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How to install an air conditioner

How to Install an Air Conditioner

by Murray Anderson

 

Introduction

 

In the middle of the summer you could probably be convinced that just about the best invention anyone has ever come up with is an air conditioner. However, after you've bought the unit and lugged it home you still need to install it before you can enjoy that beautiful cool air. Good news, it's straightforward and simple.

 

Instructions

 

Difficulty: Easy

 

Steps

 

Step One

Measure the area you want to cool and calculate the size of the air conditioner you will need.

 

Step Two

Determine the window you want to install the air conditioner in and measure its opening. The air conditioner you buy needs to fit into the opening and all air conditioners aren't the same size.

 

Step Three

Install the mounting brackets that came with the air conditioner unit (be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions).

 

Step Four

Slide the air conditioner into the window opening and fix it to the mounting brackets (again as per manufacturer's instructions).

 

Step Five

Lower the window down onto the top of the unit.

 

Step Six

Pull out the extensions on each side of the air conditioner and attach them to the window frame.

 

Step Seven

Using a piece of foam (may be provided by the manufacturer), seal between the top of the air conditioner unit and the window.

 

Step Eight

Attach the drainage hose (if supplied) to the outside of the air conditioner.

 

Step Nine

Caulk around the outside of the unit to help keep the warm air outside.

 

Step Ten

Plug in your air conditioner, turn it on and enjoy that cool air.

 

Tips & Warnings

 

    * If you have an option, install your air conditioner in either a North-facing (best) or South-facing (next best) wall. Both East-facing and West-facing walls get direct sunshine so the unit has to work harder.

    * Air conditioners are rated by their British Thermal Unit capacity (BTU's). A rule of thumb is that a 12,000 BTU unit will cool 500 square feet of room.

    * Air conditioners are also rated by their Energy Efficiency Rating (EER). A higher EER is better since it uses less electricity. Most air conditioners are rated between 8.0 and 10.5.

    * Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions for installing both the mounting brackets and the unit itself. Air conditioners are heavy and improperly installed brackets could allow the unit to fall.

 

Overall Things You'll Need

 

    * Caulking gun and waterproof caulk

    * Measuring tape and pencil

    * Air conditioner, mounting hardware, foam insulation (usually provided by manufacturer)

    * Screwdriver and screws

 

 

ANSWER 2:

 

HOW DO I INSTALL MY AIR CONDITIONER?

 

How to Install a Window Air Conditioner

by eHow Home & Garden Editor

 

Introduction

 

The mercury is rising and the humidity is making it feel even hotter. It's time to install that air conditioner! If central air conditioning is too expensive to consider, then a window unit should be enough to cool things down. Once you have the air conditioner home, it will take just minutes to install it in the window…and you'll be on your way to a cool night's sleep!

 

Instructions

 

Difficulty: Easy

 

Things You'll Need

 

    * Measuring tape

    * Level

    * Foam strip

    * Screws

    * Screwdriver

    * Drill

    * Waterproof caulk

    * Caulking gun

 

Steps

 

Step One

Install the mounting brackets onto the windowsill. Screw one end into the sill. Adjust the center screw on the bracket to level the air conditioner.

 

Step Two

Open the window fully. Slide the air conditioner over the sill and onto the mounting brackets. Close window to the top of the air conditioner casing.

 

Step Three

Pull out the extensions on either side of the air conditioner until they touch the sides of the window. Once fully extended, drill small holes into the window sash and use screws to fasten each extension to the sash.

 

 

 

Step Four

Secure the sashes to each other with angle brackets, if brackets are supplied by the air conditioner manufacturer. Use a strip of foam to insulate the gap where the two sashes meet to prevent the cool air from seeping outside.

 

Step Five

Make sure to tilt the air conditioner slightly away from the window to ensure proper water drainage. Caulk the unit outside around the air conditioner. Then plug in the air conditioner. It's now time to cool off!

 

Tips & Warnings

 

    * Measure the room to be cooled to ensure that you're buying an air conditioner with the proper cooling capacity.

    * Make sure the window is in good condition to support the air conditioner. A double hung window near an electrical outlet is best.

    * Always follow the instructions in the manufacturer's manual accompanying the air conditioner.

    * Never use loose objects, such as a block of wood, to support the air conditioner.

 

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