I have a small room, about 100 sq ft, that needs air conditioning
badly. The room is too small for a floor model and split models are
too expensive (and not sized very well for the window either), and
it's a rental so I can't punch a hole in the wall. There are two
windows in the room with the screened opening (slide removed) that
measure about 20" HIGH and 16" WIDE. I've found some small window air
conditioners that may fit in the window if they are oriented to 90
degrees. I've found several of their installation manuals, and
NOWHERE do I see ANY comments regarding if it is OK or not to rotate a
window air conditioner 90 to install it in a window that is taller
than it is wide. Neither a "yes this works" or "no you can't do
that." I've been unable to locate a window air conditioner of the
"casement" type that apparently tend to be for horizontally sliding
windows that is anywhere as small as I need for this window.

I'm rather amazed, frankly. I doubt I am the first person to want to
insert a small window air conditioner at a different orientation than
in the pictures on the box and in the manual. My gut tells me that
rotation might be a problem if the air-conditioner has some mechanical
functions that are dependent on gravity, such as condensation water
draining or something like that, but I'm no refrigeration expert so I
don't know if there really is any problem in rotating one. The fact
that there's no caution regarding orientation OR suggestion that you
can in fact do it leaves me mystified as to if there is an issue
regarding it or not.

One model in particular I'm looking at is the Frigidaire FAX054p7a.

Does anyone have any idea if a window air conditioner will still
operate properly if rotated by 90 degrees? Any reason why not if not?


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