A portable air conditioner is affordable for bringing cool air into your home or office without permanent modifications.
First, however, you must choose a suitable unit for the size of your window to minimize the possibility of it ending up outside the window pane – assuming that you don’t want to replace your window panes.
This guide will focus on exhaust hose-style portables and discuss choosing the appropriate one for your window, installation tips, and other important considerations.
Installing a portable air conditioner in windows is a simple DIY task. However, before any installation, you must ensure that the exhaust hose hole and the window head are in perfect size.
Is It Difficult To Do?
Installing a portable air conditioner in a horizontal sliding window is not difficult.
If you don’t have one of these units, we recommend checking out the best portable air conditioners for horizontal sliding windows. Once you’ve picked up one of these units and unpacked it from its box, it’s time to install your new portable air conditioner.
You need a window kit, and then you’re ready to go! Come after the instructions in your user manual, and soon enough, you’ll have cool air flowing in from outside and hot air blowing out through an exhaust pipe on its backside.
How Long Does it Take?
The portable air conditioner includes a window kit that lets you install it quickly.
The window kit includes an expandable accordion panel that fits different window sizes.
Slide Kit for Portable Air Conditioner
In addition, it consists of the screws and anchors used to mount the forum on the window frame, foam strips that seal the gap between the panel and the frame, and a hose adapter connecting the exhaust hose to the window panel’s vent.
Some installation processes can be done quickly, while others will take longer. In general, the installation process will take a few minutes. However, the job is pretty simple and should not require much time.
How Much Do Materials Cost?
Portable air conditioners are a significant way to keep cool inside your home when summer days get too hot. Portable ACs are easy to install and can be moved from room to room. The first step in establishing a portable air conditioner is ensuring you have the right tools and materials.
The materials needed to install the air conditioner will cost around $40 to $65. Again, it will depend on your location and the size of your unit.
If you do not possess these items, they can be acquired online at any hardware store. The cost of materials needed for installation can vary widely depending on what type of unit you have and its size/weight rating.
Materials You Will Need To Install a Portable AC in a Horizontal Sliding Window
Before you begin the installation process, you should gather all the necessary materials. Below is a checklist of tools and supplies you will need to complete the project.
- Window Kit – Make sure you know the dimensions of your window before purchasing the kit; this will save you a headache and prevent having to return it and buy one that fits.
- Screws – Using screws instead of nails will help secure and lock your window kit into place.
- Screwdriver – Tightening the screws will be easier than with a hammer with a screwdriver.
- Measuring Tape – The dimensions of your window are vital to finding a suitable window kit, so bring a measuring tape when shopping for one.
- Duct Tape – Use duct tape to secure any fillers necessary after installing your unit to stay in place and not fall out or become loose over time.
How to Install a Portable AC in a Horizontal Sliding Window?
If you have a portable AC designed for vertical sliding windows, you can still install it in a horizontal sliding window. Just get the kit with all the necessary accessories to make it work.
Here are some manageable steps that will help you get your unit up and running in minutes:
1. Collect All Needed Items
You’ll want to ensure you have everything before beginning the installation process.
Before installing your portable air conditioner, collect all the necessary items for the job. Items such as scissors and drills hang on what your installation kit has and doesn’t have or your window setup.
While most window kits come with everything you need, there are some things to watch for when buying your portable AC unit. First, inspect the installation kit to ensure you have a window plate, screws, duct connectors, and an exhaust hose.
2. Set Up the Location
Figure out where you want your air conditioner to go. For example, special brackets are designed to hold it securely if you want it in the attic or basement. They will also provide the proper insulation so your unit doesn’t freeze when it gets too cold outside.
Once you’ve determined the location, measure how much space you need and purchase some packing tape to tape loose ends.
You should first find a convenient spot for your AC unit. Ideally, this will be close to an electrical outlet but not too tight—you don’t want any water on those wires!
The best place will vary from person to person, so think about what works best for you and your needs.
Read Also: How To Install a Window Air Conditioner In Sliding Window?
3. Set Up Window Panels
Take the panels that came with your portable AC and attach them to the sides of your window using the hardware with your AC unit (screws or adhesive strips).
The panels will help guide air into and out of the room. Ensure an open space at least 7 inches below each forum so air can flow openly into and out of the room.
The window panels should snap once you set them down in the right spot. However, if you need to move them around slightly, you can push or pull them. Once they are in place, use the sliding pin locks to latch them shut.
4. Secure Your Exhaust House
Your exhaust hose should have one end attached to your portable AC unit. You must now connect the other end to the window panel exhaust outlet. Use tape to secure it so it doesn’t come loose firmly.
Place one end into your unit and gently adjust it until it fits snugly in its socket. Next, run the other end through your window panel and ensure it extends fully to the outside of your home.
If extra length is available, coil it up neatly so you can quickly grab it, later on to move or store your AC unit when necessary.
5. Final Touch-Ups
Once you’ve secured your exhaust house, plug in your AC and cool down! You may need to adjust the slats on your window to get better airflow. Some people like to put a towel beneath their AC unit to protect their windowsill from water condensation.
