How to fit a window air conditioner?

Dulanic

Diamond Member
Oct 27, 2000
9,968
592
136
I am pretty much broke so I need a cheap unit, but I need to fit a window air conditioner in this window. It is a 48" window and most of the units are 36" max. Any ideas how to fit one in here? Or anyone know of any pretty cheap units that will fit a 48" window?
 

HappyPuppy

Lifer
Apr 5, 2001
16,997
2
71
Plywood from a construction site or dumpster to fill in the open space. Why is that so difficult?
 

dfuze

Lifer
Feb 15, 2006
11,953
0
71
Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
Plywood from a construction site or dumpster to fill in the open space. Why is that so difficult?

This will do the job just fine.
 

EagleKeeper

Discussion Club Moderator<br>Elite Member
Staff member
Oct 30, 2000
42,589
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Make sure that you have the unit anchored securly. A 36" unit will have some mass and leverage behind it.
 

skyking

Lifer
Nov 21, 2001
22,786
5,941
146
I put a steel bar across the top to take the weight of the air conditioner, and fill the top space with plywood as suggested above. I cut 2x2" blocks to wedge the window over against the unit. You could go postal on it and still get it out, but it won't be easy. I'd say is would be just as likely to break the glass and attract the same amount of attention.
 

Sea Moose

Diamond Member
May 12, 2009
6,933
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Make sure you seal it good with silicone so you dont get a water feature in your living room when it rains
 

Mo0o

Lifer
Jul 31, 2001
24,227
3
76
I have a small platform made from L brackets and a piece of wood on the outside of teh window for the AC to rest on. The top I have a extending meshscreen (home depot has them) that fills the gap. I just close teh window up until it's flush with both the screen and the AC. To cover the screen I use a piece of styrofoam board, like the ones used for presentations and stuff. Lightweight and cheap and you can easily cut it to size.
 

Sea Moose

Diamond Member
May 12, 2009
6,933
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Originally posted by: Mo0o
I have a small platform made from L brackets and a piece of wood on the outside of teh window for the AC to rest on. The top I have a extending meshscreen (home depot has them) that fills the gap. I just close teh window up until it's flush with both the screen and the AC. To cover the screen I use a piece of styrofoam board, like the ones used for presentations and stuff. Lightweight and cheap and you can easily cut it to size.

yeah this is bodgy, but should work fine op
 

Mo0o

Lifer
Jul 31, 2001
24,227
3
76
Originally posted by: Sea Moose
Originally posted by: Mo0o
I have a small platform made from L brackets and a piece of wood on the outside of teh window for the AC to rest on. The top I have a extending meshscreen (home depot has them) that fills the gap. I just close teh window up until it's flush with both the screen and the AC. To cover the screen I use a piece of styrofoam board, like the ones used for presentations and stuff. Lightweight and cheap and you can easily cut it to size.

yeah this is bodgy, but should work fine op

yeah, we only really need it a few weeks per year so its not worth it to make it permanent or get a central AC set up
 

Sea Moose

Diamond Member
May 12, 2009
6,933
7
76
Originally posted by: Mo0o
Originally posted by: Sea Moose
Originally posted by: Mo0o
I have a small platform made from L brackets and a piece of wood on the outside of teh window for the AC to rest on. The top I have a extending meshscreen (home depot has them) that fills the gap. I just close teh window up until it's flush with both the screen and the AC. To cover the screen I use a piece of styrofoam board, like the ones used for presentations and stuff. Lightweight and cheap and you can easily cut it to size.

yeah this is bodgy, but should work fine op

yeah, we only really need it a few weeks per year so its not worth it to make it permanent or get a central AC set up

Money saved = more money in your pocket


Profit/Win
 

iGas

Diamond Member
Feb 7, 2009
6,240
1
0

Window AC unit should have mounting instruction included in the packaging.

IMHO, it is better to spend a bit more money on a portable window AC, because it is easier to put up and take down.