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Pete C.
 
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Default portable air conditioner? Window/Water issues

Chris Lewis wrote:

According to Edwin Pawlowski :

wrote in message


I like the idea of the portable AC unit. I know traditional AC people
cringe. I saw brands like Royal Sovereign and WindChaser in the $300
range. Anyone know about reliability with these brands?


They don't work as well as regular window units and they cost 3X as much.
Newer AC's are lighter and can be pulled out quickly if need be. Properly
installed, you should get no water. I've had different ones in different
windows for 40 years and never had a leak or drip. It must be level.


Some should be slightly tipped down towards the outside to ensure that
the condensate drips out the back instead of overflowing out the front.
1/4" should do it.

It's generally better to have a custom hole cut for the AC than trying
to adapt it to a window opening, because a pre-existing window opening
is usually vastly too big, you're trying to balance the thing on window
jambs, and their flashing arrangements seldom work well.

Ours are openings cut thru stick/vinyl siding, fully flashed and properly
vapor barriered, just like a window, with supporting brackets to ensure
that they don't move, and insulation stuffed in the gaps.

One of them is screwed in place using angle iron. It ain't going nowhere,
and neither of them have ever leaked moisture. But they are under eaves
with too many trees around for direct wind impact.

You may want to consider an awning over the window. Keeps the rain off of
it and keeps the AC cooler.


A good idea if you're insisting on a window opening.
--
Chris Lewis, Una confibula non set est
It's not just anyone who gets a Starship Cruiser class named after them.


Second the through wall mounting recommendation. When mounting through
wall you can use proper flashing techniques to prevent water getting in
that are not possible with a window mount. You also don't loose the
light from and use of the window.

Pete C.