Updated at: 20-04-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Portable air conditioners can be easily and affordably installed in sliding windows.

It only takes a few minutes to install new windows if you have the right tools and kit.

In this article, we’ll explore certain factors to consider before installing your window kit and the safety measures you have to take. We’ll also go over the specifics of what you’ll need to make sure the installation goes smoothly and precisely.

Quick Questions Before Starting

There are a few things you should know before setting up your portable air conditioner, some of which you may have questions about, and others which you should plan for.

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How Difficult Is This to Do?

Sliding doors make installing a portable air conditioner simple because most ACs come with window kits. You don’t need to be an expert or have any prior expertise to do this task; simply reading the instructions will provide you with a clear understanding of how to proceed.

How Long Does it Take?

It only takes a few minutes to complete the installation. There are a wide variety of window kit designs that may be put up and installed in a short period of time.

How Much Do Materials Cost?

The cost of installing an air conditioner, excluding the AC unit, will fall somewhere between $40 and $65.

Materials Needed to Install a Portable AC in a Horizontal Sliding Window

It’s possible that you already have the materials you’ll need to install an air conditioner. You’d be better off if you knew ahead of time what you’d need.

Kit – $30 to $40

It’s important to know the measurements of the window where you’ll be putting the window kit and the length of the hose it comes with in order to make an informed purchase. The hose connecting your air conditioner to the window should be long enough to reach the exhaust vent. Window kits come in a variety of sizes, so double-check that your exhaust hose is the correct length for your portable air conditioner before installing it.

Screws – $9.99

You’ll need screws to fasten the window kit in place and keep it locked in place. Window kits can fall out and interfere with the location of the exhaust hose if they aren’t properly installed.

Screwdriver – $0.99

Using a screwdriver, you’ll be able to secure the screws.

Measuring Tape – $7.99

The window’s dimensions and the distances from the electric outlet to the air conditioner unit and from the air conditioner unit to the window can be verified by using a measuring tape

Duct Tape – $5.99

When gaps need to be covered after installation, duct tape comes in helpful. Duct tape might also be used to hold your fillings in place. In order to keep the inside and exterior of the house separate, there must be no exchange of air.

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How to Install a Portable AC in a Horizontal Sliding Window

Easy-to-install kits are commonly included with sliding window portable air conditioners. Make sure the exhaust hose hole is big enough to fit the air conditioner’s exhaust hose before you buy a window kit.

With the accompanying instructions, you can get your AC up and running in no time. When putting a portable air conditioner in a horizontal sliding window, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Collect All Needed Items

Gather all the tools and supplies you’ll need, including duct tape if it’s necessary to complete this task. Whether or not you need scissors or drills depends on the type of window you’re working with and your installation kit.

Check the package to see if you have a window plate, screws, duct connectors, and an exhaust hose.

2. Set Up the Location

Your portable air conditioner should be placed in a location that allows for adequate airflow. The distance between the window and the electric outlet should also be in proportion.

Consider the height of your window, for example. The exhaust hose must be able to pass through it without it being too high. What will happen to the area where the air conditioner is installed?

3. Set Up Window Panels

You can use the kit’s pre-cut window panels and attach their strips to the ends.

Close the window after inserting them into the opening and adjusting them to their proper size. Secure the window with the screws that included with the window kit or that you purchased.

4. Secure Your Exhaust House

Go ahead and expand your exhaust hose by pulling on both ends of it at the same time.

Attach one to the back of the air conditioner and then rotate it three complete clockwise turns to verify that it’s firmly fastened and won’t come loose in the process.

Turn the nozzle clockwise to secure the other exhaust hose’s end into the nozzle’s socket. The nozzle should be inserted into the window.

Filler may be needed in rare circumstances when the window is too large to close any air gaps. For example, you may be able to get plywood and plexiglass at hardware stores to fill in the gaps.

Duct tape can be used to secure your board or filler and prevent leaks. Most window kits include with weatherproof stripping and insulating materials for sealing up any openings.

Exhaust hoses should be installed so that they are not too short and do not bend or fold. It’s a good idea to make sure your hose is straight so that it doesn’t overheat and cook itself. You need to pay attention to these specifics if you want your portable air conditioner to last as long as possible and perform as intended.

5. Final Touch-Ups

It’s time to test your air conditioner. Make sure you haven’t missed anything by going over the instructions again.

In order to get a clearer picture, click here.

