Beat the Heat: Best Air Conditioner for Crank Windows

Casement Windows and AC Units

Trying to fit an AC unit into casement windows? It’s like playing Tetris with the wrong pieces. But don’t sweat it! Here’s how you can figure out the puzzle of matching your crank windows with a cool breeze from your AC.

Incompatibility Issues

Casement windows, those fancy ones that swing out instead of sliding up or down, clash with standard portable AC setups. The usual exhaust hoses that fit neatly into sliding windows turn into a nightmare with crank windows. But hold up—before you ditch the idea, there are crafty workarounds specifically for your cranky windows.

Venting Solutions

Lucky for us, there are clever ways to make an AC unit feel right at home in casement windows. Check out these popular venting materials:

• Plexiglass: Tops in durability and weather-resistant power, but it’ll hit your wallet hard.

• Cardboard: A budget-friendly option, yet flimsy and definitely not weather-proof. You’ll be fixing it every time it rains.

• Corrugated Plastic Sheets: This is the goldilocks choice—tough, weather-resistant, and won’t break the bank. Here’s your DIY blueprint:

1. Cut your corrugated sheet to fit snugly into your window opening.
2. Make a hole for the AC vent hose, a tad smaller than the layout, so it fits just right.
3. Mind the height of the AC outlet and the hose angle—you want that air flowing smoothly.
4. Lock the sheet down with some trusty masking tape.

In no time, you’ll create a waterproof DIY vent that plays nice with your casement window (Bob Vila).

Got stuck with limited options? Fear not! Look into AC models designed with casement windows in mind, or seek other cooling fixes that suit your home during those sizzling summer days. Stay cool out there!

AC Options for Casement Windows

So, you’re working with those tricky crank windows and need a way to keep cool? Let’s go through a few options that’ll help you chill out. Air conditioners come in all shapes and sizes, and we’ve got the scoop on ones that’ll fit those tall, narrow casement windows. Get comfy as we chat about casement window AC units, portable AC units, and mini-split systems.

Casement Window AC Units

First up, the casement window AC units. These guys are the oddballs of the air conditioning world, being tall and skinny—just perfect for sliding into those vertically swinging windows. You’ll have to pop the screen out and secure everything down with some trusty brackets. Heads up: these units might cost a smidge more than your average window ACs, but hey, they’re made for these unique windows, so it’s worth it.

Portable AC Units

Introducing the jack-of-all-trades in the AC world: portable units! These guys are like your go-to summer shorts—versatile and easy to work with. They come in two flavors: vented, which need an exhaust hose poking outside, and ventless, which can often be less efficient but ditch the hose drama. Some models even pack heat pumps, making them energy superheroes in the long run. Just remember, vented ones try to send hot air packing, while ventless units just hang out inside.

Mini-Split AC Units

Last but certainly not least, mini-split systems. These are like the VIP passes in AC world. They skip the window entirely and offer a breezier way to cool multiple rooms. While these units do come with a heftier price tag, you’re paying for cutting-edge cooling and installation voodoo magic.

Picking the right kind of air conditioner for your casement windows is like finding the perfect pair of jeans—you’ve got to weigh the pros and cons. Whether you’re into the specialty casement window units, the versatile portables, or the posh mini-splits, getting the installation right is key to turning your space into a relaxing oasis. We’ve got more tips and tricks in our other resources, so keep cool and explore away!

Efficiency Stuff That Matters

When you’re picking out an AC for those crank windows, thinking about how efficient it is can save you some cash and keep your place cozy. Here’s what you need to know to make a smart choice.

Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)

EER is your go-to number for figuring out how well those ACs work. It’s all about comparing how much cool breeze you get for each bit of electricity you feed it.

Window units usually don’t score as high as central ones, meaning they might guzzle more power. Busting your bill! Go for a unit with a high EER and you’ll see those electric bills take a nosedive while your house stays chill (Green Building Advisor).

Leakage Troubles

Got crank windows and AC units? Mind the sneaky air leaks! Those little gaps can sneakily let cool air escape, wrecking your efficiency game and making your living room feel like a sauna. To block out the sneaky summer heat:

• Make sure the AC unit fits like a glove.
• Plug up gaps using insulation foam or weatherstripping.

