8,500-10,000 BTU A/Cs with a >=23" Installation Width? July 15, 2006   Subscribe Please help me iron out two weird quirks relating to the purchase of an air conditioner, says the Chicago MeFite looking at a 104-degree heat index coming down the pike. (And even if you don't have an answer, check out two simple corollary queries you might be able to help me with at the end.) I have a 500 square foot studio apartment, which means about 10,000 BTUs. I was all set to buy a particular model until I learned of two problems: the three windows in my main living area are just narrow enough to screw me, and the window in the kitchen/dining area is not only nowhere near an electrical outlet, it's far enough away that even an industrial extension cord (you shouldn't use normal extension cords with A/Cs) couldn't reach, and even if it did, would be prime tripping material. And the landlord's electrician advises me that there's no wiring anywhere near the window in question, meaning a new outlet can't be installed without gutting a good part of my apartment's drywall.

I'd ideally like to see if I can find a good, reliable air conditioner that nevertheless fits the physical requirements I need to fit it into one of my living-area windows. The window I need to put it in looks like this: The first "frame" of the window is 23 inches wide. The next step in measures 22 inches. The width of the screen window, when opened, is 19-20 inches. Essentially, this means that I need an air conditioner that installs in a 23-inch window, and is physically no more than 19 inches wide. The physical width of an air conditioner is usually discoverable online, but its installation width is often only in the manual. Amazon has quite a few A/C manuals, but not a comprehensive selection. A couple of quick notes: The installation width is not the same as the physical width of the unit; many air conditioners have a minimum installation width of 24". This will not fit -- unfortunately, that extra inch does screw things up. I know this from experience with a recently purchased twin window fan.)

If decreased BTUs will decrease the size, I'm open to suggestions. I don't think anything below 8,000 BTUs would adequately cool the space, and I'm not wild about decreasing the BTUs, but, if that's absolutely the only solution ... I suppose I'm open. I'm aware of casement air conditioners and portable air conditioners, but they increase the cost significantly from all research. They are a fallback option. I'm not willing to put a "normal" air conditioner on its side. I've heard of people doing it and shoring it up with plywood, but my understanding is that not only is it physically unsafe, but it can screw up the way the unit both works and drains. frys ac unitNow for those corollary queries. payne ac units warrantyEven if you can't help with the specific question above, I'd appreciate (a) casement air conditioner recommendations (with prices and/or links, if you have them handy), and also, (b) the answer to this question: for MeFi apartment dwellers, how do you guys handle storing window air conditioners in cooler weather? jual ac portable low watt

Do you leave them in the window with covers around them, or do you store them somewhere in your place (and if so, how do you keep them from getting in the way?(Crammed a lot into this post, didn't I?!?) Let us keep you cool while we do the hard work. We’ll install your window air conditioner so it fits snugly and safely, or we’ll set up your portable AC so it’s fully functional without getting in the way. New Window AC < 12,000 BTU’s Installation New Portable AC Installation New Window Air Conditioner < 12,000 BTU’s Installation Extraction of an existing air conditioning (AC) unit Full installation within a casement window (bottom to top opening, max height: 3 stories) Installation of all necessary drainage Installation of brackets or a support platform inside and out (provided it’s safe to do so) Full testing of electrical service Inspection and testing of the AC unit on all settings Recycling of an old unit if recycling service is purchased with installation

How to prepare for your installation Ensure someone over the age of 18 is onsite during the installation Ensure there’s an electrical receptacle near the window Clear a path outside your home and to the window in question Window AC installation is available for $159.99. Please note: Prices can vary if custom/additional work or permits are required. Ask for details when booking your installation. To purchase this appliance installation service, please visit any Best Buy store. Full scope of work Installers may elect not to perform an installation if there are legitimate safety concerns (e.g. window is higher than 3 stories) Ensure that there are existing brackets or a support platform on which the unit can be installed Ensure the selected window air conditioner (AC) is appropriate for cooling the desired area Measure the window opening to ensure the new AC is the correct size and type Installation can only be performed in casement windows (bottom to top opening)

Test the electrical service and ensure it has proper amperage to support selected AC unit Extract any existing AC unit and all sealants, brackets, woodwork and fasteners as necessary Unpack, inspect and prep the appliance for installation insuring drain plug is removed, if necessary Seat the AC chassis into the window and ensure the unit is secured according to manufacturer’s requirements Fabricate and install any additional filler boards, support, and/or perform any modifications necessary (but not to exceed authorized estimate) to window, sill, jamb and/or storm window to ensure unit is adequately supported Seat storm window and upper sash onto AC or chassis and install all gaskets and seals Provide and install any additional caulking or sealant to ensure AC is weather-tight Ensure unit is tilted to allow for proper drainage Provide and install any piping to ensure AC drainage is safely routed Ensure upper sash is properly secured to prevent window from being opened from outside

Install all knobs, controls, filters and accessory covers as necessary Connect AC cord to nearby receptacle and secure or conceal as necessary to prevent tripping Ensure the receptacle is properly grounded according to National and Provincial codes and provide adequate amperage without overloading circuit Test AC by activating and monitoring the compressor at all settings, the fan at all speeds, all accessories (louvers, directional air controls, timer, etc.), and the exhaust control Ensure any drainage piping installed is not leaking This package does NOT include haul away or disposal but they are available for a recycling fee Installation of all necessary piping in a casement window Installation of filler boards to ensure piping fits securely in window Portable AC installation is available for $139.99. Perform installation of Pipe in casement window only (bottom to top opening) and confirm suitable location for AC Unit Test electrical service and ensure it is proper amperage to support selected AC unit

Unpack, inspect and prep appliance for installation insuring drain plug is removed, if necessary Seat Portable AC venting pipe into opening and ensure pipe is secured according to manufacturer’s requirements Fabricate and install any additional filler boards, support, and/or perform any modifications necessary (but not to exceed authorized estimate) Provide and install any additional caulking or sealant to ensure AC pipe is weather-tight Connect AC cord to receptacle and secure or conceal as necessary to prevent tripping Ensure the receptacle is properly grounded according to Applicable Electrical codes and provide adequate amperage without over loading circuit Learn more about Services & Reward Zone Top 5 Help Topics Returns and Exchanges Policy Free Shipping On Orders Over $25 Reserve and Pick Up Do you have feedback about this page? Pre-order special edition BB-8™ app-enabled Droid with Force Band™. Only available at Best Buy in Canada