Trouble Fitting an Air Conditioner Into a Small Window

Compact Window Unit

• If a standard window unit air conditioner fails to fit cleanly into a smaller window, choose a compact window unit. Some manufacturers produce smaller units for this very reason. If you are set on the installation of a window unit air conditioner, you or a handyman can remove the current window frame, widen the hole in the wall and install a larger sliding window that will accommodate the air conditioner unit.

Portable Unit: Sliding Window

• A portable air conditioner unit sits upright on the floor and functions like a standard window unit air conditioner. The only portable unit component that needs to be installed in a window is the window slider, which allows the portable unit ductwork to exhaust into the outside air. The window slider component is so compact that it can fit into the smallest of windows. The window slider component, which comes with the portable unit window installation kit, can shrink down to fit a narrow sliding window or expand to fit a large sliding window. The component features a hole the size of the duct into which the duct attaches. After the window slider is inserted into the open window, the window can close on top of the window slider to hold it into place. Two L brackets can be installed at the top of the open window to prevent the window from opening. This component works for both a horizontal and vertical sliding window.

Portable Unit: Casement Window

• In the event that the small window in question is a casement window, in which two windows open away from each other like parlor doors, you can use the casement attachment that comes with some units. The casement attachment is a flat object that screws onto the end of the air conditioner duct. It’s thin enough to fit between two casement windows without creating a large opening but wide enough to allow exhaust to flow through the duct from the air conditioner effectively.

Air Cooler

• If you prefer to install a window unit into the window instead of a portable unit, take a look at an air cooler. The difference between an air cooler and an air conditioner is that an air conditioner uses cooling components and a fan to achieve coolness while an air cooler uses cold water and ice. Some air cooler units are smaller than compact air conditioner units and are meant for window installation.