Installing a Portable Air Conditioner Instead of a Window AC Unit

If Your Building’s HOA May Inhibits the Installation of Window Air Conditioners

Some landlords or homeowners’ associations forbid renters from installing window air conditioners. It’s best to go for a portable air conditioner here.

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If You Have Minimal Handyman Skills

Building a frame for a window air conditioner is an involved task. A table saw and other specialized equipment are required, and the entire process takes a considerable amount of time. In contrast, if you know what you’re doing, putting a portable air conditioner in a horizontal sliding window should only take a few minutes.

If You Want a Versatile, Temporary Air Conditioning Solution

Because it can only be placed in a window, a window AC unit lacks the portability of a portable AC unit. When it comes to portable air conditioners, however, moving them between rooms and locations is a cinch because to their portability.

You Have Floor Space to Spare

It takes up no floor space to run a window air conditioner. Because of this, a portable air conditioner will take up a fair amount of room on the floor. So, if your home isn’t too cramped, a portable air conditioner can be a good option.

Why Is It Necessary to Vent a Portable Air Conditioner?

A typical air conditioner works by sucking heated air from the room, dehumidifying it, and then re-releasing the resultant, cooled air back into it.

The refrigerant takes in the heat from the incoming air. The refrigerant is channeled to the condenser coil, where the heat is transferred to incoming atmospheric air, making it hot.

As the refrigerant cools the hot air, it is absorbed. Heat is transmitted to the incoming air by condensing the refrigerant in the condenser coil.

Tips and Safety Considerations When Installing a Portable AC Into a Horizontal Sliding Window

Installation Instructions

As a result of our excitement and impatience, we often fail to read the directions. Some things to think about before setting up your portable air conditioner may not have occurred to you before.

You may verify the measurements of your window, the amount of power the air conditioner requires, and whether or not you have the necessary tools to complete the installation. Having dogs or children in the home puts their safety at danger, as an unmounted air conditioner might shift and collapse on them quickly.

The risk of subsequent fires is also increased by not using the recommended electrical outlet power.

Avoid Carrying Heavy Portable AC

Some window air conditioners can be carried by a single person, while others require two or more people. Installing and transporting a bulky portable air conditioner can lead to muscular strains, backaches, and even injuries if it falls out of your hands while you’re doing it.

Getting assistance with the installation of your portable air conditioner is the safest course of action. If that isn’t an option, you may want to consider hiring a professional to install your air conditioner.

Household Security

A thief may target a home with an air conditioner that is vented out of the window. Your air conditioner could be their only prize, or they could try to break into your home.

The window kit can easily be tampered with and separated from the frame if improperly installed. In order to make it difficult for a thief to remove your portable air conditioner window kit, place it in such a way that you have previously phoned for help or taken some other action.

Installing an air conditioner window alarm that detects activity outside and near the window is another option for protecting your unit. There are a plethora of other options available to you.

Why a Portable AC Has to Be Vented

Air conditioners take in warm air, humidify it, release cold air, and expel the hot air through the exhaust hose as they work to chill your room.

Cooling down an area won’t work if you don’t get rid of the hot air being ejected by your air conditioner by venting it elsewhere in the house or outside.

The air conditioner will be stuck in a cycle of processing warm air and ejecting warm air in the same region if it continues to circulate hot air.

Your AC unit won’t work, and your electricity bills will rise as a result.

If you don’t use your air conditioner to its full potential by venting it, you run the risk of damaging it.

Conclusion

With a sliding window, installing a portable air conditioner may be done in a matter of minutes. Window kits and tools are all you’ll need.

Before you set up your portable air conditioner, you should think about a few things to make sure that you don’t run into any issues down the road and that the investment is worthwhile. As stated in the essay, taking safety precautions is essential in protecting yourself and people around you.

For a better understanding of how to properly set up your portable air conditioner, check out the videos linked below.

People Also Ask

Here are some answers to some of your more basic inquiries.

How to Cut a Window Kit for a Portable Air Conditioner?

Because most window kits are made to fit typical sliding windows, you can trim the panels to make them fit your window opening. The farthest panel side of your hose might be cut off.

Can I Use a Portable Air Conditioner in a Room Without a Window?

Yes. Different methods of venting are available for your portable air conditioner based on your needs. If you don’t have a window, you can use drop ceiling venting, a sliding door, or a wall to exhaust your air conditioner.

Do You Need to Remove the Window Screen for a Portable Air Conditioner?

For most portable air conditioners, you don’t need to remove the window screen to operate. The screen on the window shouldn’t interfere with the hose venting through it.