Seal it right and keep that sweet, sweet cold air inside, saving you from both sweating bullets and burning cash.

Other Cool Ways to Stay Cool

If dealing with an AC for crank windows is driving you nuts, or you’re just curious, other cooling tricks might do the job. They could cut down your need for the big bad AC.

Here’s a few cool ideas:

• Evaporative Coolers: Also called swamp coolers, they’re fantastic in dry places and can be mega-efficient—like five times more than regular ACs! (Green Building Advisor).
• Fans, Fans, Fans: Ceiling or box fans can push air around and help you cool off without emptying your wallet.
• Boost Insulation: Better insulation means keeping things nice and frosty indoors, making the AC less of a must (Doorwin Windows).

Poke around these ideas and you might stumble onto a sweet, energy-smart cooling combo that fits you and your home just right without 24/7 aircon vibes.

Installation Tips

DIY Venting Solutions

When you need to vent a portable AC unit in one of those tricky crank windows, corrugated plastic sheets might be your best friend. They’re cheap, tough, and they work wonders, according to a smart cookie from the building world (Bob Vila). These sheets let you DIY a custom venting panel that fits snugly, closing off gaps and keeping the cool in while the hot stays out.

So, give this neat trick a whirl when you’re setting up your portable AC.

Casement Window AC Installation

Getting these casement window ACs installed is a bit of a puzzle, but with the right steps, it’s all good. These units are made-to-order (like your favorite coffee) for casement windows, which is why they’re slim and tall. Here’s the play-by-play:

1. Get that window screen out of the way.
2. Open your window as wide as it goes.
3. Slide the AC unit into the frame, easy does it.
4. Lock it in place with brackets so it doesn’t do a nosedive.

Stick to the pro tips for a cool breeze and a safe space (Doorwin Windows).

Through-the-Wall AC Units

If you’re thinking long game with your heating and cooling mission, a through-the-wall AC unit is your go-to. These puppies sit right in your wall, upping your room’s air quality and cutting down on energy waste compared to window units (National Air Warehouse).

Here’s the drill for putting in a through-the-wall AC:

• Make sure to insulate around your work area, because who wants leaks?
• If you’re not a DIY daredevil, maybe call a pro to mess with your wall.

These tips can make sure your slap-up cooling system works just the way you need it. And if you’re still scoping out the best unit, check out options like casement window ac and zero in on what fits your digs best.

Specific AC Recommendations

Picking an air conditioner for crank windows is like finding the perfect-fit shoe—tricky but rewarding. Let’s dive into what might work best for you.

Frigidaire FFRS

One AC that’s always stealing the show for casement windows is the Frigidaire FFRS0822SE. Packing 8000 BTUs, it’s your sidekick for cooling spaces up to 350 square feet. Its design matches those slidey, cranky windows perfectly, so no more awkward fits. Don’t lift a finger either—with its handy remote and temperature controls, you can stay comfy from your couch! Take a peek at National Air Warehouse for more on this model.

Best Casement Window ACs

For those quirky narrow, swingy casement windows, step right up and grab a compact unit. Smooth designs like the LG LW8016ER and the Midea MAW08R1BWT slot in snugly. They might ask for a bit more on the price tag than run-of-the-mill ones, but they repay with a snugger fit and better energy manners. If you want a longer look at what’s out there, the folks at National Air Warehouse have got you covered.

Cost-Effective Options

Now, if your budget’s tightening its belt, portable ACs offer coolness in both summer and winter without breaking the bank. They come as vented and ventless creatures. Vented ones need an escape hatch (like a hose), while ventless ones are less fussy. Heck, you might lose a touch of efficiency with ventless, but the hassle-free setup is tempting. Save big on the utility bill with units like the heat pump-equipped models. Top runners in the thrifty category? Meet Whynter ARC-14S and IcyBreeze. Hop over to National Air Warehouse for more info.

Hopefully, these picks are your ticket to cool days and nights. Remember, figuring out your venting and installation is key to an AC that works like a charm.