It’s boiling outside and it feels impossible to cool down. You’re surrounded by discarded ice-cream wrappers and melted ice packs – does this scene sound familiar? Well, have I got news for you.
So you want to find out how to install a portable air conditioner in a push out window? it really isn’t as difficult as you may think.
We have two different solutions to your problem giving you step by step instructions to install your air conditioner.
By the end of this guide, you will know what a Portable Air Conditioner is and how to fit one to your push out window. So, strap in and let’s go on this wild ride together as we learn how to install portable air conditioner in push-out windows.
What is a Portable Air Conditioner?
A Portable Air Conditioner, or PAC for short, is a small self-contained portable system excellent for cooling down single rooms. They normally rest on the floor and tend to come with an installation kit for a fast set up.
Some models have wheels so that it is easier to move it from room to room, and others are so small that they can sit on your desk and be used to cool your PC when it starts to overheat in the summer months. The portable factor is what makes an air conditioner like this so appealing.
How to Install a Portable Air Conditioner in a Push Out Window
So you wanna know how to install a PAC in a Push Out Window? That’s why we’re here to help you go through the process and help you get set up in no time at all. Before we start, it should be noted that when you hear reference to casement window air conditioner, it’s the same thing as a push-out window.
First Solution
Air conditioners for casement windows can be installed in more than one way. Below, you will find our first method for achieving the cooling bliss of air conditioning.
What You Will Need:
- Plexiglass
- Caulk
- Drill
- Screws
1 Step One
First, measure the window in order to know what size Plexiglas you’ll need. You can have a piece of Plexiglas cut at your local hardware store for a very reasonable price.
Plexiglass is actually a type of plastic, but it is stronger than standard glass and more resistant. Additionally, it tends to be shatter-resistant which really helps to improve its reliability both during installation and in everyday use.
![How_To_Clean_Carpet_Stains_With_Vinegar_and_Baking_Soda (2) [photoutils.com]](https://www.smartvacuums.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/How_to_install_Portable_AC_Unit_into_Casement_windows-photoutils.com_.jpeg)
You’ll also need a hole cut in the Plexiglass for your exhaust hose. You should bring the hose with you to the hardware store so they can cut the hole to fit your hose correctly. The reason you need this is to expel the hot air produced by the air conditioning unit.
You can use a fine-bladed jigsaw to cut the Plexiglass yourself, but you run the risk of damaging the glass and having to buy a new sheet. It’s a lot easier to have a local professional do it for you.
2 Step Two
Once you’ve got your Plexiglass, you can begin the installation process. Open the casement window and firmly attach a latch to the window as well as the frame to prevent it from blowing too far open while the PAC is running. This keeps things secure and prevents potential weather damage to your casement window.
3 Step Three
If you have a screen, remove this before placing the Plexiglass into the window frame and then push it into place. Next, use three screws at the top of the Plexiglass to secure it in the window frame to prevent it from falling out. You may need to drill holes if they are not there already.
![How_To_Clean_Carpet_Stains_With_Vinegar_and_Baking_Soda (3) [photoutils.com] (1)](https://www.smartvacuums.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Install_Portable_AC_Unit_with_Casement_Window-photoutils.com_.jpeg)
Some portable air conditioner units come with a panel for non-casement windows that has an exhaust hole. If this is the case for yours, install this over the Plexiglass hole as per the manufacturer’s instructions. It gives the glass more support and ensures the exhaust is secure.
You’ll then need to apply caulk where the exhaust host casing and window frame meet in order to seal the Plexiglass and keep it waterproof.
4 Step Four
Now that your Plexiglass is installed and weatherproofed, all that’s left is to attach the exhaust hose to your Plexiglass and enjoy the cool air. It’s a very simple process that should only take an hour or so once the glass has been cut and prepared for you.
Second Solution
If the solution above isn’t for you then we have another one that might suit you better. This cheap and easier solution should only take a few minutes to install, making it an excellent alternative for portable AC installation.
