How to Install an Air Conditioner

Moderately Difficult

Introduction

Installing an air conditioner in your home can range from very easy to moderately hard depending on the type of unit you choose to install. We have provided information for installing a portable unit, ( just plug it in) a window unit (mount in window and plug in), and a thru-wall air conditioning unit. Calculating the size and type of the air conditioning unit you are going to need is very important! We have provided sufficient information for you to successfully calculate your need, and then install your air conditioner. If you follow the directions carefully we are confident you will accomplish a professional looking job and a cooler room! Here are a few resources that will send you on your way to completing your new project. Please look over all the information below, and then use what is most applicable to your specific project. Remember: we have searched everywhere to bring you the very best information available so that your project will be a complete success! Always check with The DIY Home Pro first for all of your projects!. If this job seems a little to extensive we have provided a link to hire a professional contractor for your convenience!

Quick Links

Introduction
What You'll Need

The Technique
Books and DVDs

Hire A Contractor
Ask Our Experts

Tools Needed
Materials Needed

What You'll Need

The Tools You'll Need

Reciprocating Saw

Cutting through your wall to install an air conditioner can be a big process, the reciprocating saw will help ease the work load. This tool is used for many types of construction processes and will be a great addition to your tool collection!

Circular Saw

Circular saws are used in most types of construction and will be required to install a thru-wall type of air conditioning unit. Make sure you have a sharp blade in your saw before you start!

Hammer

Hammers are a basic tool for construction and will be required to complete the installation of your new air conditioner. There are different types and sizes of hammers, we have provided a link for a general use application. Great Deal on a Hammer at Amazon

Tape Measure

A tape measure is another basic tool that will be needed in completing this and many other projects around the house. This is a well constructed yet inexpensive model. Great Deal on a Tape Measure at Amazon

Pry Bar

Pry Bars are used to remove nails and pry existing lumber away so that they can be removed. This will be a necessary step in preparing your wall to install the air conditioner unit. Great Deal on a Pry Bar at Amazon

Level

A level is needed to make sure your new air conditioner is installed parallel with the floors or ceiling! Levels are used in almost all construction processes! Great Deal on a Level at Amazon

Drywall Saw and Crosscut Saw

When cutting the drywall to install the air conditioner, a drywall saw is an inexpensive option that will make the job a little easier!

The Materials You'll Need

In-Wall Air Conditioner Units

We have provided options for three different types of air conditioning units for your convenience. One of the units will even supplement your heating for the room in the winter time.

The Technique

Air conditioners can do more than just cool! You will note that we have provided information on air conditioners that can supplement your heating in the winter as well. A key thing to remember when you complete your installation is that all gaps need to be filled around the unit, this can be done by either caulking the gaps with a good grade silicone or by using pieces of insulation carefully tucked in all around the parameter of the unit. This way you do not loose the cool air you are putting into the room!

Thru-Wall Unit

Here is a very detailed document to help you understand how to install a thru-wall air conditioning unit. This document takes you through the process of locating the correct spot for the unit, it then explains how to mark out and cut through the wall. Once you are through the wall you will learn how to frame up the space so that the unit is properly braced. There are some great pictures to help get you through the process. You should be sure you have sufficient power at the site to supply your new unit before you cut the hole. If you do not have sufficient power available, check out our "Electrical circuits" section. View the Article >>>

Window Unit

Installing an air-conditioner in the window of your home is not a big process, however; bracing it will take a little thought and preparation. This article helps you through the process of bracing the unit and calculating the type and size of unit you will need! Once again please make sure you have power available next to the window that you install the air conditioner. We do not recommend using an extension cord to plug in the unit, extension cords can cause an electrical fire if they are not rated correctly to match the draw of the unit. View the Article >>>

BTU Chart

BTU's are what is used to measure the output need to cool a room by the number of square feet in the room. Here is a “BTU Chart” to help you decide how much cooling you will need to satisfactorily cool your space! View the Article >>>

Books and DVDs

How to Select and Install Air Conditioning Systems

Here is a great manual on how to select and install air conditioners. This book explains the problems typical with air-conditioning units and gives a basic understanding of the refrigeration systems. This book has a lot of information on the air conditioning process and will aide in maintenance of the unit if required.

How to Select, Install and Service Air Conditioners

How to select, install, and service air conditioners will be helpful if you need to service an existing unit, it also covers selecting the type and size unit needed for different applications. The calculation descriptions and charts alone are worth the cost of the book! This book leans toward the technical aspect of the air conditioning process.

Hire A Professional Contractor

Not convinced you want to go it alone? Renovation Experts is a great place to find local professional contractors who specialize in any home improvement and home repair project you may have.