Asked on May 24, 2014

I want to put an air conditioner in my sliding window.

Debi Cannon
by Debi Cannon
They are horizontal sliding window 20 " h and 16-34 w, need info whats the best way to put a 12000 btu in that window.
  7 answers
  • You will need to remove both sashes for that size unit. Most come in widths of around 18" which would be wider then just one half of that slider. The sashes come out simply by lifting them up and pulling them out. Once they are removed, you need to fit a wood board inside the track where the window slides and another on the wood frame so both are even in height. Once that is done your new AC unit can rest comfortably without damaging the window frame and sash. Measure the height of the sash to be sure the new unit will fit. Any space that needs to be filled in can be done using a plywood panel and the expanding wings that come with window AC units.
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on May 25, 2014
    Since we have retired and not in an air-conditioned office all day, our bodies have acclimated to warmer temperatures in the house. Our den where we spend most of our time is on the shady side of the house so we rarely use the A/C. But with a 2 story with bedrooms upstairs on the afternoon sunny side, we need more cooling. We took out the bottom sash, fitting some heavy Styrofoam over the guide to keep it from getting damaged (carve it to fit over the sides of the space where the sash was but allow it to be a little taller than the actual track); we then cut a piece of wood to fill in the open space and epoxied it in place. We then painted the wood. Our units have timers which are turned on about 30 minutes before bedtime and then set to run for about 1 hour until the day's heat is gone! We love them.
  • Pete Wells Pete Wells on May 25, 2014
    If you haven't purchased the AC unit yet, look into a 'Mini-split" setup which won't block the window...you may need the window as an emergency exit..
  • Debi Cannon Debi Cannon on May 25, 2014
    What is a mini split?
    • @Debi Cannon a mini split is a AC system that is similar to that of what you would see in a hotel room. It has a condensing unit located outside and in the room a mounted fan and coil located on a wall or ceiling. A small pipe connects the two parts. The fan and coil has a built in filter and the condensate drains out side through a small pipe. These are very efficient, but expensive systems. Normally you can install four or five inside units to one outside unit. Works like central air, but you have control of each room that each wall unit is located in. @Pete makes a good point about egress, that window mounted units can prevent safe exit should a fire occur and your not able to leave out the room door.
  • Virginia Philo Virginia Philo on May 25, 2014
    Portable air conditioner would be my choice. I have two of them and they work great. They can go in a double hung window, or in a vertical. They come with a plastic piece that the exhaust hose fits into that can be installed horizontally or vertically. So easy, you don't have to make any changes to your window, you don't need anyone to help you do it, and at the end of the season removing it is simple and you can just roll the unit into a closet until you are ready to use it again.
    • See 1 previous
    • Jay Taylor Jay Taylor on Jul 04, 2014
      @Virginia Philo I also use portable AC in my study room. It is a powerful dehumidifier as well; Portable air conditioners are an effective way to cool a small house, dorm or small area in a larger home. With energy efficient designs and programmable features, they make a good choice for your wallet as well as your home and it can be easily moved for cleaning, etc.
  • Funnygirl Funnygirl on May 26, 2014
    Have seen them for sale on qvc
  • Funnygirl Funnygirl on May 26, 2014
    They now sell a unit that requires no ductwork and attaches directly to the wall leaving the window clear and I obstructed .I believe it is made by Mitsubishi .Have two off them in My sunporch, they work great and don't look bad.They also allow you to decide where you want it although the installer will encourage you to put it in a suitable location for the best results