With summer just a few months away, you’re probably wondering if it’s time to invest in a new AC unit. If you are looking for an affordable option to cool down your home, then a window air conditioner is an excellent choice. It can cool a room of various sizes and newer models are even more energy-efficient than those built years ago.
For more than 30 years, B&D Industries, Inc. has delivered first-class HVAC services to commercial and residential property owners. Our team of technicians is dedicated to any and all our customers’ needs and doesn’t settle for anything less than success. Additionally, we ensure every project is priced honestly and fairly to the scope of work. Read our article below to learn how you can stay cool this summer by installing an AC unit by yourself.
What Should You Consider Before You Install an AC Unit
Before you find the right unit for your home, there are several factors that you need to consider. For instance:
- Determine the Type of Window You Have: Understanding the type of window you have is essential as air conditioning units are not designed to fit every window type. If you have a sliding window or a casement that opens outwards, you won’t be able to install an AC unit. A double-hung window in which there is an upper pane and lower pane that slides up and down is the most suitable for window units.
- Size of Your Room: Finding the right size unit is necessary as larger units will struggle to remove moisture from your room, while a small unit may not properly cool it during those hot summer days. To find the perfect size product, you first need to consider the cooling capacity, which is measured in BTUs. Window air conditioners mostly come in 5,000 to 25,000 BTUs. You require 20 BTUs for every square foot. The first step is to measure your room’s size.
- Energy Efficiency is a Must: For choosing the appropriate unit for your room, focusing on the right energy efficiency rating (EER) is important. A higher EER number is always better. In the case of window air conditioners, the EER rating ranges from 8 to 12. A rating of 10 or higher is considered ideal.
- Insulation is Key: Insulation is essential to trap cooled or heated air in your room and for protection against strong winds and rain when installing a window AC. If there are gaps around your window unit, air will escape, and outdoor air will enter the room, causing your AC to work harder and energy efficiency to decrease. Your AC unit may come with insulating foam; if not, you can easily get some from your local hardware store.
Installing Your AC Unit
Okay, you’ve considered everything and bought your unit. Now it’s time to install it! Below we break down exactly what you need to do.
- Prepare the window and unit for installation: Get rid of any debris and check for any damage on the window pane.
- Place and secure the air conditioner: Set the AC unit on the window frame. Use screws to attach the cabinet and/or flange guide to the window sash and window stool of the unit. Use screws to attach an L-shaped window locking bracket to the upper window sash. Use a power drill to make a pilot hole for the screw. Tighten the bracket using a screwdriver.
- Fasten the side panel: Once the window air conditioner is secure, keep the warm air outside and the cool air inside by extending the accordion panels for both sides of the unit to the window sash track. Place your foam insulation strip. Do whatever you can to keep that warm air out.
Voila! Your house is ready to tackle those hot summer days head-on.
B&D Industries, Inc. Can Help Keep Your Home Cool
At B&D Industries, Inc., our certified team of expert technicians is dedicated to making sure your heating and cooling systems are working as efficiently as possible – all year long. And we can provide you with all of the necessary maintenance needed to keep yours running smoothly, such as preventative maintenance and repair, refrigerated air, and 24/7 emergency service for whatever heating/cooling issue may arise.
Contact us today to speak to a member of our team, or schedule an appointment online.