Question:
We have new vinyl windows, and want to re-install our Fedders window A/C in
a vertical double-hung window, for which the unit is made.
It was easy with the older windows. I just used a wood frame and screws.
Using screws in the new vinyl window may cause permanent damage, so I need
another method.
The A/C unit is small, about 5K BTU. The usable window opening is 21.1" wide
x 13.7" high (53.6 cm wide x 34.7 cm high), large enough to accept the A/C
unit.
Does anyone have suggestions?
Answer:
Depends upon if it's an upper or lower level window. The install kits
that the come with are worthless (only good for temporary use on a
upper floor).
For my upper level I use pieces of hardwood that I cut to size for each
side, stained and varnished (of course). Those go in on the sides. I
have the piece of foam that came with the window unit doubled over and
in the bottom channel of the window. The metal bar that came with the
unit I used as a template to make one out of a piece of aluminum one
inch wide and 1/8 inch thick that goes all the way across the window
and has slots cut to fit the window channel. With my custom aluminum
bar across the top and woddwn pieces on the sides and foam on the
bottom, all that's left needed is to seal it. I stuffed insulation
into some of the bottom areas and then used that metal HVAC tape to
block air flow between everything else. Then I put some
weatherstripping across the top aluminum bar. Trust me, there is no
air leakage going through there! Then I stuffed some insulation where
the upper and lower window meets.
If I were doing a lower floor window, I would want something more
secure, and would have some stainless steel plates made that were U
shaped (but shallow) so I could screw them into the window unit and the
insides of the window itself, that and the coupling thing described ny
the other person.
