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It can be a real challenge to keep your cool during the hot Australian summer without an air conditioner. If you’re like most people, you’ll probably opt for a portable air conditioner as they are relatively inexpensive, mobile, and easier to install than traditional AC.
However, to keep the area cool, you must vent these devices by placing them in windows. But what if you have a push-out window? You might be wondering how to install a portable air conditioner in a push-out window right now.
You won’t have to be concerned about it. It’s not nearly as difficult as you’d expect! In this blog article, we will discuss different methods of installing a portable air conditioner in a push-out window, complete with step-by-step instructions.
So, read on to stay cool this summer!
Portable Air Conditioner – What is it?
A portable air conditioner or PAC is a self-contained unit that does not require any permanent installation. These appliances are commonly provided with an installation kit that makes installation quick and versatile, as well as an exhaust hose to remove excess heat.
Some models have four wheels that allow you to move them from one room to the next, while others do not include wheels but are still quite lightweight.
If you’re curious about how portable air conditioners work, this article might answer your questions.
Note that, portable AC is ideal for small apartments or rooms because they can be moved around as needed and don’t take up much space. Click here to check some of the best portable air conditioners out there.
Different Methods of Installing a Portable Air Conditioner in a Push-Out Window
There are two methods that you can use to install your portable air conditioner in a push-out window. These methods are discussed as follows:
1. The Plexiglass Method
The plexiglass method is a great way to install your portable air conditioner. It has been known as the best and most reliable installation process in this industry, so it would be worth giving!
Here are a few steps we recommend on how to install your portable air conditioner in a push-out window:
Step 1: Gather the required materials
Before beginning any installation, it is usually a good idea to gather all of your equipment to be more efficient. To install your portable air conditioner into a push-out window, you’ll need the following materials:
- Measuring Tape
- Plexiglass (Please check step: 3 before purchasing this)
- Jigsaw (Please check step: 3 before purchasing this)
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Screws
- Caulk
Note that, some of these items you may already have, but the rest you can get from your neighborhood hardware shop.
Step 2: Measure the window size
If you want this installation to go off without a hitch, you’ll need plexiglass that is the same size as your push-out window. And to do so, you must first measure the size of your window.
To find the size of your window, measure its length and width with a measuring tape. Then compare that number to what is needed for plexiglass.
Step 3: Cut the Plexiglass into size
After measuring the window size, it’s time to cut your plexiglass into shape. It’s better to let the hardware store professionals do it right after the purchase.
If you do not have one, however, you can easily cut it at home. It’s not as difficult as it appears! Just make sure you have a jigsaw with clean and sharp blades. Then use it to cut through the Plexiglas to make a hole large enough for your exhaust hose.
Step 4: Protect the push-out window
Make sure to secure your window well for it not to be blown away by strong winds. You can do this by latching the frame and opening up additional space on top of where you want them, so they stay put while being affected externally!
Step 5: Attach the Plexiglass to the window frame
To attach the Plexiglass to the window frame, first, drill three holes in the window frame. Then remove any extra screens from the plexiglass. Finally, with a screwdriver and three screws, connect the plexiglass to the window frame
Step 6: Connect the exhaust hose to your portable air conditioner
Attach the plexiglass after setting up the portable air conditioner. Keep the movable air conditioner at least 5-6 feet away from your push-out window. Connect one end of the exhaust hose to the suitable outlet on your portable AC.
Step 7: Attach the exhaust hose to the exhaust hole in the plexiglass
In step three, did you cut a hole large enough for the exhaust hose in the Plexiglass? That particular hole is an exhaust hole for your portable air conditioner.
So, now, all you have to do is to attach the exhaust hose to the exhaust hole in the plexiglass.
Step 8: Seal the Plexiglass
To make sure the exhaust hose and window frame are watertight, apply some caulk where they meet.
2. The Fabric Seal Method
If the first method appears to be too expensive or difficult for you, consider employing a fabric seal approach to install your portable AC to a pushout window. The procedure is as follows:
Step 1: Get the materials required
The material you’ll require for this method are:
- Fabric seal kit
- Velcro Strips
- Zip Ties
After gathering or buying the above materials you can proceed to the subsequent steps.
Step 2: Attach the velcro
Attach Velcro to the window frame. Then, align the narrow edge of the fabric seal with the wide edge of the window frame and attach it there. To make it accessible, position the zipper so that it is facing inside.
Step 3: Cover the window frame with the fabric
Fold the fabric at each corner of the window frame, making a 90-degree turn. If you have any leftovers, tuck them in on both sides for a better look.
Step 4: Get the hose out
The final step is to open your window as well and zipper. Bring out the air conditioner, keeping it close by. Then stick out the hose through the zippers so it can vent outside! Close it up and use the zip tie through the zippers to keep it shut.
Conclusion
We hope that after reading this post, you will have a better understanding of how to vent your air conditioner. However, we prefer Plexiglas over Velcro strips because they are more stable later on. If you can clean your portable Air Conditioner regularly, it will allow you to stay cool for a long time.
Now that you know, how to install a portable air conditioner in a push-out window, you can DIY with ease, thanks to our guide. We hope that this article will assist you. Thank you for taking the time to read it.
