I have a number of window AC units I need to cover to stop the drafts. I
have a few covered outside with the standard covers that keep the snow out
of the grates, and slows, but do not stop the drafts. Others are covered on
the inside with tape and plastic, but again, does not really do much. Does
anybody have any suggestions for a more effective method of sealing up
window AC units?

Mike D.

Michael Dobony wrote the following:
I have a number of window AC units I need to cover to stop the drafts. I
have a few covered outside with the standard covers that keep the snow out
of the grates, and slows, but do not stop the drafts. Others are covered on
the inside with tape and plastic, but again, does not really do much. Does
anybody have any suggestions for a more effective method of sealing up
window AC units?

Mike D.


When I had window units, I removed them in the winter and closed the
windows.
Kinda like Christmas light. Put them up before Christmas and remove them
afterwards, unless you would leave them out all year, at least they
won't waste heat..


--

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
In the original Orange County. Est. 1683
To email, remove the double zeroes after @

"Michael Dobony" wrote in message
.. .
I have a number of window AC units I need to cover to stop the drafts. I
have a few covered outside with the standard covers that keep the snow out
of the grates, and slows, but do not stop the drafts. Others are covered
on
the inside with tape and plastic, but again, does not really do much. Does
anybody have any suggestions for a more effective method of sealing up
window AC units?

Mike D.

As other have posted removal is best but not always possible. Here is what
the fall routine used to be at my grand-parents house.

Secure the outside cover as tightly as possible, unplug the unit, remove
the interior grill and stuff a bunch of old towels into all the openings.

Cover the interior grill with plastic usually by folding the plastic over
and snapping it back in place.

Place a note on the unit or the unplugged power cord about the towels. Old
folks and even young ones forget.

Wasn't perfect but it served them well for about 20 years.


--
Colbyt
Please come visit www.househomerepair.com

Michael Dobony wrote in
:

I have a number of window AC units I need to cover to stop the drafts.
I have a few covered outside with the standard covers that keep the
snow out of the grates, and slows, but do not stop the drafts. Others
are covered on the inside with tape and plastic, but again, does not
really do much. Does anybody have any suggestions for a more effective
method of sealing up window AC units?

Mike D.

Are they double hung windows? If so, since the window is open for the AC,
do you also have the gap covered where the upper & lower sash meet?

Michael Dobony wrote:
I have a number of window AC units I need to cover to stop the
drafts. I have a few covered outside with the standard covers that
keep the snow out of the grates, and slows, but do not stop the
drafts. Others are covered on the inside with tape and plastic, but
again, does not really do much. Does anybody have any suggestions for
a more effective method of sealing up window AC units?


Hmm. The window shouldn't leak, winter or summer - there should not be any
intrusion of outside air through the AC unit.

Bear that in mind as you plug all the leaks.

On Jan 8, 3:51*pm, Michael Dobony wrote:
I have a number of window AC units I need to cover to stop the drafts. I
have a few covered outside with the standard covers that keep the snow out
of the grates, and slows, but do not stop the drafts. Others are covered on
the inside with tape and plastic, but again, does not really do much. Does
anybody have any suggestions for a more effective method of sealing up
window AC units?

Mike D.

Ummm, I can't imagine leaving a window unit in over the winter. Take
it out, shut the window, problem solved.

tmclone wrote:
On Jan 8, 3:51 pm, Michael Dobony wrote:
I have a number of window AC units I need to cover to stop the
drafts. I have a few covered outside with the standard covers that
keep the snow out of the grates, and slows, but do not stop the
drafts. Others are covered on the inside with tape and plastic, but
again, does not really do much. Does anybody have any suggestions
for a more effective method of sealing up window AC units?

Mike D.

Ummm, I can't imagine leaving a window unit in over the winter. Take
it out, shut the window, problem solved.

Not so easy for everyone to do that. Have you checked the weight of a
14,000 Btu window unit? Do you think every homeowner is capable of crying
one?

I take out two of mine, but the third has been in for five years now. I do
take the front cover off, put a plastic bag over the opening, then replace
the cover. Seals well enough.

On Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:59:31 -0500, wrote:

On Fri, 8 Jan 2010 14:51:05 -0600, Michael Dobony
wrote:

I have a number of window AC units I need to cover to stop the drafts. I
have a few covered outside with the standard covers that keep the snow out
of the grates, and slows, but do not stop the drafts. Others are covered on
the inside with tape and plastic, but again, does not really do much. Does
anybody have any suggestions for a more effective method of sealing up
window AC units?

