Hello.

Last year we had new vinyl double hung windows put in. Since our central a/c broke down, I wanted to put our old window unit in the bedroom window to tie us over. Well, I can forget about that! The lower sash does not go all the way up as was the case with our old windows, so the window a/c does not fit. Why did this change? Why don't go lower sashes all the way up to the top? Is there anything I can do about it without having to take the lower sash out and then I am stuck with an opening that is far too big?

Has anyone any suggestions?

thx, Gwendolyn

 

Vinyl replacement windows have a thicker masterframe surrounding the sashes, so the opening is smaller than your previous windows by perhaps 2". Doublehung windows usually have a snap-in vinyl stop on the top of the frame that acts as a stop to prevent the window from opening too far. It not only keeps the locks from breaking something when the window is slammed upward, but it also may have to do with the type of balance the window is equipped with. Sometimes it will do damage to the window to operate them without the snap-in vinyl stop in place.

You could try removing the snap-in vinyl stop to see if the window will raise just high enough for you to get the A/C in, provided the width is OK. Otherwise, take the sash out and cut a temporary filler that will fill up the gap between the upper sash meeting rail and the front edge of the masterframe. If this filler is cut "snug", friction will hold it in place and you can put a couple screws through the lip of the window A/C into it to hold it in place.

I also recommend that a wooden filler (a 1x4 ripped to size) be installed in the sill of your vinyl window so that the weight of the A/C is not resting on the interior lip of the vinyl window. It should be resting on wood, which will distribute the weight of the A/C across the entire bottom frame.

 

Thanks for your response. Your answer explaines a lot. However where can I find the vinyl stop you are talking about?

thx, Gwendolyn

 

Most vinyl windows have a stop that the window hits when you raise it all the way up. It usually snaps into the track that the front sash slides in, and it is located at the very top of that rail.

It could be that your window is not the style that I am familiar with. But usually, you can just stick a long screwdriver behind that stop and pry toward the center of the glass and it will pop right out.

Other windows that I have seen have a stop that is screwed to the upper sash.

Hope this helps.

 

Hello.

Thank you again for your response. I took off the vinyl cover to see whether I could find a stop, and I was able to take them off. Now the airco fits!

thx, Gwendolyn