One type of air cooling device is window air conditioners. They are mounted in a wall or window opening and work by taking air from the street and heating it in exchange for cooling the air in the room.
Such devices have been used for a long time; they are often installed in public and commercial buildings. Several features of the operation of a window air conditioner will help you understand the principle of its operation, as well as the nuances of installation and refueling.
Window air conditioner device
The operating principle of this is to transfer thermal energy, which is carried out due to thermodynamic processes occurring in the cooling circuit. The air that circulates outside the building is cooled by a condenser heat exchanger.
The heat content of the refrigerant is minimized, the reverse process is carried out in the evaporator. The refrigerant with a small amount of heat cools the surface of the evaporator, thereby cooling the indoor air.
This is how a window air conditioner works
A window air conditioner consists of the following elements:
- Refrigeration circuit - consists of a compressor, evaporator and condenser. Needed to cool the air circulated indoors.
- Axial fan – designed to move outside air through a heat exchanger.
- Centrifugal fan - necessary for supplying cooled air from outside into the room.
- Control Panel . The rotary mechanisms are located here, as well as the thermostat.
The entire structure is contained in a body made of metal. Separately, it is worth highlighting the air blinds, which open and close depending on the operating mode of the device.
Schematic work of modern “windows”
Despite the variety of window units presented today in this market segment, the schematic operation of each of them has common principles. As a rule, an air conditioner is a monolithic single unit mounted in a window opening or in a mounting hole in the wall. The latter installation method is used quite rarely.
Window air conditioner operation
In earlier models of “windows”, all accumulated condensate was discharged directly to the street (to the external environment), while modern models are equipped with a special container designed to collect condensate formed on the evaporator. And the ventilation blades provided by the design rotate and take away the accumulated water, spraying it inside the body cavity of the unit. This allows the accumulated heat to be transferred to the outdoor space.
During operation of the installation, the refrigerant coming from the compressor begins to circulate through the housing (inner side of the monoblock) and the heat exchanger (outer side). In this case, the fan pumps air from the room and passes it through the dust filter.
The purified air blows across the entire volume of the evaporator, while the refrigerant takes all its heat, accordingly, the air is cooled and returned inside the room. At this time, the heated refrigerant enters the heat exchanger. All accumulated heat is transferred to the air flow, which is forced by a fan through the air intakes located on the sides, and is ultimately released into the external environment.
As a rule, the operation of window air conditioners implies a certain cyclicity, the observance of which is controlled by the operation of a temperature sensor.
Window air conditioner sizes
This device is designed to cool air in one room with a certain quadrature. The sizes of the devices vary:
- length from 710 to 877 mm;
- width from 428 to 490 mm;
- height from 350 to 510 mm.
The size of the device should not exceed the size of the window opening, otherwise problems may arise during installation. Such a unit can be installed in a wall, but provided that its thickness does not exceed 250 mm. Before purchasing a model for installation in a plastic window, it is recommended to fully calculate all the dimensions of the future device.
Smallest window air conditioner
Many people try to save as much space as possible in the room, so they choose small-sized household appliances. You can find the smallest window air conditioner on sale; its dimensions will be as follows:
- length – 452 mm;
- width – 325 mm;
- height – 313 mm.
The weight of the device will not exceed 20 kg, so you can install it yourself . Small units will not be able to fully cool the air in large rooms . Therefore, such devices are designed for small rooms with an area of up to 15 square meters.
We recommend some more interesting articles:
- The best air purifiers for an apartment;
- How to make the air in your apartment fresh
- Which air conditioner is better - inverter or regular?
Choosing the best location
Heating should also be avoided indoors. To properly install a window air conditioner in a room, you need to choose a place away from stoves, fireplaces, boilers, all types of radiators, boilers and even refrigerators. Due to their influence, the climate system will not work correctly.
The equipment must be protected from active exposure to water. For this reason, you should not place the air conditioner near the kitchen sink or bathtub. If water penetrates into the housing or large amounts of steam settle on the internal electrical components, it should be immediately disconnected from the power supply and have a technician inspect it.
Only a certified repairman will be able to determine whether the functional elements of the window equipment have been damaged by water that has penetrated under the frame. And also, in order to eliminate the slightest possibility of exposure to water, it is prohibited to place a mini-climate system in bathrooms, bath buildings, showers, laundries, and swimming pools.
