Summer chillin'.

May 20, 2009 7:29 AM

I'd like to install an air-conditioner to cool a 200 sq ft. bedroom. Problem is, the bedroom is fitted with crank-style casement windows, rather than sash windows with an opening for a rectangular air-conditioner. Will I have to endure the summer heat, or do I have options?

Like most casement windows, the glass pane opens at an angle, leaving little room for the back portion of the air-conditioner. So I can't conceive of a way to jimmy it into place.

I've looked at other options, including this Delonghi portable. But all are equipped with a section of tubing that exits the window and vents to the outside. Were I to use the Delongi, I'd need to remove--or cut a whole in--the screen that currently covers the window and protects the room from bugs. Also, closing the window during a thunderstorm would entail removing the tube.

I've also heard that portables are noise factories. Is this the case?

Ideally, I'd like an air-con that fits in my casement windows, but I'll stick with a portable if my options run dry. If I go the portable route, how can I handle the tube issue? What brands and models should I point my browser to when searching on the net?

posted by Gordion Knott to home & garden (11 comments total)

Google casement air conditioner. They make air conditioner units for that kind of window.
posted by jerseygirl at 7:31 AM on May 20

My parents had this kind of window in their bedroom and the easiest solution for them was to just remove the window and screen during the summer months and they mounted the window unit air conditioner into a sturdy piece of plywood which would then be screwed into the window frame. They would then stuff insulation around the unit to keep out bugs.
posted by sperose at 7:32 AM on May 20

I would recommend Mr. Slim, as I mentioned in this recent thread.
posted by odinsdream at 7:36 AM on May 20

I had this same problem and did the same thing as sperose's parents. I removed the actual moving window part (6-8 screws) and left the non-moving window in place. Since I was in an apartment, I couldn't screw things into the window frame, so what I did instead was to get two pieces of thick plywood and put one inside and one outside the opening, covering it entirely. I bolted them tightly together with those round-headed bolts on the outside so they couldn't be removed. I cut a hole in both boards and put a regular window A/C through it, then filled around it with that "Great Stuff" spray insulation. Worked great every summer, and cost something like $200 including air conditioner.
posted by pocams at 9:06 AM on May 20 [1 favorite]

You could also get a longer piece of tubing and run it to a sink, toilet or other drain inside the house.
posted by zerokey at 9:06 AM on May 20

With the portable AC, that is.
posted by zerokey at 9:07 AM on May 20

Yeah, seconding sperose. Pull the window, cut a piece of plywood to fit the remaining opening. If you're concerned about reducing the amount of light, you could use a piece of plexiglass instead.
posted by electroboy at 9:08 AM on May 20

Yeah that's what I do. I take off the window each spring, then I screw in a 2x4 across the opening at the height of the top of the AC unit (I bought one of the vertical ones made for casement windows). I install the unit in the "hole" in the lower half of the window, and tack in some plexiglass over the top half.
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 10:04 AM on May 20

For the Delonghi or something similar, I don't think you'd need to cut a hole in the screen. The venting can go right up against the screen. There is also a panel (plastic maybe) that will block the rest of the window opening, but it can go right up against the screen, too (I would guess). And the casement window pane itself should provide adequate shelter from a rainstorm.

In my experience these units are no louder than a standard wall unit. They tend to be very expensive though, and are usually rated for larger rooms, so it might be overkill in some sense. But if you buy a good one, it might last you through your next few habitats.
posted by abc123xyzinfinity at 10:23 AM on May 20

I was in the exact same situation. Instead of plywood I got a piece of plexiglass, cut a hole in it for the portable AC exhaust and using a combination of foam (weather insulation strips for doors) and spacers, just popped it in place of the mesh screen.

If you don't want to spend too much, research on whether the particular model AC you want has a good sized reservoir (and depending on how humid your climate is). (Much) More expensive portable ACs actually use the condensation to run more efficiently and you fill the unit with water.
posted by porpoise at 11:41 AM on May 20

We were able to crank our casement windows all the way open, so that they are flat against the outside wall of the house. Then we mounted the window AC's in the bottom of the opening with whatever filler was necessary. Then we got a piece of plexiglass cut to fit the rest of the opening so we don't have that lovely plywood window look all summer long. I guess if your windows won't open all the way, this won't work for you.
posted by jvilter at 8:45 PM on May 20