If you install a window air conditioner sideways, it won’t work as efficiently as it should, and you may face a few problems. The most significant issue is that the evaporator coil and condenser coil won’t be as effective at exchanging heat.
Heat cannot flow upward and downward efficiently when the unit is turned on its side. This means your air conditioner won’t be able to cool your room as quickly or as effectively as it would if you had it installed in the right orientation.
Additionally, the air conditioner won’t be able to dehumidify the air as efficiently. This could mean your room gets very humid, resulting in an uncomfortable environment. Furthermore, you could encounter problems with the refrigerant and compressor, which are designed for a vertical orientation.
The refrigerant could leak out of the coils and the compressor could overheat or even fail which would mean costly repair or replacement. Therefore, it’s important to install your window air conditioner in the right orientation, so all of its components can do their job correctly.
Can I put my window AC sideways?
No, you should not put your window AC sideways as it is not designed to be used that way. Most window ACs have side fins and these need to remain in their upright position while the unit is running. When the unit is in this position, the side fins are able to pull in air from the outside.
With the unit sideways, the side fins will be blocked by the wall, preventing the AC from taking in air to properly cool the room. Additionally, the unit will be unbalanced and air pressure on one side of the unit will be increased.
This could damage the AC, shortening its life and leading to a potential breakdown. For these reasons, it is not recommended that you put your window AC sideways.
Do window AC units need to be at an angle?
No, window air conditioning units do not necessarily need to be at an angle. If the unit is level with the window, there should be no issues with air conditioning. However, it will be beneficial to prop the unit up a bit with a board or brick to create a small angle.
This facilitates drainage of the unit’s condensation and keeps the unit in proper working order.
Can a window AC be tilted too much?
Yes, a window AC can be tilted too much. If a window air conditioner is tilted more than 15 degrees (30 degrees maximum), it can cause the air conditioner’s compressor to overheat, leading to failure and expensive repairs.
In addition, when a window AC is installed at an extreme angle, the condensed water is not able to drain properly, resulting in the unit dripping inside the house instead of outside. To avoid such issues, it is important to make sure that the mounting brackets for the window AC are secured and tightened properly.
Additionally, the tilt of the air conditioner should be kept at a safe angle or level to ensure correct operation and avoid potential damage.
Can you lay an air conditioner on its side?
No, you should not lay an air conditioner on its side and it is not recommended by manufacturer. Air conditioners should always be placed and stored in their upright positions. This is because of their refrigerant (the chemical inside the air conditioner that cools the air) coils.
When an AC unit is moved, it can cause the refrigerant coils to shift and become misaligned. When this happens, the air conditioner can no longer properly absorb heat from the air and in turn, will not be able to cool your home properly.
Lying the air conditioner flat on its side can also put excessive force on the internal components, putting them under more stress and shortening the lifespan. If an air conditioner needs to be moved, it is best to lift and carry it in an upright position to avoid these issues.
How long should I let my air conditioner sit after moving it?
You should let your air conditioner sit for at least 24 hours after moving it so that the oil in the compressor and the refrigerant have time to settle and not be disturbed. This will help ensure that your air conditioner is running efficiently and that no coolant is leaking as a result of being moved.
Additionally, it gives the parts time to re-stabilize and equalize in the new location. If your air conditioner has been moved over a long distance and especially if it has been subjected to jostling and vibrations, it is even more important to give it additional time to rest, up to 72 hours.
Can we keep window AC vertical?
Yes, you can keep window AC in a vertical position. If your window can’t accommodate the width of the AC unit, you may want to opt for a vertical window configuration. This means that the AC unit would be placed in a vertical position, instead of a horizontal one.
One thing to consider before keeping your window AC vertical is that the air vents should be located above the compressor unit in order to ensure sufficient cooling and optimal performance of the AC unit.
With this setup, the indoor air should be discharged from the top and hot air from the compressor should be drawn from the bottom. A few other things to consider are that the unit should be level, secure, and have enough ventilation and cooling capacity for the space.
Finally, make sure you properly install the outdoor bracket and check for any potential obstructions around the unit.
Can a window AC be stored upside down?
No, a window air conditioner should not be stored upside down. This is because when the air conditioner is flipped upside down, the refrigerant gas that is used to cool the air can leak out, potentially damaging the unit and leading to issues with performance.
Additionally, the foam gasket that is used to seal the unit in the window may become damaged when the unit is stored upside down, decreasing its efficiency and resulting in higher energy bills. For these reasons, it is best to store the air conditioner in an upright position when not in use.