Having horizontal or vertical windows does not mean that you cannot install a window bracket air conditioner, as this can still be done regardless of your window type.
Different types of air conditioners need to be installed in varying ways for them to work effectively and as efficiently as they should. Some air conditioners such as window units need to be installed in a window and use a window bracket to keep the unit steady.
Some horizontal and vertical windows are slider windows and this might seem like an impossible option to install a window bracket air conditioner in if the window slides open horizontally or vertically. So, is it possible for a window bracket AC to be installed in slider windows?
Window bracket AC and horizontal or vertical windows
Window bracket air conditioners are basically window air conditioners. When installed properly, they should sit on a bracket to ensure their stability and to help hold the unit to prevent the weight of the air conditioner from being placed directly onto the windowsill.
Most window air conditioners are installed in standard windows, but some buildings come with sliding windows and knowing if a window bracket AC can be used in such windows is crucial.
Can you use a window bracket AC for horizontal or vertical windows?
Since not all buildings are built the same and do not have the same type of windows, it is important to know the difference in your windows if you intend to purchase a window bracket air conditioner for your home.
Some windows are more horizontal in shape, while others are more vertical, but in either case, can a window air conditioner be used with such windows?
They most certainly can and having these types of windows does not mean you should give up on trying to get a window air conditioner.
In the case of vertical windows, however, you will not be able to place a standard window unit in the vertical frame in the same way as you would in a horizontal frame, because the length of the air conditioner will not fit in the narrower length of a vertical window.
A casement window air conditioner is needed in this case. These are units that are designed to fit into the narrow frame of vertical windows with ease, since they are also smaller in length.
Using a window bracket air conditioner for these types of windows requires precise measurements of the unit against the window dimensions, in order to construct the right sized frame for the unit to fit into the window without placing weight onto the window frame.
Installing an air conditioner in a horizontal window
To install the air conditioner in your horizontal window, you need to measure and cut a weather strip that is the same size as the window to seal the windowsill.
You will then need to attach the support bracket to the windowsill using the screws and attach the support bracket for the exterior sliding using the screws provided.
The next step is assembling the air conditioner by measuring and attaching the side guides of the unit and weather strip.
Lastly, to ensure that your installation is complete, you need to cover the top gap and ensure that the unit is well-positioned and supported, then finish by positioning the L brackets.
Installing a casement air conditioner in a vertical window
Casement window air conditioners are installed in a similar way to horizontal windows, with the only difference being that the window is vertical. The air conditioner also needs support for it to sit in the window frame properly.
You may notice an open space between the top of the unit and the top of the window opening, this can be closed off with a piece of plywood that is the same size as the space that needs to be sealed with the right amount of weatherstrip.
Is it possible to install a window bracket AC sideways to fit a vertical window?
It is strongly inadvisable that you attempt to install a window bracket air conditioner that is supposed to fit into a standard or horizontal window, into a vertical window by turning the unit on its side.
This can result in extensive damage to the compressor of the unit because the lubricating oil of the unit will settle on the bottom half of the compressor and deprive the unit of the oil it needs.
Moreover, condensation water can drain into the unit’s case and cause more internal damage.