How to secure a window with a portable air conditioner

Window air conditioning units can provide quick cooling to any room in a home, but they are also a target for burglars. Instead of just sliding the unit in, homeowners should take extra measures to protect the window. Once applied, the window will be fully operable during seasonal weather when the air conditioner is no longer needed. Some of the extra security measures can still be used on the windows when the air conditioning unit is no longer in place.

1. 1.

   Install an air conditioner bracket to the outside of the unit. The bracket not only supports the air conditioner, but it attaches to the bottom of the unit and the house, making it harder to move the air conditioner.

2. 2.

   Add a sliding window lock to each side of the window frame. Depending on the type, the locks are bolted or screwed in. They prevent burglars from sliding the window up and down. Attach the lock into the frame just above the window. Tighten it securely.

3. 3.

   Measure the length from the side of the unit to the wall. Purchase and attach a steel corner brace to each side of the air conditioner. Connect the other end to a secure section of the wall. Use screws or bolts to secure the brackets in place. This prevents thieves from pushing the air conditioner in or pulling it out.

4. 4.

   Screw in plastic vent flaps directly to the window frame. If the air conditioner is smaller than the window, plastic vent flaps need to be pulled tightly to cover up the holes. This is a vulnerable spot for burglars. Use three or more screws to attach it directly to the window frame.

5. 5.

   Install a small window sensor alarm. Magnetic controls set above the air conditioner will go off if the unit is moved or the window is opened. The high-pitched noise will alert anyone in the home and likely scare the burglar away.

   Things You Will Need

   • Power drill

   • Screws

   • Bolts

   • Window lock

   • Steel corner brackets

   • A/C bracket

   • Window alarm

   • Screwdriver

Now that summer is starting to heat up, it’s always nice to have air conditioning that can cool you down fast. With a portable air conditioner, you can quickly cool a room from 100 square feet all the way up to nearly a thousand square feet depending on the BTUs of the unit. You can also move the unit from room-to-room as needed to enjoy the cooler temps no matter where you are in your home. These units are also easy to store when not in use during the colder months. Unlike a wall or window unit, you can take a portable unit with you when you move, which can be especially useful for renters or apartment dwellers.

If you do own a portable A/C unit, there are some important accessories that you should consider to help keep your unit running smooth and operating at peak cooling performance. Additionally, a lot of these accessories can help you install your portable air conditioner in the specific type of space you need cooled.

1. Filters Are Necessary For All Makes and Models

All A/C units need filters, whether they are built-in HVAC systems or an alternative cooling unit. Filters help remove particles in the air and keep the unit clean. As filters become more clogged with particles, the airflow is reduced and the cooling power of the unit may be compromised. This is why it’s important to change the filter in your air conditioner regularly.

Not changing the filters in your A/C unit can lead to the system being a source of indoor air pollution, as it will kick those particles, some of which may cause health issues, it collected back out into the air. Removing but not replacing the filter can increase the airflow, but it will lead to particles building up on your evaporator coils, which may shorten its lifespan leading to its inevitable decline.

A wide variety of filters available for portable air conditioners, no matter the size, shape or model. Some filters are specially designed to be antimicrobial to help reduce mold and mildew, which can be great for environments with high humidity. Other filters are electrostatically charged to help them capture dust, smoke, pollen, and mold spores, so your air is cleaner than ever. Remembering to replace the filter on your portable A/C unit every three months can go a long way in helping to maintain proper cooling and airflow, and it will help keep your unit in top condition.

On a side note, if you know the indoor air quality in your home is poor, the filters in a portable A/C unit will certainly help, but you should strongly consider buying a HEPA air purifier for your home. This device is specifically designed to cleanse the air of potential toxins, whereas a portable air conditioner is designed to cool the temperature of the room.

2. Sliding Door Vent Kit & Drop Ceiling Vent Kit

All portable air conditioning units must be vented, but you don’t always have access to a conventional style window in the space you need cooled. If you find yourself in this situation, you will need to look into getting a vent kit to add onto your unit.

If you need to use your portable air conditioner in a room that lacks a window, you can purchase a drop ceiling vent kit. This kit is useful for server rooms or offices that have a drop ceiling but don’t have windows that can vent the hot air out. With this type of kit, the air from the unit is vented up to the drop ceiling.

Perhaps you only have large windows or a sliding glass door. If so, this kit allows you to hook up your portable air conditioner and cool your home, despite the unconventional setup.

3. Remote Controls Offer Convenience

If you wake up in the middle of the night due to being hot and uncomfortable, the last thing you want to do is break your sleep pattern to get up out of bed and fumble around with your AC unit in the dark.

Even the simple ability to control you’re air conditioner from across the room can be a huge help. Many portable AC units now come standard with a remote control, so this gives you the opportunity to cool down without having to get out from under the covers.

Nearly every remote control features buttons to power the unit on, raise or lower the temperature settings, turn on a timer, or change the air conditioner mode from high cool to low cool. Most remotes are typically around 5 inches long, so they fit perfectly on a nightstand, right next to all your other remotes. Don’t let the hot air keep you up at night, sleep comfortably without even lifting your head off of your pillow.

4. Security Window Lock

A portable air conditioner unit helps cool down your room, but it can also leave your house vulnerable to unwanted guests if you don’t secure the window with the vent installed. With your window open, and the venting kit installed, you can no longer use the lock on the window.

This is why we would strongly recommend getting a security window lock for your portable A/C unit. This will allow you to fasten and lock your window despite the vent kit. Installing a security lock will secure the window and vent kit in place, reducing the likelihood of a break-in.

5. Weather Seals for an Efficient Unit

With a portable air conditioner, often there are exposed areas on the side or top of the machine where the unit may not sit flush with the window itself. Every window is different, and these exposed areas allows the outside air to seep inside. Not only will this allow warm air inside your home, it also decreases the overall efficiency of your unit.

Using weather seal on those exposed areas can block outdoor air from coming back indoors, and help increase the cooling power of your portable air conditioner. You can buy weather stripping for a couple of bucks at any local hardware store and is simple to apply. In the long run, this simple improvement will save you a ton of money.

Why You Should Own A Portable A/C Unit

Portable air conditioning units can be a great option for those living in condos or apartments and for people who rent their homes, providing comfort and convenience when the summer is hot and the mercury rises. They can also be used to treat hot spots in your home, which makes the overall temperature cooler and can help the efficiency of your central air unit. A portable A/C unit is also a wise investment, as you can take it with you when you move. Remember to protect your investment with these convenient accessories that will help you to get the most cooling power out of your unit.

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