AC unit for narrow windows?

June 7, 2012 7:41 AM

How to cool a medium-sized room with extra narrow windows? We have heavy curtains and a ceiling fan already, but we'd like to know about our temporary ac options.

The windows are not casement windows, but they have a physical opening of under 16". Considering purchase price, energy use, and installation, would we be better off with a casement window ac or a portable model? Or are there regular window ac units that are so narrow?

posted by phisbe to Home & Garden (4 answers total)

I'm not sure how narrow your window is, but if you do a quick Google search for "Vertical Air Conditioner" you will see a lot of options for tall (rather than wide) a/c units.
posted by Serendipitous at 8:00 AM on June 7, 2012

Look into floor units - they come with a hose for venting exhaust.
posted by bookdragoness at 8:17 AM on June 7, 2012

The vertical units are harder to find but they are made for windows which slide open horizontally instead of vertically.

Floor units not only take up room inside the house, you have to run the exhaust and drain lines outside. You can always run the exhaust through the window, but it's very unlikely you will be able to conveniently drain the unit unless you want to drill a hole in the wall or add a pump.
posted by localroger at 10:36 AM on June 7, 2012

Most portable units don't require a drain line. Just be sure to get about double of the BTU rating you'd get for a window unit (unless you get a dual-hose model). Portable units create negative pressure in the room and reduce the efficiency of the unit.
posted by flyingcowofdoom at 10:51 AM on June 7, 2012