Direct exposure of water and household steam to the inside of the air conditioner is undesirable. Installing them in rooms with a characteristic increase in humidity levels is not recommended by the manufacturer. In cases of violation of the rules, the manufacturer declines responsibility for fulfilling warranty obligations.
To eliminate the influence of electromagnetic waves on the operation of a window air conditioner, it should not be installed next to electrical equipment of any type. Even a radio receiver can disrupt the workflow. The permissible distance to electrical appliances is specified by the manufacturer in the product manual; it is usually 1 m.
It is not recommended to connect the climate system to the network via an extension cord. The power point must be located relative to the housing so that the cord is long enough for direct connection. On the other hand, it is impossible for there to be less than 50 cm between the electrical installation product and the housing.
It is also prohibited to locate devices that are potential sources of gas leakage near the air conditioner. This category includes boilers, gas water heaters such as columns, gas convectors, stoves and cylinders filled with blue fuel.
To protect against atmospheric phenomena, rain, snow avalanches, icicles falling from the roof and other negativity, a canopy built like a canopy is installed above the window air conditioner
In order to ensure a stable inflow and outflow of air in the volume specified by the manufacturer, all grilles intended for air intake and outlet must be completely open. Owners must have easy access to service the unit. And the service center technicians need to be provided with the opportunity for inspection.
A window air conditioner is absolutely not suitable for installation in building mixture warehouses and in apartments where building materials for major repairs are stored. It should not be installed in boiler rooms. It is not suitable for the kitchen of a catering establishment.
Pros and cons of the device
An undeniable advantage of the device will be installation in a wooden window or in a double-glazed window made of metal-plastic. In this way, room owners can significantly save space on the wall, which could not be done when installing a standard split system.
Several positive characteristics of this device:
- affordable price;
- ease of installation;
- possibility of self-installation;
- mobility - the device can be removed and installed in another place, for example, in the country;
- miniature design;
- ease of operation;
- There is no need to refill with refrigerant.
Another positive point is trouble-free operation for several decades thanks to the thoughtfulness of the design and its compactness.
The disadvantages, according to user reviews, are the high noise level: 40-59 dB. Another problem is that when installing a window air conditioner, the room becomes darker, since part of the window is covered by the device in one part.
Mounting options
The placement of the window block is possible in three options:
- The lower part of the window, on the windowsill. The simplest, most affordable installation option chosen by all-in-one monoblock owners. A special opening is prepared inside the window into which the block will be inserted. It is best to do this when the windows are changed and the air conditioner parameters are known in advance.
- The upper part of the window, the window. Placement will require additional fastening to firmly fix the device. A less popular option, used when there are small children and animals in the house. Suitable for compact devices.
- Inside the wall. The main condition is an outer wall, no more than 250 mm wide, so that the ventilation holes of the housing remain accessible to the air flow. Before installation, the opening is reinforced with a metal casing for strength.
Window air conditioner: briefly about the features >>>>>
How much does a window air conditioner cost?
It is generally accepted that air cooling devices installed in a window opening are much inferior in cost to standard split systems. This opinion is partly erroneous, since the price of the product will vary depending on the manufacturer’s brand and additional functions. Several options for proven models with approximate costs:
- General Climate GCW-07CR – 15,010 rubles, power 2100 W, cools a room up to 20 sq.m.
- Gree GJC07AA-E3NMNC1A – 27,400 rubles, power 2150 W, dehumidifies and ventilates air.
- General Climate GCW-24CR - 32,020 rubles, designed for a room area of 65 sq.m., power is 6.76 kW.
- Gree GJC18AC-E3NMNC1A – 53,150 rubles, power 5.3 kW, designed for rooms with an area of up to 50 sq.m.
According to the price selection, we can conclude: the larger the area for which the air conditioner is designed, the higher its cost will be. The higher the power of the device, the higher its price will be. The air flow changes depending on the power and blowing area. For example, in devices with high power the air flow is 670 cubic meters per hour, and in models with low power this figure will be 350 cubic meters per hour.
Temporary installation
Monoblock installation can be done temporarily. When the cold season sets in, the device can be removed by tightly closing the opening with a material that matches the composition of the window frame, or you can install a prepared double-glazed window. In addition, the unit can be taken to the dacha and installed there for the duration of your stay.
