Dan O. -- Monday, 1 July 2002, at 2:49 p.m.
: My husband and I just bought a new room air
: conditioner, and immediately encountered
: problems in trying to install it. The window
: is now vinyl (replaced 2 years ago), so we
: have the question of how to secure the unit.
: Can screws be driven into vinyl?
Yes, screws can usually be put into vinyl. In fact the ones that are supplied with most air conditioners are usually self tapping and pilot holes may not even need to be drilled first but may be a good idea anyway. Whether it will affect the window's warranty I don't know.
You may want to insert a small piece of wood (like a 1x2, cut hockey stick shaft, etc.) into the lower window track so the air conditioner doesn't rest directly on the thin upright ridges of the window frame.
: We have an a/c in another room and have never
: secured it with screws. It's never fallen out
: of the window.
Yes, for safety an air conditioner should be secured in the window. It will also likely cut down on vibration from the unit.
Every year we see 2 or 3 that have fallen out and are asked to give an estimate on repairs. It it not often that repair is possible. Luckily I haven't heard of anyone being hit by an air conditioner falling from the sky, just flowers and shrubbery.
On first floor installations, extra security (like a chain, etc.) should be added as a loosely installed or easily removed window air conditioner is a known easy entry point for burglars.
: I've seen ads for bracket supports
: that go under the unit on the outside of the
: house. Could that be an option (looks pretty
: difficult for a second floor window)? Any
: suggestions much appreciated!
The mounting bracket linked below mounts from inside the room and has an integrated bubble level to assure proper tilt for drainage of the unit once installed.
Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
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