How to Install an Air Conditioner
If you don’t want to have central air conditioning inside your home, one option is to install a wall mounted air conditioning unit instead. While the process is more arduous, you’ll be saved from the trouble of having to remove and store away the unit during cold seasons, and you won’t have any scenic views blocked. Here’s how to install a wall-mount AC properly.
What You’ll Need:
Air conditioning unit
Stud finder
Reciprocating saw or hacksaw blade
Drill
Straightedge
Saber saw
Screws
2 x 4 wood pieces
Hammer and nails
Metal sleeve
Assistant
New drywall
Procedure:
Decide where you’re going to position the AC unit. Make sure you don’t install above electric wiring or electronics, since these can be damaged because of the condensation from the air grates discharge during humid days. If you’re installing it at a low area, remember to keep the unit’s bottom at least 12 to 60 inches from the floor, so that there won’t be too much dust that enters the filter, clogging it. This also prevents condensation from forming on the room’s ceiling.
Using a stud finder, find out where the studs are on the wall. Mark where they are found with a pencil, then, use a measuring tape to get the measurements for the opening.
Draw a rough outline on the wall, for the opening. Using either the hacksaw blade or a reciprocating saw, cut the drywall from the outline you made. Remove it, and if you find any insulation present, cut it out as well. Cut it at the bottom and at the opening’s top. Put these aside, since you’re going to use them later.
You need to create a support for the AC by framing the opening. Measure the opening’s width, then create a box shape using 2 x 4 wood pieces and small nails. Insert this box in the opening, securing it to the studs. You can use either screws or hammer and nails. If you want, you can use a metal sleeve to carry the weight of the unit.
Carefully lift the AC unit, and insert it in the opening. Ask someone to help you with this. Secure it to the wall properly. If the unit came with instructions, check it to see if there are any specific steps to take so it will be secured to the wall properly.
Insulate all around the opening using the insulation pieces you took out earlier.
Replace the drywall around the AC unit. You’re done!
As long as it’s installed properly, a wall-mounted air conditioner will serve you well. Follow these steps and enjoy cool days ahead.