Recently, compact monoblock devices have been produced that are easy to install, transport and store, without causing any inconvenience to the owner.
The noisiness of the working process is compensated by simple installation, the ability to move, and the absence of complex construction manipulations with the freon route.
It is quite possible to install a monoblock window yourself, avoiding financial expenses (as in the case of purchasing a split system). At the same time, the price for installation by a professional installer will be significantly lower than similar work with a split. And the performance capacity and refrigeration function of some models exceeds these indicators of split and floor-standing options.
How to install a window air conditioner
To properly install an electronic ambient cooling device, prepare your tools in advance. You will need a jigsaw, drill, tape measure, level, grinder, glass cutter and construction knife. It is best to install the device in the opening of a plastic window. If the frame is not strong enough, the installation site is additionally reinforced with metal profiles. Follow the instructions:
- Prepare the opening for installation - remove the glass unit, insert the lintel and, if necessary, cut the glass to size.
- Secure the mounting frame - secure the air conditioner housing with bolts, level using a building level.
- Seal the holes using polyurethane foam.
- Install the drainage hose, making sure there are no kinks or kinks.
- Connect to the electrical network and make sure that the air conditioner is grounded.
Video about DIY installation
When the installation of a window air conditioner with your own hands is completed, you need to check its performance. To do this, it is important to connect the device to the network and start it.
Nikonorov Vladimir
Our expert. Specialist in the field of air conditioning and ventilation with 10 years of experience.
Ask a Question
If the device makes too much noise during operation, it is recommended to re-check the levelness of its installation using a building level.
Mounting kit
Some monoblock models are equipped with a mounting structure. The kit includes fasteners and metal corners, using which you can install the unit yourself. If the kit is not supplied with the air conditioner, it must be purchased separately or made manually.
List of tools that may be needed when installing the unit:
- hammer drill, chucks, drills;
- hacksaw for wood, metal;
- jigsaw;
- chisel for woodworking;
- construction level;
- glass cutter;
- Bulgarian;
- silicone sealant, polyurethane foam;
- paint, brush.
Multi-zone air conditioning system >>>>>
How to clean a window air conditioner
Your air conditioner can work more efficiently by cleaning it regularly. To do this, you need to disconnect the device from the network, remove the front panel and remove the filter. If it is replaceable, it is better to completely replace it with a new one.
If the filter is reusable, it is advisable to clean it thoroughly. This can be done using a vacuum cleaner or dishwashing liquid, if it can be washed in water.
From the street side, the device can be carefully cleaned with a brush to remove dirt and debris resulting from the effects of bad weather. To do this, you need to open the external unit by unscrewing the bolts. If it is not possible to reach the metal blades, you can gently wipe them with a damp cloth. The holes in the pan and drain pipes must also be clean.
It is recommended to clean the filter in the spring, followed by wet cleaning every month after regular use. It is better to wash heat exchanger plates made of metal with water.
When cleaning metal ribs, you must be careful: a vacuum cleaner can easily deform the fine structure of the parts. The user manual for the device must indicate whether the device requires lubrication. This often applies to older type air conditioners.
Preparing the tools
If the decision to install a split system yourself is finally made, first of all you should check the availability of the necessary tools and consumables. To complete the work you will need:
- A hammer drill with a drill with a cross-section of 40–45 mm and a length of at least 800 mm.
- Set of Pobedit drills with a diameter of 6–12 mm.
- Screwdriver with a set of bits.
- Metal scissors and reamer.
- Ruler, pencil and building level.
- Adjustable wrench.
- Vinyl insulation, masking tape and plastic bags.
- Brackets for fastening the outdoor unit, bolts with dowels 120 mm long.
When deciding on independent installation, it is worth considering the degree of accessibility to the installation site of the external unit. If it is mounted at a significant height, you will have to include the rental of an aerial platform in your expenses.
Refilling window air conditioners
Before refueling the unit, you need to understand whether it needs refueling? In most cases, window devices do not need regular refilling due to their design features. Here all connections are sealed, which reduces the risk of freon leakage.
It is unlikely that you will be able to refill the device yourself; to do this, contact a specialized company. The craftsmen will find the leak and seal it, after first filling the copper tube with freon.
