If you think a portable air conditioner isn’t for you because you have crank or casement windows, you may be pleasantly surprised to discover that not only is it possible, but it’s easy to do.
Although most portable air conditioners come with a traditional window kit, you can absolutely fabricate an insert to fit into the casement window allowing you to vent your portable air conditioner. We recommend using Plexiglas; however any type of material that will keep the hot air out and the cold air in will work.
Step 1
First measure the window in order to know what size Plexiglas insert you’ll need. You can have a piece of Plexiglas cut at your local hardware store. You’ll also need a hole cut in the Plexiglas for your vent hose. It’s best to bring the vent hose with you so they can cut the hole to fit your hose correctly.
Step 2
Once you’ve got your Plexiglas, you can begin the installation process. Open the crank window and firmly attach a latch to the window as well as the frame.
Step 3
Next, using retainer clips or twist clamps securely position the insert into the window frame. You”ll then need to caulk where the casing and window frame meet in order to seal the insert and keep it waterproof. A second option would be to run weatherproof stripping where the casing and window frame meet instead of caulk.
Step 4
Now that your insert is installed weatherproofed, all that’s left is to attach the hose to your insert and enjoy the cool air.
About Our Team
Kara Zorn is a wife and working mom who loves life hacks that help her schedule allow for as much quality family time as possible. She enjoys cooking with locally sourced food and produce and recently took up brewing Kombucha.
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Written By:
Updated September 16, 2022
Table of Contents_
- Why Put a Portable AC in a Crank Window?
- How to Install a Portable AC in a Crank Window
- STEP 1 Measure Your Window
- STEP 2 Cut the Insert
- STEP 3 Begin Installation
- STEP 4 Attach the Hose
If you are new to the world of indoor cooling, you may wonder how to install a portable air conditioner in a crank window. Some of the best air conditioners, after all, integrate with crank windows, though others require some rejiggering. Keep reading to learn all about this process and how to get it done quickly and without fuss.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Most portable air conditioners come with a traditional window kit, but crank or casement windows require a different process.
- Buy a durable insert and have it cut down to size at the hardware store, making room for the vent hose.
- Attach the insert to the window frame and the exhaust hose to the insert. Power the AC on and enjoy.
Why Put a Portable AC in a Crank Window?
Most air conditioners require access to the outdoor to pull air in and, if a crank window is your only access well, then, you have to make do. Some homeowners even have to learn how to install a portable air conditioner in a sliding door, which is more difficult. Installing the window air conditioner bracket is helpful, especially if you’re new to learning how to install a window air conditioner in a mobile home.
How to Install a Portable AC in a Crank Window
The process here varies slightly depending on the make and model of your air conditioner and the overall dimensions of your crank window, like when you are learning how to install a ductless split air conditioner.
Insider Tip
There are installation kits for just about any type of window out there, even sliding doors for those really in a pinch. Shop around and you’ll find what you are looking for.
STEP 1 Measure Your Window
- Start by measuring your window and purchasing the appropriately-sized Plexiglas insert.
- Jot all of these measurements down for later.
STEP 2 Cut the Insert
- The insert needs to be whittled down to size to fit your crank window.
- This requires serious tools, so bring the insert to your local hardware store and have them cut it down to the correct size.
- Make sure they also cut a hole for the vent hose.
STEP 3 Begin Installation
- Now that you’ve got the insert, start the installation by opening the crank window and attaching a latch to the window as well as the frame.
- Use retainer clips or twist clamps to secure the insert to the window frame.
- Secure weatherproofing strips to seal the insert and keep it waterproof.
STEP 4 Attach the Hose
- Now that everything is secure, affix the hose to the vent.
- Plug the portable air conditioner into a power outlet and turn it on.
- You should experience cool air flowing from the air conditioner.
- Enjoy the cool air and bask in the security of a job well done.
F.A.Q.S
How to choose and install a portable AC window seal?
This depends on the size of your window panel and the size of your actual window unit. Measure before doing any work.
What is a casement window?
Casement windows operate on a hinge, much like crank windows. They lack a traditional window frame but are energy efficient.
How to vent your portable air conditioner?
You can vent your AC in a number of ways and the same goes for central air conditioning, a slider window air conditioner, and a vertical window air conditioner.
STAT: Portable A/C is a bit more complicated than an evaporative cooler of the same size, however. In addition to being plugged into a power source, they should also be vented for optimal efficiency. (source)
REFERENCES:
- //www.newair.com/blogs/learn/how-to-install-portable-air-conditioner
- //www.homedepot.com/b/Heating-Venting-Cooling-Air-Conditioners-Window-Air-Conditioners/Casement/N-5yc1vZc4luZ1z180xd
- //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_conditioningr
- //www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pJdfw3qLBc
- //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heating,_ventilation,_and_air_conditioning
Lawrence Bonk is a copywriter with a decade of experience in the tech space, with columns appearing in Engadget, Huffington Post and CBS, among others. He has a cat named Cinnamon.