How do I install an air conditioner on a horizontal sliding window?

Question

There isn't a great amount of literature on this subject it seems. I have an air conditioner, the manual assumes that you have a vertical sliding window, but I have one that slides horizontal, so how do I install the unit?

Answer 1

Most window units are designed for double hung windows. If you want to place it in a casement window (or a sliding window) you really should use a unit designed specifically for that. Here's an example:

http://www.homedepot.com/buy/building-materials-heating-venting-cooling-air-conditioners-fans-air-conditioners-window/lg-electronics-10-000-btu-casement-window-air-conditioner-with-remote-185631.html

However, anything can be hacked. If you build a proper bracket/shelf, and then enclose the top part (plexiglass, for instance) you can probably use what you have (provided it fits, of course).

Answer 2

Most of the ones I've seen are install like this with a timber frame made to sit into the window frame then put the air-conditioner inside of the frame and box it out with plywood, but this looks like a much neater installation where the frame is made from c channel with a perspex panel above the airconditioner.

It would probably depended on how long you intend to have the air-conditioner install in the window, as to which option you would go with.

Answer 3

Rolling portable units solve all such problems, The only thing that needs fit in the window, sash or slider, is the adapter for the flex duct (similar to a dryer duct) that takes the place of the AC's sitting inside the window or wall. Such units also have the advantage of portability: set them up quickly where ever needed or using whichever window is most convenient. As for casements--assuming that were all you had, the non-crank pane would need to be removed and modified to receive the duct adapter. The inside portable units also offer the advantage of easy cleaning and servicing; and an greater efficiency viz-a-viz a window/wall unit exposed to direct sun and hot outdoor temperatures; and cooling capacity which is not governed by window opening size. They are also much easier to find than vertical window units.