Window air conditioners are considered durable devices. They are easily installed in the frame of a plastic or wooden window, are easy to operate and do not require refueling. Such units will become an effective assistant in the fight against heat in the summer.
How to install an indoor unit on a glass balcony
When installing an indoor unit on a loggia or balcony, it is enough to provide a number of basic rules. The structure is mounted on a wall or floor, depending on the type of equipment. The floor should first be insulated so that the condensation that forms when cold air comes into contact with the floor does not destroy the concrete coating.
The door in the refrigerated room must be kept open at all times for the air conditioner to operate properly. You need to understand that when placing the outdoor unit on a glazed balcony, low efficiency of the equipment and a difference between the temperature set on the air conditioner and the actual air temperature may be observed.
What to pay attention to
The domestic market offers a huge number of models, among which everyone in need can find an option that suits them in all respects. However, what should you pay attention to when choosing equipment?
- The declared power of the device must correspond to the square footage of the room in which it is planned to install the equipment. Some sales consultants confidently advise purchasing selected models from well-known brands, without paying attention to the declared power or without fear of purchasing equipment designed for a smaller “coverage area”. Allegedly, products from a well-known manufacturer cope well with larger quadratures. For the time being, this will probably be the case, however, it is unlikely that the uninterrupted operation of the device will last long. In this aspect, the savings are completely unjustified.
- The dimensions of the device must correspond to the size of the window in which it is planned to be installed. Calculating the permissible dimensions of equipment should be carried out as scrupulously as possible, since one incorrect measurement can cause a series of serious material costs.
- The level of noise produced by operating climate control equipment must be checked directly upon purchase. Lack of vigilance in this matter can result in extremely unpleasant consequences. Even if there is an obvious defect (the monoblock should be quieter, but in fact the sound resembles the takeoff of a fighter jet), it is necessary to confirm the fact of non-compliance with accepted standards, and this will take a decent amount of time. Preliminary check is a mandatory condition that must be met when choosing climate control equipment.
- The optimal set of features for each individual user may vary. You should not choose universal 3-in-1 models with cooling, air purification and heating functions if the purpose of the purchase is solely to maintain a comfortable room temperature during the hot season.
- The monoblock design can be chosen from a wide range of colors. Different manufacturers dedicate different amounts of time and resources to product design. It is absolutely not necessary to limit yourself to standard shades and textures. It is necessary to study all available offers and choose the option that seems most suitable.
Preparatory stage
Split systems are most often used for air conditioning private houses and apartments, as they are reliable, convenient and compact. The climate control system consists of two blocks - internal and external, connected to each other by two freon tubes, an electric cable and a drainage line.
Installation of “splits” is much more complicated than installation of floor and window air conditioners. Here, 2 separate blocks must be correctly placed outside and inside the room, laid and hermetically connected by lines. The issue of connecting to the electrical network is solved more simply - a line protected by a circuit breaker is laid to the installed indoor module.
What you need to do before you start installing it yourself:
- Buy additional materials.
- Prepare special tools and devices.
- Determine the location of both units and the route for laying lines with freon.
The location of split system blocks is subject to certain rules. The flow of cooled air from the indoor module should not directly blow people, and the maximum distance from the external unit should exceed 5 m. Most often, the unit is placed on a side partition next to a window and an external wall. Technological distances from walls and ceilings are indicated in the diagram.
Now some tips on where to install the outdoor unit:
- From the point of view of ease of installation and maintenance, it is better to place the unit on an open balcony or loggia, where it can be easily cleaned or repaired.
- Hang it under the living room or kitchen window.
- It is not recommended to mount the module on the wall on the side of the window opening yourself - such activities are carried out by installers and climbers who have special equipment.
- Do not place the outdoor unit near a bedroom window. The compressor of the refrigerator will start and stop, and may vibrate and rattle, interfering with proper rest.
Low tide
The ebb and flow is an important part of the window design. Installation of a drip tide on a plastic window is mandatory, since the design removes excess moisture from the room, but does not take much time
From the street side, the ebb tide is attached with self-tapping screws to the stand profile.
To prevent water from getting inside the system, all connections must be well treated with sealant. The edges of the low tide need to be deepened into the walls. To do this, you need to first make recesses with a hammer drill.
To reduce noise from rain, the lower part of the ebb is glued with a strip of sound-proofing material or a “cushion” is made of polyurethane foam.
