Berkeys / Berkeys Blog

November 04, 2016

Window Air Conditioning For Dallas Homeowners

Many people with their own homes worry about window air conditioning installation costs and wonder if their homeowner’s insurance covers this area. The simple answer is yes and no. If you have a natural disaster, fire, or some other catastrophe, and your air conditioner gets destroyed or damaged along with your home, then you are covered by your insurance.

With hot weather comes the desire to cool off. For those of you who don’t have internal air, the window air conditioning unit is a good second option. This video will show you how to install one.

How to Install a Window Air-Conditioner Unit

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. Read more.

Importance Of Air Conditioning Installation

Having air conditioning doesn’t just keep you and your family comfortably cool and dry. It can also protect your home. Since heat and humidity can swell wood furniture, flooring, molding, and structural beams, this can eventually cause damage to your home.