Window AC unit in horizontal slide window

[Ban Bot]

We have been looking at window AC units but have a hurdle: All of our windows large enough are horizontal slide windows. I found a couple instructables (here and here) to work around the mounting issue. Any suggestions/thoughts before I attempt?

We are eying a Danby model @ Costco, $260, cools 500sqft (12-13,000 BTU). We will only be cooling a part of the house to take the edge off in the hottest Summer months (July-August).

 

[NutBucket]

They make units that are taller and narrower....just a limited selection.

 

[waffleironhead]

Yeah, they make casement and slider specific ac units. Might have to special order, but then you don't need to rig anything.

 

[Ban Bot]

Ouch, I am seeing the "special" units in the $500 range. I would be happy to make a rig to save $250 if possible. Stability/Safety are item #1 of course.

 

[WilliamM2]

I had horizontal slide windows in my previous house. You could remove one of the windows by simply lifting it off it's tracks. What I did was make a frame the exact size of the window, with a hole cut in it to fit the air conditioner. Just lift the window out, put the frame in in two seconds, then slide the air conditioner in, and attach a couple of screws.

Pain to make, but when I was done it was easier to mount than the normal method, stronger too.

 

[Ban Bot]

I had horizontal slide windows in my previous house. You could remove one of the windows by simply lifting it off it's tracks. What I did was make a frame the exact size of the window, with a hole cut in it to fit the air conditioner. Just lift the window out, put the frame in in two seconds, then slide the air conditioner in, and attach a couple of screws.

Pain to make, but when I was done it was easier to mount than the normal method, stronger too.

Thanks William, I will look into that option.

 

[NutBucket]

Not a bad idea...unless the window frame fails!

 

[skyking]

I open the window, set the AC unit in, cut and fit a plug above it. Cut some lumber to wedge the window against the side of the AC unit tight, and put that in the track above and below. put a piece of conduit behind the window across the opening that catches the upper AC mounting flange.
I've done that for 10 years now with the same $99 home depot specials.