Berkeys / Berkeys Blog

December 27, 2016

Window Air Conditioner Installation for Dallas Homeowners

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.

Installing a window air conditioner is a pretty simple project and doing it correctly will make sure your AC is safe and working properly.

How to Install a Window Air Conditioner

Inspect the window to make sure it’s in good repair. After installation, you probably won’t open that window for months until it’s time to remove the unit, so now’s a good time to wash the glass inside and out. You’ll also want to clear the area around the window and leave yourself plenty of working space with no tripping hazards.

Check for obstructions in the window opening, such as storm window frames or screens that might interfere with the overhanging part of the air conditioner on the outside. Raise or remove the screen and either remove the storm window (and frame) or fasten a spacer block to the windowsill to lift the air conditioner case away from the storm window frame.

1. Completely open the bottom sash of the window, remove the window screen if there is one, and clean the sill and channels with a vacuum.
2. Prepare the extensions. Most AC units have accordion or sliding extensions that slide to completely fill the opening. Some units have these already attached; with other models, you’ll need to slide them into channels on the side of the air conditioner. It’s best to prepare these before putting the AC unit in the window opening.
3. Prepare mounting brackets. Some AC units simply sit on the windowsill; others rest on special brackets that attach to the sill. If your unit utilizes mounting brackets, install these brackets according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to level the unit according to the recommendations (typically with a slight downward slope toward the outdoors to allow for drainage of condensation). Make sure the fasteners are secure. Some units come with two lengths of weatherstripping foam—one goes along the sill beneath the unit, which you can put in place now. The other will go on top of the unit once it is installed.
4. With a helper if necessary, lift the AC unit. Use your legs, not your back muscles! Slide it into the window opening from inside the room, position it properly on the sill or support brackets and, if using brackets, lock it into place on the brackets. Be careful with this step—don’t let the unit fall out the window! If your air conditioner has a drainage hose, route this to the outside.
5. Lower the window sash so that it fits snugly into the channel on top of the unit. The mounting flange at the top of the unit should be flat against the lower window sash. Slide the accordion extensions to fill the opening and fasten them to the jamb.
6. Seal the inner perimeter of the opening with foam weatherstripping (often provided). Caulk around the outer perimeter.
7. Plug-in the AC unit and enjoy the cool air! If the plug has a reset button, check it by pressing the button to see if it shuts off the power.

The Importance of a Properly Installed Window Air Conditioner

Properly installing your window A/C unit is more about rules of thumb than step-by-step instructions. With so many variable units, brackets and window types, it would be hard to cover all of them. Instead, the following thoughts are things you need to know or keep in mind so that you don’t damage the unit, break your window, or hurt yourself in the process.