Jury Rigging A Window Air Conditioning Unit For A Non-Compatible Window

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Since the dawn of time, when prehistoric cave people were comfortably splayed out on slabs of cool rock in their retro cave dwellings, mankind has known one inalienable fact: you can’t sleep when it’s too dang hot.  While this has never been a problem for Vikings or Eskimos, it has become something of a problem for those of us living in post-climate change tropical Vermont.

As I may have mentioned previously, the place I am currently living in does not have central air.  It also does not have outer air, sideways air, decentralized air, or any other type of useful air except for the really hot summery kind that is required for breathing.  In the past when I have lived in such places, the solution was to put up window units for house-cooling purposes, but we don’t have the right kind of windows here for that either.  Window air-conditioners rely on the window panes that slide up and down to hold them in place, whereas we have those windows that you crank to make them open out.

This clearly creates a problem when one is trying to sleep in a room that is in the 80’s (temperature-wise, not style decade-wise), because fans just don’t cut it when even the outside temperature isn’t dipping much below 79.  There really is only one solution, and that solution is: somehow force your window units to work with your obnoxious windows.

The first thing you need, is to figure out a replacement for that window pane that is absent from your window, but is supposed to be holding the unit in place so that it does not fall out of your third story bedroom window and kill one of your neighbors.  This was easily accomplished by sticking a 2×4 across the top of the air conditioner.  No way it is falling out now, unless my cats bumps it or something, and that seems very unlikely.

The next problem is that there is now a giant gaping hole where there ought to be a pane of glass, through which all of the cool air is escaping.  This was quickly solved with a big piece of plywood.  Now our bedroom is functional and classy.  But there were still cracks in the system.  Air was escaping.  A new solution was needed.  Tape!

As you can see, using my simple technique, you too can have a bedroom that is stylish, comfortable, and affordable, no matter what type of windows you have.  Happy summer everyone, and keep cool!

Posted in Air Conditioners, Heat, Summer.

12 Comments

  1. Knowing me, I would attempt to do this and totally mess up, possibly ruining my window. I recently needed my air conditioning unit replaced due to the old one cutting out in extreme summer heat. Instead I called ServiceExperts and they provided me with the best air conditioning in Boise. They even offered to fix my old unit.
    –

  2. Hmmm, you did a good job putting up an AC for your home, though perhaps you can install a stronger window instead of just a ply-board. That way, you can effectively prevent the cooler air from escaping outside. Anyway, I hope you feel cooler in your room this summer!

  3. It is true that it is hard to sleep when it’s too hot inside. You did a pretty good job setting up the unit, even though it doesn’t fit the window. All in all, it’s a decent job for a temporary fix, but you can definitely work on that in the future with better materials. In fact, with the right materials, you can also maximize the efficiency of the unit so that your place will be cooler.

  4. Bedrooms are supposed to be comfortable, and by that I mean, the room temperature must be set just right, regardless of season. You’re right, ACs must be properly installed or else you wouldn’t be able to enjoy and maximize its benefits. Looks like you did a great job in installing your AC! Congrats!:)

    –Kurt Verdejo

  5. I would prefer a simple room but with a cool temperature over a classy room but with poor ventilation. Anyway, you did a great job in renovating your window! If I were to do that, I’m sure that would mark the end of the walls in my room. Thanks to your wonderful tips!

    –Mignon Her

  6. Great! You were able to install the AC unit properly. Here’s an idea for your big plywood: why don’t you put some decorations on it? Or you can use it as a big picture frame for your family pictures! I’m pretty sure your room will look even more stylish with those!

  7. Haha! Nice! I like the creativity! After the plywood, here comes the tape! 😀 So, is it really okay now? No air escaping? 🙂 Well, what you did is a good example of how great you can be in coming up of a wonderful solution! Good job! 😀

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