Are you here to find out how to install an air conditioner in a casement window? You might have already known that most window air conditioning units are designed for windows like double-hung, which opens upward and downward.
Only some units are structured vertically to accommodate casements and sliders and take note that these models can be very expensive.
In this post, you will learn the steps that are needed to be taken in installing a casement window. This would seem intimidating at first, but you can get this done right by ensuring to follow each step properly.
Safety Considerations
Remember that a casement air conditioner with high BTU can be extremely heavy at about 80 pounds. Aside from being heavy, they are also unwieldy and hard to grasp.
With that being said, it is important to have someone assist you when lifting and holding the unit so that it will be secured in place.
Ensure to follow all the instructions for installation precisely so that falling out of the unit from the window will be avoided. So, how to install an air conditioner in a casement window?
Steps To Install An Air Conditioner In A Casement Window
This installation process may seem daunting, but you can easily achieve it as long as you follow the instruction carefully.
Step #1. Installing the interior unit
The unit can be completely installed inside the house, but you will have to drive one screw into the side at about one foot lower than the window sill. Again, you should do this from outside the house.
If you do this while leaning over your window from the inside can be dangerous. Also, you won’t be able to put the hole precisely, so do this outside. Use a ladder and ensure to position it properly.
Step #2. Fill the gap on top using particleboard or plastic
After you installed the unit, you will see a noticeable gap on top of your AC unit. This is the difference between casement and slider window air conditioners. Slider window air conditioners typically come with a plastic gap cover extending at the side, but a casement window AC does not have such a feature.
Some units would include a plastic board that you can use to fill that gap. If this is not included, you can get thin particleboard or plastic sheeting. Both of these are inexpensively sold at any home improvement shop.
Step #3. Installing the platform and support base on the window sill
Take note that the instruction assumes that you will install the unit onto the right side of your window. Start by installing the support base you made out of wood yourself onto the window sill. Then, install the metal platform assembly supplied by the manufacturer over the support base you installed earlier.
Step #4. Platform assembly
In this step, you need to hook onto the front of the support base of the unit’s platform assembly by screwing its center hole. Make sure that it firmly sinks into the support base.
Step #5. Determining the center point
Now to place the unit, you need to determine the center of the window opening. This is the most important part of the whole installation process. You can begin by locating the leading edge on the right. The window frame has numerous edges, but only one will butt up at the side of the unit.
It will help you in drawing a drywall T-square against the leading edge. This way you will be able to find out where the line falls across the support base. From that line, you need to measure eight 11/16 inches towards the left and put a mark. You should sink the screw of the platform assembly at this point.
Step #6. Adjusting the platform assembly
Now go outside. Then, mount your ladder against the house. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer in putting together the platform assembly. Screw it in place, provided that your base is solid. Otherwise, you will need to secure it using some support board first. You can use grade plywood for this.
Step #7. Positioning the AC unit into the window
In this step, you should head back into your house. Then, open the window up to the size of the AC unit plus a four or five inches allowance. Now, call someone who can assist you in lifting the unit and push it onto the opening of the window.
This should sit right on top of your platform assembly. You need to be careful in this step since the unit might slip off. Finally, close the sash to the left of the unit. Ensure that it is behind the bracket at the side of the air conditioner. The sash is the one that is holding the unit in place.
It’s A Wrap!
Finally, you know the steps on how to install an air conditioner in a casement window. Now, find someone who can assist you and start your project. It would take time to finish this, so have that extra patience with you.