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 complete the job if you have the right window kit and supplies.

In this article, we’ll explore certain factors to consider before installing your window kit and the safety measures you have to take. For a successful and tight installation, we’ll also take a look at what you’ll need to get the job done.

Quick Questions Before Starting

There are a few things you should know before setting up your portable air conditioner, and others you should be aware of.

How Difficult Is This to Do?

Most portable air conditioners come with window kits, making it simple to install one through a sliding door. Even if you’ve never done anything like this before, following the instructions will give you a clear picture of what’s required.

How Long Does it Take?

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

How To Install Portable Air Conditioner In A Horizontal Sliding Window – Upgraded Home

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

If you’re going to install an air conditioner, you’ll need a few things that you probably already have around the house. There is no harm in being prepared or having an idea of what you will require if you do not know.

Kit – $30 to $40

When selecting a window kit, it’s important to consider the window’s measurements, as well as the length of the hose it includes. The distance from the air conditioner to the window should be covered by your exhaust hose. Window kits come in a variety of sizes, so double-check that your exhaust hose will fit your portable air conditioner and that your window kit doesn’t leave any gaps after installation.

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

The screws will be tightened with a screwdriver.

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 filled after installation, duct tape comes in helpful. Duct tape might also be used to hold your fillings in place. Neither the outside nor the inside can have any air exchange at all.

How to Install a Portable AC in a Horizontal Sliding Window

A sliding window air conditioner normally comes with a kit that makes it simple to put together. It is possible to buy a kit for your air conditioner that will fit the exhaust hose hole and your window size.

With the instructions given, you’ll be up and running with your new air conditioner in no time. Installing a portable air conditioner in a horizontal sliding window can be accomplished in the following ways:

1. Collect All Needed Items

Before you begin, you’ll need to gather everything you’ll need, including the window kit and the AC unit. Scissors and drills, for example, may or may not be included in your installation kit, depending on the configuration of your window.

It’s also a good idea to check the kit to see whether there are any fasteners, duct connectors, or an exhaust pipe included.

2. Set Up the Location

Your portable air conditioner should be placed in an area with enough room for air to flow. The distance between the window and the electric outlet should also be in proportion.

The height of your window can also play a role. Make sure the exhaust hose can get in and out without difficulty. Is there a chance that the area designated for the air conditioner won’t be needed?

3. Set Up Window Panels

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

Close the window after inserting them into the opening and adjusting them to their proper size. Secure the window in place using the included or separately purchased screws.

4. Secure Your Exhaust House

It’s time to widen your exhaust pipe from both ends.

Once you’ve attached one to the back of the air conditioner, make sure to rotate it three complete clockwise rotations to verify it’s secure.

Turn the nozzle counterclockwise into the other exhaust hose’s end to secure it. It’s time to get down to business.

If the window is too large, air can leak in via the holes it creates. 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. Insulation materials that are weatherproof stripping are commonly included in window packages.

To ensure that your exhaust hose doesn’t bend and fold, it’s important to position it so that it’s not too short. Heat will not be able to pass smoothly through the hose if it is not straight. If you want your portable air conditioner to last a long time and be effective, you need to pay attention to these details.

How To Install A Portable Air Conditioner In The Sliding Window? - Vintank

5. Final Touch-Ups

Plug your air conditioner in and see whether it works. Make one last pass through the directions to make certain you didn’t overlook anything.

Check out the image below for a more in-depth explanation.

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

Installation Instructions

We are so swept up in the moment that we fail to read the installation instructions at all. Before putting in your portable air conditioner, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

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. Safety is a concern for homeowners with pets and children because they can easily relocate the air conditioner and have it fall on them if it is not mounted in place.

The risk of future fires is also increased if you don’t use the recommended wattage for your electrical outlets.

Avoid Carrying Heavy Portable AC

Some portable window air conditioners are light enough to be carried by one person, while others require the assistance of two or more people. Muscle strains, backaches, and even injuries are possible when attempting to carry and install a hefty portable AC unit.

