How do you install a vertical window air conditioner?

Answer 1

Usually this means a casement window, and you have to remove the window frame altogether, and install a filler panel cut to fit the opening that is left. This does not sound true, I installed a Whirlpool casement style a/c in my sliding window of my bedroom, in an upper-story condo. I had a bit of problem as I wanted to bring the a/c unit a bit farther into the condo unit, so less was outside. I had to buy a longer portion of rod for the adjustment part of the a/c, so it would reach properly to the building outside to hold the unit at the proper tilt. I did not want to use any bolts going into the outside of the building, as this is a condo.

The unit basically just sits between the open window edge and the side of the window. I hold the sliding window very securely shut against the a/c unit by using sliding window locks on the top and the bottom of the window - giving the a/c additional support. I also bought a long board that I painted and placed like a shelf in front of the a/c brackets, which I had placed outside the window ledge (on the inside of my condo). This was because I brought the unit a bit farther inside that one normally would, normally the bracket for the a/c would be going into the window channel. The painted board I placed in front of the exposed brackets I secured with metal brackets, held in by screws, going into the studs. This way the painted board keeps the a/c from falling backwards out of the window opening, along with the edge of the window (held my window locks) and the outside tilt pole, which rests against the building.

Originally the manufacturer had a cheapo filler panel which closes the hole above the a/c unit. I noticed today this has disintegrated badly, so I am checking into cutting some plexiglass or something similar to close this opening, and be energy-efficient and keep birds and critters out.