Window AC install question

[M A V I C]

So I've got this big 80lb unit and I've read the instructions. First thing that sort of surprises me (I don't know this sort of stuff really at all) is that the instructions call for screwing certain parts of it two the window. Not just the frame around the window, but the inner frames around the glass. The example has wooden wood frames which seems fine, but I've got vinyl windows that are double pane. I don't want to break the seal around them. Plus it seems like leaving screw holes is kinda sucky, but I guess that's the way it is.

Am I going to mess up the windows, other than cosmetically, by drilling into them?

The second issue is something I figured would be covered in the instructions but it's not. I'm not installing this on the ground floor, and there's no way to hold onto it from the outside while it gets screwed in place. Most of the weight is in the section that's outside the window. How do I keep this thing from falling out while I screw it in place?

Thanks

[space-time]

I think they make some AC shelves, I would buy one of those, and then put the AC on that.

EDIT: like this one

http://www.a-1appliance.com/appliance-pa...t-bracket/

[JoeM]

That is a PITA. Anytime I did it, I either had to struggle supporting it myself and praying while someone else did the screwing (hmmm...story of my life?) or doing it opposite.

They have support shelves now that you can get. Also, if space is tight you can get a long support strap around it and have someone hold it while you install. I wouldn't screw into vinyl windows.

[M>B>]

Mine came with support brackets that held up the part that hang outside. It had screw holes to secure it to the sash, but that was for preventing movement of the sash for security reasons and I just omitted them and fixed the window in place another way.

[wolfcry911]

The ones that I have here are actually held in place by the bottom of the bottom sash. The screws are more or less to keep the sash from rising. You can put the AC unit in the window opening holding it tilted in somewhat, close the bottom sash until it touches the top of the unit and then let unit tilt back until it touches the sash. At this point it will stay in place and you can install the screws.

I have one unit in a vinyl replacement window and screw into the vinyl. The screw is far enough away from the glass that it's not a concern. The hole is not even noticed when the AC unit isn't there. I suppose you could caulk the hole after removal if it bothered you.

[cbelt3]

I'm saying AMEN to the idea of a shelf gizmo that is braced inside the house- screwing into the wall. The ones I put in my father in law's house I actually built a frame on the outside sill and into the inside like a shelf- 2x4's and plywood, gasketed with insulation. Otherwise... well, people outside need to DUCK !

[M A V I C]

I'm confused by the bracket thing. If it goes across the window frame, then the unit wont sit flush in the frame and thus there will be big gaps on the sides across the bottom.

If it is just outside, there's nothing out there to screw into.



My window has no lip like that on the outside. No wood at all. There's just a small, maybe 1/2" lip that's part of the vinyl window.

[M A V I C]

Here's a link to get the manual if anyone wants to see the specific instructions

http://www.retrevo.com/s/Frigidaire-FAC1...730/t/1-2/

[Carm]

The vinyl window is strong enough to hold the ac unit in it. I installed one in my old house with an aluminum frame, no screws. Master bedroom. The window "clamps" down on the ac unit and keeps it from falling out. I installed it from the outside in. At my mom's condo, her ac unit has a cage around it and must be installed from the inside.

Since your install is not on a ground level, you will need a ladder and can be installed from inside or outside . Someone(yourself) needs to be outside to hold the ac in place while someone inside(your wife) closes the window to keep the ac unit from tipping out. If the top window doesnt flex, you should be good without additional support(there shouldnt be a lot of pressure on the top window if the window unit is balanced on the window sill). The screws and little clip is to keep the window from opening up and the ac unit falling out/down. Here are some ac units balanced on the window sill, a lot of them are just plain wrong : http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasoneppink/2249515704/ One of them show a strap to the top. Hanging an ac unit with chain support is similar, but with two chains.

The bracket space time suggest requires screwing into the vinyl frame, which would probably void the warranty. If you can reach the window and eve of the roof with a ladder, you can install the ac with a chain hanging from the eve. But looking at the instructions, it is just supposed to be installed without any additional support.

EDITS: Sleepy and cant focus. Ha ha ha
Same as ground level installation. Two people required to install. If you cannot reach the window from the outside, you can install it from the inside, just dont push it out too much or bye bye ac. Instead of screwing the brackets to keep the window down, you can use a window security bar to keep the window down, some are spring loaded, others are slide and lock. You will have to put the side brackets with accordian window filler on the ac before you put the unit in. It will be easier to get them in one shot window closing. Also dont forget to balance your ac with some shims. Use composite shims or cut pieces of pressure treated or red wood lumber to level your ac unit.

Joe

[M A V I C]

Thanks Carm. Not much chance of getting to it from the outside with a ladder.

I don't think the bracket even has enough room to mount to the window frame. Here's a pic I took a while back. It shows the very corner of one of the windows (top right) so you can get a small idea of the lip that's there.