
Visit us at PopularMechanics.com
Step 1 – Size the room
Window a/c units come in various sizes and cooling capacities, and it is important to choose the one that best fits the needs of the room. "There is a formula to all of this," Vandervort says. The first part of the formula is room size. An air-conditioning calculator makes this job easy—you put in a room's dimensions and it tells you how much BTU power you need. If the room is open to an additional area, like through an arch or open doorway, make sure you include the other area in your square-foot count.
Aside from square footage, there are other factors to consider. Think about the climate of the room. "You can decrease the BTU rating by 10 percent if it is on a shaded side, or increase it by 10 percent if it is on a sunny side," Vandervort says. In addition, if the a/c unit is for a kitchen, Vandervort suggests adding 4000 BTUs to your capacity figures; if the room is to be occupied by more than two people, add 600 BTUs per person. All air conditioners are packaged with room coverage factors on the label, but it is always good to double check these numbers, and consider adding or subtracting power based on the room you wish to cool. Plus, keep in mind window size. Most units are meant to fit in double-hung windows, but there are models designed for casement windows as well.
When choosing a window to place the air conditioner in, keep fire safety in mind. An air conditioner can block egress in the event of a fire, especially if the unit is in a room with only one window.
Step 2 – Consider energy efficiency
Air conditioners are rated for energy efficiency. The EER (energy efficiency rating) ranges from 8 to 11.5, and Vandervort says a rating of 10 or higher is ideal for saving electricity (and lowering your bills). However, expect to pay more for a more efficient unit. These greener units offer digital temperature controls, variable fan speeds and sleep settings, which help conserve power.
Step 3 – Installation
Before you take the unit out of the box, make sure you have a friend handy to help with the installation. Air-conditioner units are clumsy objects, and you don't want your brand-new appliance falling out during installation and landing on the ground below.
If you have double-hung widows, installation should be simple. It may be necessary to assemble the unit's window extensions; some models have these already installed. Other models utilize special brackets for window attachment, Vandervort says. In that case, you put those brackets in place first. Always check with the owner manual. While the installation of different units should be similar, there are variations between a/c designs.
Raise the lower pane, and have your helper place the unit on the windowsill. Slide out the unit's extensions to fill the empty window space. Next, level the unit according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most air-conditioner models should tip slightly to the outside to drain condensation. However, keep in mind that some units may not be designed to tilt.
Fasten the unit to the brackets or lower the window pane onto the unit to lock it into place. Most models will have you secure the upper windowpane into place to prevent movement. Next, secure the extensions to the window jamb. Finally, seal the unit. On the inside, use weatherstripping provided by the manufacturer; on the outside, use calk around the perimeter to ensure a good seal.
With other styles of windows, or with odd-shaped windows, you may have to get creative, Vandervort says. Use plywood boards to help seal or fit an unusual opening that the a/c's extenders will not fill.
Step 4 – Plug it in
Air conditioners can use a lot of power, so keep in mind the circuit you are connecting the unit to. If the same circuit powers other high-energy appliances—refrigerators, dryers, vacuums—consider plugging it in elsewhere. The cord's package should say either "air-conditioner cord" or "major-appliance cord." These cords are rated for the heavy current draw that an air conditioner will impose. Use the shortest cord that will do the job. Clean the filter at least twice a year to maintain maximum energy efficiency.
Step 5 – Removal for storage
If the unit seals your house against the elements, there is no reason why you cannot keep the a/c in the window for the whole year. However, if you want your window back, removal and storage are easy. Unfasten the unit and remove it from the window, making sure you do not lose all of the hardware and weatherstripping. Store it upright away from any potential moisture or corrosive chemicals.
Read more: How to Install a Window Air Conditioner - Window Unit AC Installation - Popular Mechanics
Follow us: @PopMech on Twitter | popularmechanics on Facebook
Visit us at PopularMechanics.com
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In some climates Summer months can be downright unbearable without an air conditioner. Window A/Cs are less expensive than central air cooling systems and they typically use less energy than whole house systems as well. Depending on the size and level of insulation of your home, one window air conditioner is typically enough to cool one or two rooms, but larger units may even be able to cool an entire 2-3 bedroom apartment. Using multiple cooling units in a home will allow each person in the family to keep their room at the temperature they desire. Installing a cooling unit will take anywhere from ten to forty minutes.
