Maximum Weight of window A/C
#1
08-06-14, 08:08 PM
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Maximum Weight of window A/C
I need to replace the window A/C installed in a single hung aluminum window, which weighs 40 lbs, but the one I want weighs twice that much.
I was a bit nervous when the building maintenance man installed the old unit, because I thought it was too heavy without external supports, but it never created a problem.
It seems obvious that there is a maximum weight such a window can hold safely, but how does one know that before making a costly and possibly dangerous mistake...since the unit will go into a second floor window of an apartment complex?
I was a bit nervous when the building maintenance man installed the old unit, because I thought it was too heavy without external supports, but it never created a problem.
It seems obvious that there is a maximum weight such a window can hold safely, but how does one know that before making a costly and possibly dangerous mistake...since the unit will go into a second floor window of an apartment complex?
#2
08-06-14, 08:31 PM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums.
If you aren't sure if your window can take the weight...... hire a professional.
The maintenance man installed your last one.... is he going to install this one too ?
I installed a 21,000 in my sisters apartment window but I built an additional frame to take the weight.
The last thing in the world you want is the A/C falling out of the window.
If you aren't sure if your window can take the weight...... hire a professional.
The maintenance man installed your last one.... is he going to install this one too ?
I installed a 21,000 in my sisters apartment window but I built an additional frame to take the weight.
The last thing in the world you want is the A/C falling out of the window.
#3
08-06-14, 09:50 PM
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Thanks, I know that is good advice, but not something that I'm inclined to follow...at this time. For reasons I won't explain, I want to do this myself. Neither the maintenance man or professional could do anything that I couldn't, because there is no sill to attach a support to. It is really a question of whether the window can bear the weight or not? The only thing that having someone else do it would accomplish is that it would let me place the responsibility on someone else, and when it comes right down to it, I wouldn't have any more faith in either of them.
#4
08-07-14, 03:08 AM
Super Moderator
When you install a window unit the weight must be on the frame not the window itself.
You must install blocking to transfer the weight so that it is the wall supporting it rather than a flimsy window.
At one time heavy metal brackets were supplied with "window" units to take care of this but has long been deleted from unit packaging.
Now they generously provide a nice little two page manual, sometimes a piece of foam and if you are lucky a little bag of desiccant to prevent rusting during the unit's ocean voyage. (Bonus because you can toss the desiccant into a camera bag to keep the contents dry!)
You must install blocking to transfer the weight so that it is the wall supporting it rather than a flimsy window.
At one time heavy metal brackets were supplied with "window" units to take care of this but has long been deleted from unit packaging.
Now they generously provide a nice little two page manual, sometimes a piece of foam and if you are lucky a little bag of desiccant to prevent rusting during the unit's ocean voyage. (Bonus because you can toss the desiccant into a camera bag to keep the contents dry!)
#5
08-07-14, 05:45 AM
I agree with the above. If it's installed correctly, most of the weight will be sitting on the window sill not pulling on the window sash. Newer units are balanced well which helps put the load where it needs to be. I was able to hang an 8500 btu GE in a vinyl replacement window without any issues.
#7
08-07-14, 01:21 PM
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ray2047,
I think I understand what you mean, except the part about the two ducts. I know about one duct, for exhaust, but I'm not considering this type of unit at this time due to cost, and what I've seen only cools without a heating ability, which for me is just as important.
GregH,
I agree. but unfortunately the window where it would go has no sill at all. The only support available is the window sash itself. This is why I'm looking for ideas, because the only one I know of at the moment is to replace the old unit with one just like it, but that small of a unit doesn't cool adequately, nor heats at all.
I think I understand what you mean, except the part about the two ducts. I know about one duct, for exhaust, but I'm not considering this type of unit at this time due to cost, and what I've seen only cools without a heating ability, which for me is just as important.
GregH,
I agree. but unfortunately the window where it would go has no sill at all. The only support available is the window sash itself. This is why I'm looking for ideas, because the only one I know of at the moment is to replace the old unit with one just like it, but that small of a unit doesn't cool adequately, nor heats at all.
#8
08-07-14, 01:28 PM
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A thought just cross my mind...what if instead of placing it through the window in a normal fashion, I put it on a small stand inside the room, with only the rearmost portion going through the window? This would raise the question of whether or not it would have adequate venting for exhaust and internal cooling?
This is the unit I've been looking at:
GE 8,000 BTU 115-Volt Window Air Conditioner with Heat and Remote-AEE08AS at The Home Depot
I can't determine it from that ad, but I do remember somewhere a brief mention of a top exhaust, but without finding confirmation I'm unsure.
This is the unit I've been looking at:
GE 8,000 BTU 115-Volt Window Air Conditioner with Heat and Remote-AEE08AS at The Home Depot
I can't determine it from that ad, but I do remember somewhere a brief mention of a top exhaust, but without finding confirmation I'm unsure.
#9
08-07-14, 02:05 PM
Super Moderator
I can't see any issue with installing it as is. The weight will be on the bottom of the extruded aluminum frame (not the sash, thats the part that moves) which should be plenty strong to support it. The main thing is how the weight is distributed in the A/C as Tom mentioned.
A strap/bracket could possibly be installed inside to hold it down, or 2 L brackets screwed in the tracks on the side if necessary.
You may need to put some sort of blocking at the bottom to fill the frame and distribute the weight some.
A strap/bracket could possibly be installed inside to hold it down, or 2 L brackets screwed in the tracks on the side if necessary.
You may need to put some sort of blocking at the bottom to fill the frame and distribute the weight some.
#10
08-07-14, 03:33 PM
Super Moderator
Window air conditioners have vents on the side that need to be outside.
There is a lip that has to be installed on the sill where the indoor outdoor separation is meant to be.
Portable units normally have a single exhaust hose when they are under 9000 BTU in capacity and much over this size have two hoses.....one is the air intake and one the exhaust.
There is almost always a way to mount the unit properly.......it just needs a bit of creativity.
Provide a clear picture of the sill and someone will likely have an idea.
There is a lip that has to be installed on the sill where the indoor outdoor separation is meant to be.
Portable units normally have a single exhaust hose when they are under 9000 BTU in capacity and much over this size have two hoses.....one is the air intake and one the exhaust.
There is almost always a way to mount the unit properly.......it just needs a bit of creativity.
Provide a clear picture of the sill and someone will likely have an idea.
#11
08-07-14, 03:39 PM
what if instead of placing it through the window in a normal fashion, I put it on a small stand inside the room, with only the rearmost portion going through the window? This would raise the question of whether or not it would have adequate venting for exhaust
Two types of portable A/C. Single duct exhaust inside air out over the condenser. The more efficient 2 duct type take in outside air with one duct and exhaust it over the coils to cool the condenser so you don't loose cooled inside air..
#12
08-07-14, 05:25 PM
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Thanks all, you've given me plenty to consider. I guess the only thing to do is to order the A/C, so that I will know exactly what it will entail to install it. The only reason I hadn't already is that I was afraid that there would be no way of doing so, and I would have wasted my money, but as has been demonstrated here...where there is a will, there is a way.
