It can be challenging to run a window air conditioner inside, especially with the modifications it requires, so the safest option is to choose ventless cooling.
Window air conditioners are the go-to option for many people who like the convenience of the unit being out of their way. The unit sits neatly in the opening of the window so that it can exhaust hot air properly outside.
However, if you have a window air conditioner but you have no windows to install it in, this can be a tricky situation. In cases such as this one, you could explore the possibility of using the unit differently, but can you still run the window unit inside?
How window air conditioners operate
Though the window air conditioner is technically inside, the back part of the unit, which contains the compressor and condensation drain hole, is meant to be outside. This is so that the hot air can be vented outside and so that the drain drip can drip outside.
While a window air conditioner is intended to be installed in a window for it to work like this, there may be times when a window is not available and other means need to be explored.
Can you run a window air conditioner inside?
A window air conditioner is meant to be placed in a window opening for it to work optimally to cool down a space. There may be situations, however, where one does not have a window to install the window AC.
In this case, the owner of the unit needs to decide if they will attempt to run the unit inside or opt for a more suitable air conditioner.
Fortunately, if you decide to run the air conditioner inside, this is possible, but the process requires some modifications to the window unit to ensure that it will still work and that it will not pose dangers such as health hazards.
It is important to bear in mind that without applying the necessary modifications, you cannot run the window air conditioner inside as it will only warm up the space instead of cooling it down.
There are two ways that you can modify the window air conditioner to run inside a room and one involves creating a duct and tube system that allows the unit to take hot air from outside and convert it into cool air.
The second method involves converting the window air conditioner into a portable air conditioner. Both methods are complex and require the cutting of holes and connection of portable exhaust tubes.
Creating a duct and tube system for the window AC
For this process, you would need to place the unit on a preferred surface and drill a pilot hole on the outer shell away from any wiring or other internal parts.
Then, attach leg caps to the bottom of the air conditioner, placing the shorter caps at the rear of the unit to allow for a little tilt for when the unit needs to drain excess condensate.
The next step is to make a drain path using tin foil and attach this close to the drain hole. The drain path’s exit will allow the moisture to land in a container that you need to set up to catch the dripping.
Next, attach the portable exhaust tube to the back of the unit, and if the tube is smaller than the dimensions of the AC, secure the tube to the unit with duct tape.
Lastly, connect the other end of the tube to a nearby exhaust fan (which needs to be installed if the room does not have one), and connect the air conditioner to test if it works.
Converting the window AC to a portable AC
For this method you will need a suitable table to place the window unit on. Thereafter, you need to drill holes into the bottom of the table legs to fit and secure the rollerblade wheels into.
Then, place the window unit on the table and put at least two short leg caps on the appliance’s rear and taller leg caps in front for a slight tilt.
The next step is to create a drain path with the tin foil, followed by placing the portable exhaust tube at the side of the container where you have to draw the circumference and cut it out with a utility knife.
The one end of the exhaust tube will be fitted into the hole you have cut and the other end will be placed in a nearby window or exhaust fan.
Once this step is completed, you will need to secure the tube ends with duct tape and secure the window unit to the table using tie-down straps. Finally, plug the unit in and check if it works.
What should I do if a window AC cannot run inside?
Sometimes it is better to be safe than sorry, and if you find that the above methods are too demanding or risky to perform, then you may want to opt for ventless portable air coolers. These devices do not need to be vented outside and they use water or ice to cool the air in the room.
They are also portable, meaning they can be moved to any room that does not need to have a window or opening to vent warm air outside. This makes these units quite convenient.