Window Unit A/C in Window ???

First I have some window A/C units installed in the windows. I am starting to remodel each room. first is the office, It has a small unit in it 5000 btu and the window size is 3'8 x 4'0 and the small unit is smaller even with the sides stretched out. I know I could get a bigger a/c Unit. What I need to know even if I put larger units in the slide out sides are not safe at all. The room is only 10 x 10 and I want to put in new windows we have brick on the outside. I want it to look nice so I thought maybe add a box out window like maybe 12 inches out and then install the A/C up high and cut brick out. I am or was a remolder so I can do it all just want suggestions. I guess what I really need is suggestions on making it safer, I use the locks on windows. Any help please

 

I know exactly what you mean. Those accordian style side fillers don't even keep out bugs, let alone burglars. I don't live in a high crime area, so I've never had to make a window A/C unit super-secure, but if I was, I'd have a stainless steel cutout made for the window. Any machine shop or welding shop ought to be able to make you an insert if you provide them with the dimensions of your window opening, and the size of the opening your window A/C needs to be. That way, your entire opening will be much more secure, and the window A/C will be able to fit into a hole that is "just the right size".

The stainless insert could have a flange welded onto it, and holes predrilled in it so that you could use long screws to secure it to the frame.

You could certainly do something similar if you wanted to install the A/C above a new window. If you cut brick out, you'd need to install a new brick ledger across the bottom, and flash it, and the brick opening would have to be larger than the A/C since they usually need ventilation room around the grilles of the unit's box.