Choosing the Right Air Conditioner
Window air conditioners come in various sizes and it is important to choose the one that best fits the size of your room and needs of the user. The first thing to consider is to the room’s size. Using an climate control unit calculator or using the Energy Star chart for choosing a properly sized cooling appliance. For the average 150-250 square foot room you’ll need a climate control unit that has a capacity of 6,000 BTUs. If you have rooms that flow into one another with archways or open doorways, you’ll need to include the square footage of the adjoining room when calculating the capacity necessary to cool the area. Outside of square footage it is important to consider the climate of the room you wish to cool with an air conditioner. If the room is shaded then you can decrease the BTU rating you calculated with the climate control unit calculator by 10 percent however, if you wish to cool a kitchen you’ll need to raise the rating by 4,000 BTUs. When the room you are cooling is used by two or more people add six hundred BTUs per person to the rating necessary to cool the room. Before you buy the first air conditioner that fits the BTU rating necessary to cool your room, make sure you have a window that will be suitable for the unit. Measure windows in the room (make sure not to block fire escapes) and make sure to buy a window air conditioner that will fit into the opening.
Installing Your New Air Conditioner
Before you remove your new A/C from its packaging you’ll need to recruit a helper. Air conditioners are very hard to grip because their weight is uneven and dropping the unit from a window could be catastrophic. After you find a friend or family neighbor to help you can begin the installation by installing any mounting brackets that have been provided by the manufacturer. Heavy, older units typically come with mounting brackets that help to support the A/C unit using the window sill and outer wall as balancing points. Next, attach any extenders that come with your air conditioner. these extenders will fill the space between the unit and the edges of to keep air from leaking out. You’re now ready to open the window from the bottom pain and have your helper raise the A/C into position. Rest the A/C on the window sill and slide the extensions out to fill any gaps. Check the instructions provided with your A/C for the what the correct placement is for your specific appliance. Most air conditioning units should tilt outward to drain any condensation that may accumulate on it. Finally you will fasten the brackets and lower the window pain back to the top of your machine. Sometimes it is wise to fasten the upper window pane in place to avoid movement of your A/C. To ensure efficiency, use weatherstripping or calk to seal any gaps between the unit and the window frame.
Once you’ve finished installing your cooling appliance, you’re ready to sit back, relax and enjoy your home again. Air conditioning can help you sleep better and enjoy your house more fully in the Summer months. If you would like to cool your entire house, contact an HVAC technician about installing a central cooling unit, but until then the window unit will help your family stay cool.
Choosing the Right Air Conditioner
Window air conditioners come in various sizes and it is important to choose the one that best fits the size of your room and needs of the user. The first thing to consider is to the room’s size. Using an climate control unit calculator or using the Energy Star chart for choosing a properly sized cooling appliance. For the average 150-250 square foot room you’ll need a climate control unit that has a capacity of 6,000 BTUs. If you have rooms that flow into one another with archways or open doorways, you’ll need to include the square footage of the adjoining room when calculating the capacity necessary to cool the area. Outside of square footage it is important to consider the climate of the room you wish to cool with an air conditioner. If the room is shaded then you can decrease the BTU rating you calculated with the climate control unit calculator by 10 percent however, if you wish to cool a kitchen you’ll need to raise the rating by 4,000 BTUs. When the room you are cooling is used by two or more people add six hundred BTUs per person to the rating necessary to cool the room. Before you buy the first air conditioner that fits the BTU rating necessary to cool your room, make sure you have a window that will be suitable for the unit. Measure windows in the room (make sure not to block fire escapes) and make sure to buy a window air conditioner that will fit into the opening.
Installing Your New Air Conditioner
Before you remove your new A/C from its packaging you’ll need to recruit a helper. Air conditioners are very hard to grip because their weight is uneven and dropping the unit from a window could be catastrophic. After you find a friend or family neighbor to help you can begin the installation by installing any mounting brackets that have been provided by the manufacturer. Heavy, older units typically come with mounting brackets that help to support the A/C unit using the window sill and outer wall as balancing points. Next, attach any extenders that come with your air conditioner. these extenders will fill the space between the unit and the edges of to keep air from leaking out. You’re now ready to open the window from the bottom pain and have your helper raise the A/C into position. Rest the A/C on the window sill and slide the extensions out to fill any gaps. Check the instructions provided with your A/C for the what the correct placement is for your specific appliance. Most air conditioning units should tilt outward to drain any condensation that may accumulate on it. Finally you will fasten the brackets and lower the window pain back to the top of your machine. Sometimes it is wise to fasten the upper window pane in place to avoid movement of your A/C. To ensure efficiency, use weatherstripping or calk to seal any gaps between the unit and the window frame.
Once you’ve finished installing your cooling appliance, you’re ready to sit back, relax and enjoy your home again. Air conditioning can help you sleep better and enjoy your house more fully in the Summer months. If you would like to cool your entire house, contact an HVAC technician about installing a central cooling unit, but until then the window unit will help your family stay cool.
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