Start your AC unit and confirm that it is working correctly. Check for leaks or unexpected noises around your unit or in the room before leaving it alone for an extended time.
Tips and Safety Considerations When Installing a Portable AC Into a Horizontal Sliding Window
As with any significant purchase, you know how to install and operate your new portable AC is essential. These tips will help you stay secure and safe during the installation process.
Installation Instructions
Please note that you should always follow all safety instructions in the user manual provided with your unit. In addition, ensure that you thoroughly read through the installation manual for your portable AC. It will help avoid mistakes compromising your unit’s ability to cool efficiently.
Avoid Carrying Heavy Portable AC
You should carry your portable air conditioner in pairs when moving the unit. If you are moving the unit by yourself, follow proper lifting techniques. Never lift the unit by its control panel or the side handles. It can damage the AC unit and may even cause personal injury. Instead, we recommend carrying the AC by its base or side handles while supporting its weight with your knees.
Household Security
When installing a portable AC, you must ensure your house remains secure during installation. For example, if you have a sliding window, lock it before closing it over the air conditioner. You may also want to examine installing a padlock on the window once it is closed so that no one can open it outside your home.
Read Also: How To Install A Window Air Conditioner In a Casement Window?
Why a Portable AC Has to Be Vented?
Portable ACs are an excellent option for using air conditioning in places where installing central air conditioning is not possible or cost-prohibitive. However, they have to be vented to work correctly.
They produce hot air, which must be exhausted for the cooling process. So if this hot air is not finished, the cooling process will not happen.
To vent a portable AC, you drill a hole in your window and connect the venting hose that links with the unit. The hot air will come out of the window, and the cold air will stay inside, keeping you cool and comfortable.
What If My Window Is Too Big?
If your window is larger than the air conditioner you purchased, you can either make a barrier to fill in the extra space or adjust the spacers on its side until it fits.
You have a few material options if you choose to make a barrier. You can use foam, wood, or some other material to fill in the window so that it’s snug for your AC unit.
When you find a material that works, cut it to size and attach it to the window with adhesive. You also can use nails or screws, but these will leave marks if you don’t want them permanently attached.
What If I Do Not Have A Window?
Yes, it’s possible to use a portable air conditioner in a room without a window.
However, if you don’t want to vent the hot air out of a window, you must find another way. A few options include:
- Venting through the wall: This option is not ideal as it could result in water damage on your wall from condensation. It would also require you to cut out the drywall to make room for the hose.
- Venting through a sliding door: This option is only viable if you have a sliding door with enough space for the hose.
- Drop ceiling venting: This option involves cutting into the drop ceiling and installing an exhaust system within the top.
How Does The Water Drain?
Most portable air conditioners will use the water collected to cool their condenser when they have a dehumidifying function. Many portable air conditioners will also have a secondary way of removing excess water from the unit.
- Draining Into a Pan: Let the water drain into an attached pan. You can then empty the pan as needed. This method may work well for smaller units but requires constant monitoring and emptying to work well with larger units.
- Using the Drain Hose: When draining the water into a pan is less than ideal, you can use the attached drain hose. It makes it easy to direct the water away from your home and ensure it doesn’t create any messes while being simple.
- Using a Condensate Pump: This method allows you to direct water away from your home and does not require you to empty the water or clean up after it other than cleaning out your pump occasionally.
People Also Ask
How to Cut a Window Kit for a Portable Air Conditioner?
Window kit panels are designed to fit the standard sliding window. However, if your window’s opening is smaller, you can trim the boards to make them work.
- Remove all of the panels from the packaging. Unfasten the straps and uncoil the hose. Remove any excess plastic or packaging material from the sides of your unit.
- Slide the panel farthest from your exhaust hose into your sliding window until firmly in place. Then slide the second panel into place next to it. Finally, slide each additional panel until you have one left to fit into place.
- Measure the distance between this last remaining panel and the side of your window.
- Use a utility knife to trim the remaining panel to match this distance. Do not cut or trim any other panels.
Why Choose A Portable Air Conditioner Instead Of A Window Unit?
Window units are installed directly into a windowpane or wall in a home, and they work by removing hot room air and sending it outside. They need to be permanently mounted to the window or wall.
Portable air conditioners are versatile because they can be moved from room to room, but they also need to vent hot air out of the home. In addition, because portable ACs are on wheels, they can be easily stored when not in use.
Unlike a window unit, a portable air conditioner can solve all these problems instantly. First, plug your unit into any wall outlet and turn it on.
Then, the cool air will immediately start flowing through your home—and you won’t even have to worry about moving anywhere this equipment or dealing with a heavy, cumbersome window unit.
Can You Put An Air Conditioner In a Sideways Window?
Window units should never be installed or operated on their vertical side or even slanted more than five degrees. Doing so significantly increases pressure on all moving parts, shortening their lifespan.
A window AC unit must remain upright for two reasons: the drain tubes that transport condensation to the exterior of your home will not work effectively, and it will damage the compressor, which will quickly fail.
A sideways installation also increases the drain of water caused by condensation out of the system. It can result in leaks around your AC unit or inside your home.
