Can You Put A Window Air Conditioner In A Casement Window?
Can You Put A Window Air Conditioner In A Casement Window?
Yes. Although most portable air conditioners come with a standard window kit, you can absolutely make an insert that fits into the casement window and allows you to vent your portable air conditioner. We recommend Plexiglas; however, any material that keeps hot air out and cold air in will suffice.
First, measure the inside of the window that your air conditioner will be vented through. Then mark where you will need to drill holes. It is very important to ensure that the hole is large enough for a piece of Plexiglas or other material equivalent to the thickness of your portable air conditioner’s window kit to fit into.
Make sure that the insulating material sits on all sides of the air conditioner and extends beyond it, with a gap between it and the outside. Do not seal up this gap in any way; rather, leave it open so that there is room for heat to exhaust from your portable air conditioner outside the unit as well as from any warm or hot indoor air around.
For example, the window kit should have an open gap on three sides so that heat will leave it and rise up through the insulating material. In order to cool your casement window or awning, you can find products that will fit inside your window frame.
These inexpensive insulators can be used to wrap around your unit, as well as reduce noise. They also will reduce any moisture penetration, which could cause rust damage over time.
To get more information about insulating a casement window in the summertime, check out our article on how to properly insulate your air conditioner for use in a casement window.
How Much Does It Cost To Recharge A Window Air Conditioner?
Hiring a professional to recharge a window AC costs between $100 and $150. DIY refrigerant replacement kits range from $20 to $40, but you’ll almost certainly need to hire a professional to install them. Because refrigerant is a toxic substance, many states require a special license to handle it.
If you decline to follow the recommended recharging procedures or fail to use a licensed AC technician, you could be liable for any damage or injuries that occur. Renters’ insurance may cover window air conditioner replacement if there is accidental damage as a result of negligence.
For example, if you are negligent with the air conditioning unit, and it breaks while it’s operating, renters insurance will cover the cost of replacement with the same type of unit. If the exact same model cannot be found, then a replacement will be done with an upgrade; this is common in apartments and condos which have older units that are no longer made.
In addition, you should have a homeowner’s insurance policy that covers your window air conditioner. At the very least, read your homeowner’s insurance policy and verify that you are covered for accidental damage, including breakage.
There are multiple variations of window AC units available, including evaporative AC, portable air conditioners, and window room ACs. The first step in choosing the right type is to determine the amount of space needed to cool. Generally speaking, evaporative units are cheaper than the other types, however, they generally don’t cool as well as other models. To compare the specifications of individual models check our air conditioners product page.
Should I Remove The Drain Plug From My Window Air Conditioner?
No. If you remove the drain plug, moisture will build up in the air conditioning unit, and this can cause rust damage. Window air conditioner drain plugs must be removed during daily maintenance. You can do this by using a screwdriver to gently pry off the drain plugs from below the rubber feet on your unit.
You can also use a screwdriver to pull them out of the AC unit. It is important to do this daily during the summer, especially after it rains, as moisture may be trapped between the drain plug and its housing.
In order for your unit to continue working efficiently, there are certain steps that need to be taken each summer in order for it to run more effectively and last longer. If you are no longer using your AC and have left it at home, then you can simply replace the copper drain bowl with an alternative material such as fiberglass, or even crushed eggshells.
This will allow for slow desorption of any water that may have accumulated inside during storage before disposal. However, if you have left your unit in a storage facility, then you should remove the drain plug and replace it with something that will not allow water to evaporate.
If you choose to leave your rubber feet intact, you should periodically check for water inside your air conditioner. If water has accumulated, then you should also check for rust damage. Leaving the drain plug on may help prevent these rust damages from occurring.
It may also prolong the life of the AC system by preventing corrosion from occurring within its walls. For more information on how to avoid rust or how to prepare your window AC before storage, see our article on what to do before storing your air conditioner.