Getting professional help to install your portable air conditioner is the safest method to avoid injuring yourself. Consider hiring a professional to install your air conditioner if you can’t do it yourself.

Household Security

Robbers are drawn to air conditioners that are vented out of the window. Your air conditioner could be their only prize, or they could try to break into your home.

If the window kit isn’t properly installed, it’s simple for it to fall off the frame. Your portable air conditioner window kit should be placed in a way that makes it difficult for an intruder to remove it, so that you can call for help or take other appropriate action before the intruder can remove it.

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

Venting the Exhaust Properly

Hot air from a portable air conditioner is typically vented to the outdoors through a window.

Do not proceed to the next section if your room does not have an exterior window or you cannot make use of an existing window (for example, because it is a casement window).

With the correct tools, window venting may be done in a matter of minutes. All you need to do is make sure you have everything!

Step 1: Install the adjustable window kit

There are window kits for sliding, tilting, and swiveling windows as well as for windows that rise and fall vertically.

You should begin by placing the kit at the bottom of the window and extending it until it fills the entire width.

Place the kit on one side of the window and stretch it until it reaches the full height of the window if it glides side to side.

It is necessary to trim the slider kit down if your window opening is smaller than the required length.

Plywood, Plexiglas, or cardboard can be used to fill in the gap if your window opening is greater than the maximum length of the slider kit. You can also get the filler material cut to size at your local hardware or home improvement store.

Close the window to keep the slider kit in place after you’ve installed the window kit correctly (no air leaks and no sunlight is visible).

Insects and warm air can’t get in through the window if you use the weather stripping or foam that comes with some kits. If your kit contains screws, use them to keep it firmly in place.

A supplementary security lock can be purchased to ensure that the window can’t be opened from the outside.

Step 2: Connect the hose

air conditioning - How do I install an air conditioner on a horizontal sliding double window that has a 51/2 inch gap between the 2 windows? - Home Improvement Stack Exchange

The first step is to connect the vent pipe to the AC. Check to see if the AC already has a hookup in place. If there isn’t a connector, then attach the hose first.

Using the window vent kit’s exhaust connector, connect the opposite end of the hose. Connect the slider kit to the hose by extending the hose. Secure it in place by turning the knob all the way clockwise.

Ideally, you’ll want the exhaust hose to be as linear and straight (short) as possible between your unit and the window so that it doesn’t impede airflow, which can harm the unit or prevent it from cooling properly.

Additionally, some manufacturers advocate extending the pipe only 9 feet. The better the exhaust hose is, the shorter and straighter it is.

Step 3: Plug in the AC

Just plug in your portable air conditioner and enjoy the cooler weather!

Using a power strip or extension cord to connect the AC to a properly grounded socket is a safety hazard.

When you plug in the device, an indicator light usually illuminates on the plug. There should be a ‘RESET’ and a ‘TEST’ button on the plug as well.

The ‘TEST’ button can be pressed. If there is a problem with the power flow, the built-in safety feature will shut off the current. The indicator light and the device should go out. Reconnect the AC by pressing the RESET button.

These buttons are not for turning on or off your air conditioning. They are solely used for routine checks and to restart the AC in the event of a power outage. To ensure that the AC is properly plugged into an outlet, refer to your owner’s manual.

After pressing RESET, your air conditioner is ready to use.

Check your manual for instructions on how to set temperature and humidity levels. Most units come with remote control which you’ll need to learn, too.

Venting Without a Window

You’ll want to consult your owner’s handbook to learn how to adjust the humidity and temperature in your home. Additionally, you’ll need to learn how to use the remote control that comes with most models.

Even if you don’t have a window or can’t utilize the one that is, you can still take advantage of the AC.

In the meantime, here are some other options:

Vent through a sliding door

Venting through a sliding door is an option if windows aren’t an option.

As with window venting, installing the vent is a straightforward task.

As long as you have a filler material to fill the gap, you can utilize the same window slider kit. For sliding doors, I suggest investing in a specific slider kit. It will extend to the top of the doorway. No filler material will be required.

