Installing a window air conditioner is an easy way to keep your cool.
Time An hour or less
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$150 - $400
Introduction
With the summer temperatures on the rise, you may need to know how to install a window air conditioner to keep your home cool— it’s easier than you think.
Tools Required
- Scissors
- Screwdriver
Materials Required
- Appliance cord
- Foam weatherstrip
- Window Air Conditioner
- Wood block
Watch How to Install a Window AC Unit
Project step-by-step (5)
Step 1
What type of window do you have?
- In order to know how to install window air conditioner properly, you first have to make sure you’ve got the right windows.
- Look to see what type of window you have. Window air conditioners fit best in single- and double-hung windows that slide vertically.
- Casement windows that crank open and horizontal sliding windows don’t work as well for window air conditioners.
- If you have a storm window, you may need to remove the screen or slide open the lower window.
Step 2
Blocking
- When learning how to install the window air conditioner, you want to make sure it’s sitting level in the window opening.
- You made need to add some blocks between the windowsill and the air conditioner near the front (and possibly toward the back) to assure that the unit is level. Typically, a 2×4 works well for this, but every situation is different.
Step 3
Weatherstrip
- Before moving forward, you’ll want to seal around the window. Cut, peel and stick 1-1/4-in. x 1-1/4-in. foam weatherstrip to the windowsill, as well as on top of the air conditioner or to the bottom of the window.
Step 4
Install the air conditioner
- Some window air conditioners are quite heavy — you may need a helper. If the air conditioning unit needs to be cleaned, do it now before it is installed.
- With the window open, lift the air conditioning unit into the window opening until the wings are even with the window jamb, centering it in the opening.
- Lower the upper window down on top of the air conditioner, holding it in place.
- Expand the air conditioner wings to close the gap on each side. Find the coolest deals on the best window air conditioners before it gets too hot.
- (Optional) If you don’t mind putting holes in your window, secure the wings to the window.
Step 5
Electrical Connection
- If possible, plug your air conditioner into a designated 20 amp circuit.
- If you need to run an extension cord, it’s always a good idea to use a heavy-duty appliance cord. Here are some simple steps to troubleshoot the issue if your window AC isn’t blowing cold air.