Mike D.

remove them.

No windows to replace them. first though fourth story permenant installs.
total of about 14 units.

On Jan 8, 4:56*pm, Michael Dobony wrote:
On Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:59:31 -0500, wrote:
On Fri, 8 Jan 2010 14:51:05 -0600, Michael Dobony
wrote:

I have a number of window AC units I need to cover to stop the drafts. I
have a few covered outside with the standard covers that keep the snow out
of the grates, and slows, but do not stop the drafts. Others are covered on
the inside with tape and plastic, but again, does not really do much. Does
anybody have any suggestions for a more effective method of sealing up
window AC units?

Mike D.

remove them.

No windows to replace them. first though fourth story permenant installs.
total of about 14 units.

I have one that built into the wall in my workshop. I take 6mil
plastic and duct tape it to the wall around the unit. It seems to
keep the drafts out.

On Fri, 8 Jan 2010 18:03:06 -0500, Ed Pawlowski wrote:

tmclone wrote:
On Jan 8, 3:51 pm, Michael Dobony wrote:
I have a number of window AC units I need to cover to stop the
drafts. I have a few covered outside with the standard covers that
keep the snow out of the grates, and slows, but do not stop the
drafts. Others are covered on the inside with tape and plastic, but
again, does not really do much. Does anybody have any suggestions
for a more effective method of sealing up window AC units?

Mike D.

Ummm, I can't imagine leaving a window unit in over the winter. Take
it out, shut the window, problem solved.

Not so easy for everyone to do that. Have you checked the weight of a
14,000 Btu window unit? Do you think every homeowner is capable of crying
one?

I take out two of mine, but the third has been in for five years now. I do
take the front cover off, put a plastic bag over the opening, then replace
the cover. Seals well enough.

6 10,000 to 14,000 Btu units and about 8 5-8k units from 1st to 4th floor.
No double hung, all hopper permanently removed (only way to replace is to
replace the entire window and frame) and replaced w/permanent installed
window units. It took about 2 hours to replace 1 small unit.

Michael Dobony wrote:
I have a number of window AC units I need to cover to stop the drafts. I
have a few covered outside with the standard covers that keep the snow out
of the grates, and slows, but do not stop the drafts. Others are covered on
the inside with tape and plastic, but again, does not really do much. Does
anybody have any suggestions for a more effective method of sealing up
window AC units?

Mike D.

A guy I know in the appliance repair business says he just loves those
outside covers! One way or another rain or snow gets in the unit but it
doesn't have the air circulation to dry it out again. Rust and
corrosion in all kinds of places there normally isn't any. The insides
get cold overnight then the sun hits the cover and the moisture
condenses all over the place. Lots of extra work for him! And by the
way, he was talking about the ones that were built into the wall, take
the window units out for the winter.

On Jan 8, 7:04*pm, Michael Dobony wrote:


6 10,000 to 14,000 *Btu units and about 8 5-8k units from 1st to 4th floor.
No double hung, all hopper permanently removed (only way to replace is to
replace the entire window and frame) and replaced w/permanent installed
window units. *It took about 2 hours to replace 1 small unit.

I made an open ended box out of 1 1/2 foam insulation. I glued it
together and sized it to fit snugly over the unit.
This was a one-off situation though where access to the outer part was
easy. YMMV.

Ed Pawlowski wrote:
tmclone wrote:
On Jan 8, 3:51 pm, Michael Dobony wrote:
I have a number of window AC units I need to cover to stop the
drafts. I have a few covered outside with the standard covers that
keep the snow out of the grates, and slows, but do not stop the
drafts. Others are covered on the inside with tape and plastic, but
again, does not really do much. Does anybody have any suggestions
for a more effective method of sealing up window AC units?

Mike D.
Ummm, I can't imagine leaving a window unit in over the winter. Take
it out, shut the window, problem solved.

Not so easy for everyone to do that. Have you checked the weight of a
14,000 Btu window unit? Do you think every homeowner is capable of crying
one?

That would make me cry. ;-)


I take out two of mine, but the third has been in for five years now. I do
take the front cover off, put a plastic bag over the opening, then replace
the cover. Seals well enough.

Ya know, that sounds like a damn good way to do it. No plastic wrap and
duct tape to see. And actually, I did have a big one in the garage
window, I think it was 18,000 BTU. I had it in the top half of a double
hung window for better circulation in the shop. I had it sort of built
in, the window wasn't holding it. No way would I have taken that sucker
out each year. It was a 240VAC comercial unit and in the spring I
opened up the outside of it and cleaned out all the leaves and other
debris before using it. I always clean out the window units too before
putting them into service again.

