Can A Window AC Units Be Installed Sideways? (Find Out Now!)
Dangers Of Installing Your Air Conditioner Sideways
What If My Air Conditioner Won’t Fit?
The first plan of attack will be to measure your opening to see the size of the air conditioner that you need for your home. Make sure you open your window as far as it will go and measure that opening with a tape measure. You’ll want to check the width of the air conditioner as well to ensure the opening is sufficient enough.
Next, you’ll want to measure how tall the opening of your window is and compare that to your air conditioner, so you know how large of a piece of wood you need to fill that gap. If you don’t have another option as far as your air conditioner’s size goes, you can always cut through your wall for a space to install your unit. You will need to have the right tools and materials. But, of course, this won’t work in a brick house or an apartment. Don’t worry! There are more options available.
Casement Air Conditioners
Air conditioners are created to fit into vertical spaces and other types of windows such as casement windows. However, you will need to add a platform on the outside of the window frame to get the air conditioner to sit in there correctly with no problems. This is because a casement window frame is a bit more narrow than your standard window frame. This is especially true if you live in a manufactured home. You can expect to pay a little more for a casement air conditioner than you would a traditional air conditioner.
Additional Considerations
Regardless of the type of air conditioner you get, one thing is for certain: You need to make sure that you install it properly. The issue with installing an air conditioner on its side doesn’t come down to the fact that it’s on its side, but rather that it’s installed improperly. You will experience the same issues regardless of the way you install it if it’s installed wrong. By ensuring it is placed correctly, you can forgo all of these problems.
Also, if you don’t take the time to make sure the gaps are closed, then the hot air may leak into the room, and you might have insect and rodent issues as well. Just be sure to close up any gaps after installing your AC unit.
What If My Air Conditioner Was Shipped On Its Side?
Having your AC shipped on its side is not the same as installing your air conditioner on its side. This is because this isn’t a permanent solution, and you aren’t running the unit while it’s being shipped. However, you still want to take extra steps in the installation process, such as letting your unit sit horizontally for 24 hours before turning it on. This allows the oils to go back to their rightful places to re-lubricate the gears before you run them.
It’s also okay to set your air conditioner on its side for a moment before slipping it into its mounting spot. The issue isn’t with the unit being on its side per se, but with it running while in the wrong position. If you want an air conditioner that can run while sitting in a vertical position, you will need to make sure you purchase one with that capability. It will say on the package whether or not it is designed to be installed vertically.
Do You Need a Heating and Cooling Contractor?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
Wrapping It Up
Air conditioners are essential to have, especially if you live in an area where the weather is hot. Still, it’s necessary to keep in mind that installing that air conditioning unit correctly is just as important as keeping cool. If you don’t install it correctly, you run the risk of burnouts and fire, as well as several other problems. As long as you make sure you don’t install a unit vertically unless it says that you can, you’re golden!
Heather is a passionate writer who loves anything DIY. Growing up, she learned everything from home repairs to design, and wants to share her tips with you. When she's not writing, she's usually hiking or searching for her next DIY project.
More by Heather Robbins