What You Will Need:
- Fabric seal kit
- Velcro Strips
- Zip Ties
1 Step One
Apply velcro to the frame of the window. Then, find the widest point of the fabric seal and attach the narrow side to the window frame. Make sure the zipper is facing the inside.
![How_To_Clean_Carpet_Stains_With_Vinegar_and_Baking_Soda (2) [photoutils.com]](https://www.smartvacuums.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/HOOMEE_Window_Seal_Installation_Video_2019_Bestseller_on_Amazon_English-photoutils.com_.jpeg)
2 Step Two
Work your way around the frame, folding the fabric at the corners so it will make a 90-degree turn. If you have a little extra left over, just tuck it in on the inside to keep things neat and tidy.
3 Step Three
Next, open out the window and the zipper, and stick the hose vent through the hole. Close it back up so it does not wiggle around, and use the zip tie through the zipper so it does not open unexpectedly.
Alternatively, you can close the window a little bit and stick it between there. This gets rid of all the hot air and is a great way to create your own window kit at home.
Can You Fit a Portable Air Conditioner in a Pop-Out Window?
The short answer is yes. Although most portable air conditioner units come with a traditional window kit, you can absolutely fabricate an insert to fit into a pop-out window allowing you to vent your Portable Air Conditioner effectively.
For better clarification, it should be noted that a pop-out window is the same as a bay window, one that typically has a seat or shelf. In many ways, this makes it easier than installation in casement windows because there is a pre-built perch for the portable AC unit to sit on. However, you will still need a window kit in order to install it so that it can vent the air.
FAQs
Is it Portable AC the same thing as an evaporative cooler?
No, a portable AC is not the same thing as an evaporative cooler. These are two completely different cooling appliances, and not a great substitute for each other.
An evaporative cooler, sometimes called a swamp cooler, uses water and the process of evaporative cooling to make the temperature of the room feel cooler.
Unlike a Portable Air Conditioner, you have to add the water to an evaporative cooler for it to work, and does not require any ventilation.
How loud are Portable Air Conditioners?
How loud a portable air conditioner is will depend on the model you get. Like most appliances in your home, the amount of noise will depend on the model itself. Your Portable Air Conditioner will emit some level of noise, and some of those will be louder than others. Most people consider this as background noise or white noise, much like a washing machine or refrigerator.
Can You Install Portable Air Conditioning Without Hose?
Yes, you can install a portable air conditioner without the hose, otherwise known as the vent. However, it is not recommended that you do this because the vent system is what removes the hot air from your home.
An air conditioner for casement window, or any other window, needs a vent to prevent the portable AC unit from becoming ineffective due to too much hot window air in the room.
Is it safe to leave a portable air conditioner on during the night?
Yes, it is safe to leave a portable air conditioner on during the night. All Portable Air Conditioners collect condensation as they cool. This is generally collected in the water tray in the air conditioner units themselves.
If there is water about to overflow the Portable Air Conditioner will shut off automatically, Portable Air Conditioners have the same function if their air filters are about to overflow. The only real hazard you have is if you plug it into an overused plug.
Portable Air Conditioners use a good amount of electricity and can cause a short circuit if they don’t get a dedicated plug. Otherwise, Portable Air Conditioners are as safe as other appliances
Final Thoughts
It can be a bit confusing to install a Portable Air Conditioner in a casement window, but the delightful news is that with some DIY it can be done in at least a couple minutes or an hour (depending on the method you use).
Installing an air conditioner in a pop-out window is easier than you think but it can take a bit of work. With this guide on hand, you’re sure to have a cooler home and a relaxing summer in no time at all.
Of course, if you ever find yourself stuck or confused, you can always call a professional out so that they can complete the process for you. When you install an AC unit, you want to make sure it’s done right.
Looking for a new unit? You can find a delightful selection here at smartvacuums.
Last Updated on March 19, 2021 by Gemma Tyler
Gemma Tyler is a freelance journalist with 15 years of experience writing for consumer publications. She has tested and reviewed a wide range of household items from vacuum cleaners to washing machines and dehumidifiers to steam irons. Her attention to detail and exhaustive testing certainly makes her an expert in her field.