A sliding door can present some difficulties when it comes to venting. Is the door still open? What about safety and protection?

Here’s a video with some helpful advice.

Vent through the ceiling

Venting through the window may not be an option if the portable AC will be used in an office. A drop ceiling is a viable option in this scenario.

Drop ceilings necessitate a special ventilation equipment and may necessitate the intervention of an HVAC specialist. The building management should be consulted if there are any concerns about drop ceiling venting’s safety or quality of air.

Vent through an exterior wall

The vent hose can be passed through the wall if you’re in a room without windows.

Getting a professional in to cut the correct-sized hole in the wall for the vent hose is necessary.

Vent through the chimney

Alternatively, if you don’t utilize your chimney, the vent hose can be installed there as well.

Make sure there is no soot in the chimney and that the flue is open before you start cleaning it out.

Preventing Water Leakage

Leakage is a regular issue raised by people who own portable air conditioners.

Cooling heated air removes humidity, which necessitates the removal of water over time. A pool of water will be left on the floor if you don’t have the proper system in place.

Most leaks from portable air conditioners are the result of improperly sealed drain hoses or excessive humidity in the area surpassing the unit’s drainage capability (or drip pan).

Portable air conditioners can be self-evaporative or require manual draining, depending on the model you choose. Water condensation removal from your home is handled in a unique way by each of these devices.

The exhaust pipe of self-evaporative portable air conditioners discharges heated air and water outside. Most of the time, you won’t need to drain these.

If the air is too humid, the condensed water will pool in the AC’s emergency pan and finally leak over the top, generally around its drain stop. Fortunately, this is rare.

When the emergency drain pan is full, certain systems feature an indication, generally referred to as ‘FL,’ that tells you.

After that, you’re meant to either place the AC over a drain or connect a drain hose. Consider putting a cap on the drain plug to prevent it from leaking.

If you don’t have one, keep an eye on the ground beneath the unit. Drain it if you see a small leaking. If you’ve capped the drain plug, you’ll know when the water collector is full since the unit will no longer function.

There must be some method of emptying the drainage pan (trap) of a manual drain air conditioner, or the condensate will overflow.

To avoid having to empty the drain pan manually, you’ll need a separate drain hose that connects to the unit’s drain pan and sends water outdoors.

Why a Portable AC Has to Be Vented

Air conditioners work by drawing in warm air, humidifying it, releasing cold air, and then expelling the humidified hot air through an exhaust hose.

Unless you vent your air conditioner outside or into another room, the hot air it expels will be circulated in the area you’re attempting to cool down, making it much more difficult to keep cool.

Temperature will not drop as expected due to hot air being circulated, therefore the AC unit will be stuck processing warm air and ejecting warm air in the same region for a long time.

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

Using an air conditioner without venting it out is a waste of money, and it could wear it out.

Adding AC: Here's what you need to know about window units and portable air conditioners | The Seattle Times

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?

It is possible to trim the panels if your window opening is less than expected because most window kits are designed for traditional sliding window applications. If you like, you can cut off the hose’s farthest panel.

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

Yes. The best approach to use your portable air conditioner depends on your personal preferences when it comes to how you want to use it. 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 have to remove the window screen to get it to function. The screen on the window shouldn’t interfere with the hose venting through it.

What size portable air conditioner do I need for my room?

BTUs are used to measure the cooling capability of portable air conditioners.

For every square foot of room, you’ll require roughly 20 BTUs of heat. In this case, a 6,000 BTU air conditioner should suffice for a room of 300 square feet.

To make sure you choose the right size air conditioner, measure the space you’ll be putting it in beforehand. Manufacturers generally mention the maximum size of the room in which it can be used.

Conclusion

Simple and inexpensive, a portable air conditioner may be quickly and easily installed in a sliding window. Window kits and tools are all you’ll need.

Preparation is key before you set up your portable air conditioner, so that you don’t run into any issues down the road and that your investment is worthwhile. It’s important to take precautions to keep yourself and others safe, as described in the article, as well.

The attached videos will help you better understand and install your portable air conditioner in the correct manner.