On Jan 8, 7:04*pm, Michael Dobony wrote:
On Fri, 8 Jan 2010 18:03:06 -0500, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
tmclone wrote:
On Jan 8, 3:51 pm, Michael Dobony wrote:
I have a number of window AC units I need to cover to stop the
drafts. I have a few covered outside with the standard covers that
keep the snow out of the grates, and slows, but do not stop the
drafts. Others are covered on the inside with tape and plastic, but
again, does not really do much. Does anybody have any suggestions
for a more effective method of sealing up window AC units?

Mike D.

Ummm, I can't imagine leaving a window unit in over the winter. Take
it out, shut the window, problem solved.

Not so easy for everyone to do that. *Have you checked the weight of a
14,000 Btu window unit? *Do you think every homeowner is capable of crying
one?

I take out two of mine, but the third has been in for five years now. *I do
take the front cover off, put a plastic bag over the opening, then replace
the cover. *Seals well enough.

6 10,000 to 14,000 *Btu units and about 8 5-8k units from 1st to 4th floor.
No double hung, all hopper permanently removed (only way to replace is to
replace the entire window and frame) and replaced w/permanent installed
window units. *It took about 2 hours to replace 1 small unit.

Remove all the units, put in energy efficient windows, install central
air, apply for all the tax credits you can, and bank the cash for when
income taxes go up in 2011 and 12.

Sure, the initial outlay will be high, but the payback period has to
be pretty short considering all of those inefficient-in-the-summer and
leaky-in-the-winter units.

On Sat, 09 Jan 2010 09:56:37 -0500, Van Chocstraw wrote:

On 01/08/2010 03:51 PM, Michael Dobony wrote:
I have a number of window AC units I need to cover to stop the drafts. I
have a few covered outside with the standard covers that keep the snow out
of the grates, and slows, but do not stop the drafts. Others are covered on
the inside with tape and plastic, but again, does not really do much. Does
anybody have any suggestions for a more effective method of sealing up
window AC units?

Mike D.

They make (or you can make) insulated covers that tightly connect to the
outside wall. Plastic doesn't stop the cold, maybe the wind sometimes.
You need good, at least 4 inch thick, covers insulated with R12
insulation and a tight connection against the siding or window molding.
Some people even build an insulated box around them that has a door to
open when they are operating. It might be worth the investment to
install centralized air conditioning instead.

It would take several centralized ac units to do this, minimum of 8 units,
2 per floor, in just one of the buildings, and another in the other
building, and then duct work for all those installed, and ceiling repairs,
probably about $50,000 worth of work.

On Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:46:24 -0500, Van Chocstraw wrote:

On 01/09/2010 10:58 AM, Michael Dobony wrote:
On Sat, 09 Jan 2010 09:56:37 -0500, Van Chocstraw wrote:

On 01/08/2010 03:51 PM, Michael Dobony wrote:
I have a number of window AC units I need to cover to stop the drafts. I
have a few covered outside with the standard covers that keep the snow out
of the grates, and slows, but do not stop the drafts. Others are covered on
the inside with tape and plastic, but again, does not really do much. Does
anybody have any suggestions for a more effective method of sealing up
window AC units?

Mike D.

They make (or you can make) insulated covers that tightly connect to the
outside wall. Plastic doesn't stop the cold, maybe the wind sometimes.
You need good, at least 4 inch thick, covers insulated with R12
insulation and a tight connection against the siding or window molding.
Some people even build an insulated box around them that has a door to
open when they are operating. It might be worth the investment to
install centralized air conditioning instead.

It would take several centralized ac units to do this, minimum of 8 units,
2 per floor, in just one of the buildings, and another in the other
building, and then duct work for all those installed, and ceiling repairs,
probably about $50,000 worth of work.

You don't need duct work. They pump the coolant to individual units
which have their own exchangers. Mitsubishi has a good system.
If one central unit can handle a hotel one should handle your case.

and hundreds of feet of refrigerant line run though cement floors where the
walls are not lined up and still requiring the total replacement of
ceilings to run the lines and high $$$$$. Will this system run 2 buildings
100' or more away from each other? If not, that means 2 systems and only 4
units in the other building, 3 on the first floor and 1 on the 3rd floor
and no walls lined up to run the lines.