Removing the old window
Before dismantling the old window, it is advisable to close the doors to the room and cover all things and furniture in the room with film. This is necessary to make it easier to clean the room from dust, as there will be a lot of it.
Everything else is simple. The window sashes are removed. They are easy to remove with a pry bar. Then the old window frame is sawn and dismantled using a crowbar or pry bar.
After removing the old window frame, it is necessary to remove the plaster layer around the perimeter of the window opening.
If time permits, it is advisable to putty all the cracks and irregularities in the window opening. Mostly, this stage is skipped, since no one wants to wait a day for the putty to harden. Therefore, at least do not forget to cover the window opening with primer.
We remove the window sashes.
Removing the old window.
Removing the old window.
Correct Installation Methods
The efficiency of the equipment depends on the correct installation. Mobile air conditioners can be installed in several ways, depending on the available capabilities and type of window structure.
Changing the design of a plastic window
In order for the air conditioner to work effectively, it is important to maintain the integrity of the window and at the same time create a barrier to hot air, dust and noise from entering the room. One suitable option is to change the design of the plastic window
It will be difficult to carry out this procedure on your own, so it is recommended to take the help of specialists. To install an air conditioner, the following design changes are required:
- The blind window sash is dismantled or replaced with another one.
- A double-glazed window with reduced dimensions and an additional plastic profile with internal steel reinforcement are installed in the new sash. The profile is used as a horizontal frame element.
- Instead of a piece of glass, a sandwich panel with a hole for the exit of the equipment pipe is installed between the profile and the lower part of the sash.
- For the winter period, the hole is blocked with a plug or the blind sash is replaced with a standard one in order to preserve the effect of using a heat-insulating double-glazed window.
The decision to change the window design allows for efficient use of the air conditioner, but involves large financial and labor costs. In addition, conversion does not guarantee that the sandwich panel will retain heat with the same quality as a standard double-glazed window due to different technical characteristics.
Use of plexiglass
The temporary installation of a protective sheet of plexiglass allows you to avoid possible problems associated with changing the window design. The structure is installed over the entire opening area of one of the window sashes. In this case, it is possible not to dismantle the sash, leaving it open in order to create a barrier to noise and dust and not let warm air into the window.
Material costs when using this option are reduced to the purchase of a sheet of plexiglass and fasteners for a mosquito net. If desired, you can seal the opening using a rubber seal.
Before installing the plexiglass, the window structure should be measured with the sash open in order to accurately determine the distance from the edge to the beginning of the main frame of the structure inside the opening. In this place, a sheet of plexiglass of the required size will be installed with a pre-prepared hole to fit the size of the air conditioner pipe. When using a rubber seal and standard mosquito net fasteners, the sheet will be positioned evenly in the free space and will close the opening. With the onset of winter, you can remove the seal and close the window.
Recommendations from professionals
Here are some useful tips:
It is important that the manufactured unit is delivered home from the manufacturer in protective film packaging. It is removed after the final installation of the new double-glazed window. Otherwise, the plastic or glass may be scratched during operation. Window installation is carried out at the final stage, when the new window is installed. Materials and accessories should be purchased only from trusted suppliers. It is worth taking precise measurements, down to millimeters
Install the double-glazed window exclusively in a leveled opening. Otherwise, the service life will be significantly reduced and rapid depressurization will occur. Aligning the structure is an important step. The glass unit must sit firmly in the opening, otherwise over time it cannot be avoided from jamming. The seams must be sealed correctly so that the wind does not blow when penetrating through the formed cracks.
Otherwise, the plastic or glass may be scratched during operation. Window installation is carried out at the final stage, when the new window is installed. Materials and accessories should be purchased only from trusted suppliers. It is worth taking precise measurements, down to millimeters. Install the double-glazed window exclusively in a leveled opening. Otherwise, the service life will be significantly reduced and rapid depressurization will occur. Aligning the structure is an important step. The glass unit must sit firmly in the opening, otherwise over time it cannot be avoided from jamming. The seams must be sealed correctly so that the wind does not blow when penetrating through the formed cracks.
As for the installation of metal-plastic products, there is a well-known proverb: “Do it yourself if you want it to work out well.” It's no secret that installers often do their jobs in a backhanded manner. They charge a lot of money for services. If you prepare and do the work yourself, you can save a lot.