On Fri, 08 Jan 2010 20:48:35 -0500, Tony wrote:

Michael Dobony wrote:
I have a number of window AC units I need to cover to stop the drafts. I
have a few covered outside with the standard covers that keep the snow out
of the grates, and slows, but do not stop the drafts. Others are covered on
the inside with tape and plastic, but again, does not really do much. Does
anybody have any suggestions for a more effective method of sealing up
window AC units?

Mike D.

A guy I know in the appliance repair business says he just loves those
outside covers! One way or another rain or snow gets in the unit but it
doesn't have the air circulation to dry it out again. Rust and
corrosion in all kinds of places there normally isn't any. The insides
get cold overnight then the sun hits the cover and the moisture
condenses all over the place. Lots of extra work for him! And by the
way, he was talking about the ones that were built into the wall, take
the window units out for the winter.

I searched the internet to confirm this problem (I also wonder about this),
but can find nothing on this. Do you have any other sources for this
problem?

Michael Dobony wrote:
On Fri, 08 Jan 2010 20:48:35 -0500, Tony wrote:

Michael Dobony wrote:
I have a number of window AC units I need to cover to stop the drafts. I
have a few covered outside with the standard covers that keep the snow out
of the grates, and slows, but do not stop the drafts. Others are covered on
the inside with tape and plastic, but again, does not really do much. Does
anybody have any suggestions for a more effective method of sealing up
window AC units?

Mike D.
A guy I know in the appliance repair business says he just loves those
outside covers! One way or another rain or snow gets in the unit but it
doesn't have the air circulation to dry it out again. Rust and
corrosion in all kinds of places there normally isn't any. The insides
get cold overnight then the sun hits the cover and the moisture
condenses all over the place. Lots of extra work for him! And by the
way, he was talking about the ones that were built into the wall, take
the window units out for the winter.

I searched the internet to confirm this problem (I also wonder about this),
but can find nothing on this. Do you have any other sources for this
problem?

No, sorry. Just one guy who owns a chain of appliance repair centers.

On Jan 8, 3:51*pm, Michael Dobony wrote:
I have a number of window AC units I need to cover to stop the drafts. I
have a few covered outside with the standard covers that keep the snow out
of the grates, and slows, but do not stop the drafts. Others are covered on
the inside with tape and plastic, but again, does not really do much. Does
anybody have any suggestions for a more effective method of sealing up
window AC units?

Mike D.

Rigid foam insulation, plastic and duck tape. My shop AC unit isnt in
a window, just a hole in the wall. I box it in with 3/4 inch rigid
foam and then wrap it with plastic and duck tape.

Jimmie

Michael Dobony wrote:

A guy I know in the appliance repair business says he just loves
those outside covers! One way or another rain or snow gets in the
unit but it doesn't have the air circulation to dry it out again.
Rust and corrosion in all kinds of places there normally isn't any.
The insides get cold overnight then the sun hits the cover and the
moisture condenses all over the place. Lots of extra work for him!
And by the way, he was talking about the ones that were built into
the wall, take the window units out for the winter.

I searched the internet to confirm this problem (I also wonder about
this), but can find nothing on this. Do you have any other sources
for this problem?

I've heard and experienced the same with my gas grill too. Thre seems to be
something to it.

Ed Pawlowski wrote:
Michael Dobony wrote:
A guy I know in the appliance repair business says he just loves
those outside covers! One way or another rain or snow gets in the
unit but it doesn't have the air circulation to dry it out again.
Rust and corrosion in all kinds of places there normally isn't any.
The insides get cold overnight then the sun hits the cover and the
moisture condenses all over the place. Lots of extra work for him!
And by the way, he was talking about the ones that were built into
the wall, take the window units out for the winter.
I searched the internet to confirm this problem (I also wonder about
this), but can find nothing on this. Do you have any other sources
for this problem?

I've heard and experienced the same with my gas grill too. Thre seems to be
something to it.


Why do you think they make such a point about car covers being
'breathable' these days? They can only shrink-wrap boats because they
are plastic. Anything metal inside a plastic bag, that is subject to
temp and humidity swings, WILL rot and rust.

In OP's case, with the the thru-wall (real or converted window units?),
I'd make air-tight lids for the inside to stop drafts, and treat the
units as expendable, and just plan on replacing them every 7-10 years.
That is what motels do. Make sure the weep holes are unplugged, and the
unit has the right slope so no condensation ponds build up inside.

--
aem sends....