Knowledge Builders

can you run a window air conditioner on its side

by Jaqueline Dicki Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
image

Here are the reasons why you should not turn your air conditioner sideways:

  • 1. The Compressor Will Burnout Leading to a Possible Fire The compressor uses gears and other parts to compress the refrigerant, already in a gaseous state. ...
  • 2. Rainwater Can Enter the Air Conditioner When you look at a window air conditioner, you will notice vents on the sides and the bottom used for ventilation. ...
  • 3. Condensation May Drain Improperly

Window air conditioners should never be installed or turned sideways. While shipping a window air conditioner, there are chances of turning or storing it sideways. Never attempt to keep it that way. Doing so will affect the function of your air conditioner and may also cause accidents.Jul 26, 2022

Full Answer

Can a window AC unit be installed sideways?

Can A Window AC Units Be Installed Sideways? (Find Out Now!) Air conditioners have grown to be an essential part of our summertime necessities. However, they don’t always fit as one would expect them to. That, therefore, then begs the question of whether you could install an air conditioner vertically. It should work the same, right? Wrong.

How to run an air conditioner without a window?

If you have a window but don’t have conditions to set the AC in it, you can run the AC by setting the air pipes in your window and keeping the AC inside. A ventilator can also work to vent the hot air and bring air inside the machine. A chimney can also be used as an air passing system of AC.

What happens if you run window AC inside the room?

Here’s what happens if you still do it. AC drains the hot air from inside and releases outside air in the room after several steps of processing. When you run window AC inside the room, it takes room air and releases after processing. But the hot air and cool air do not get separated.

Can you run an air conditioner on its side?

Air conditioners can be turned on their side for shipping and storage, but they should never be run or installed that way. All air conditioners are also dehumidifiers, and the dehumidification system relies on gravity to take water away from the unit and drain it from the bottom of...

image

How does a window air conditioner work?

Window air conditioners, just like all other air conditioners, dehumidify the air to improve indoor comfort. The air conditioner pulls indoor air in and blows it across cold copper coils filled with refrigerant. These coils "sweat" the humidity in the air in the form of condensation. This condensation drips, through gravity, down into a condensation pan. If an air conditioner is positioned on its side, this water will drain down into the case, potentially damaging the unit and leaking water back into the home.

What happens when an air conditioner is turned on its side?

When an air conditioner is turned on its side, this oil settles on the bottom half of the compressor and potentially deprives part of the compressor of oil, which can lead to damage and, eventually, compressor burnout.

Can sideways installation damage compressor?

Sideways Installation Could Damage the Compressor. The compressor of an air conditioner is a bit like a small electric motor in that it has gears and turning parts that require lubrication. The lubrication in the air conditioner compressor comes in the form of oil, typically located in the compressor case itself.

Do you have to set a lubricant on its side when moving?

When you move the unit to the location where you plan to install it, you may have to set it on its side temporarily prior to setting it in place.

Do air conditioners work on their side?

Air conditioners only work if they are installed upright. Air conditioners can be turned on their side for shipping and storage, but they should never be run or installed that way. All air conditioners are also dehumidifiers, and the dehumidification system relies on gravity to take water away from the unit and drain it from the bottom ...

Can You Install A Window Air Conditioner Sideways?

If you would put a window AC on the window sill sideways and turn it on, it would work normally. The only thing you need to check is if the airflows are OK. If you block any airflows, it’s not OK to put a window AC sideways.

Vertical Window AC Units For Narrow Windows

In a standard window AC unit, the majority of components are positioned horizontally. Evaporator coils run from left to right, condensation coils run from left to right, the fan motor is positioned next to the fan, and so on. That’s why we get the standard wide look of window AC units.

Why Must my AC Unit be upright and level?

The need for a window air conditioning unit to be upright and level is directly related to how the air conditioner works. There are several reasons that the unit be installed upright and level for proper operation.

What are the Possible Solutions?

Fortunately, there are several viable solutions when a conventional air conditioner mount doesn’t work in your space. You might consider one of these options rather than try to mount a window air conditioning unit vertically.

A Correct Installation is the Only Way to Go

According to the manufacturer’s instructions, installing your window air conditioner is the only safe way to ensure that your AC unit functions properly. In any case, if your AC unit is new, the warranty requires that you install the unit according to the manufacturer’s directions.

How Does a Window Air Conditioner Work?

Most people would think that air conditioners work by cooling the air in a room, which is not valid. Air conditioners work by removing heat from a room.

What Will Happen if I Turn the Window Air Conditioner Sideways?

Primarily, the components which facilitate cooling would not function as expected. Here are the reasons why you should not turn your air conditioner sideways:

Installing a Window AC for Windows that Opens Sideways

Some window air conditioners can fit into a double-hung, enabling them to open sideways. There are six easy steps to install air conditioners that open sideways.

Can You Put a Horizontal Air Conditioner in a Vertical Window?

No, you cannot put a horizontal air conditioner in a vertical window. It is recommended to put an air conditioner in a vertical window only when it has a vertical design. Besides, the window slides must open from side to side and not up and down.

Can You Put an Air Conditioner in a Horizontal Window?

Yes, you can install an air conditioner in a horizontal window. A flat window implies a window that slides left and right instead of up and down. Installing an air conditioner in a horizontal window is similar to installing an air conditioner in a vertical sliding window.

Conclusion

As we have seen above, you cannot install a window air conditioner on the side. If you attempt to do this, you will interfere with the air conditioner’s functionality, which is hazardous. Always follow the guidelines effectively to avoid future problems.

What If My Air Conditioner Was Shipped On Its Side?

Having your AC shipped on its side is not the same as installing your air conditioner on its side. This is because this isn’t a permanent solution, and you aren’t running the unit while it’s being shipped. However, you still want to take extra steps in the installation process, such as letting your unit sit horizontally for 24 hours before turning it on. This allows the oils to go back to their rightful places to re-lubricate the gears before you run them.

Why do air conditioners have vents?

Finally, your air conditioner has ventilation grates on both sides and the bottom of the unit, which helps to ensure airflow so that the unit doesn’t overheat and also so that it can blow out the hot air that’s removed from the home. If you were to lay the air conditioner on its side, rainwater could get into your AC and ruin this process which would then cause your air conditioner to overheat and even catch fire.

Why does an air conditioner blow cold air into a room?

This is done because the air conditioner will draw the indoor air across the copper coils that contain refrigerant.

What happens if you turn a compressor sideways?

Now, if you turn it sideways, those oils will settle into the bottom part of the compressor, which will cause the gears to grind, and the compressor will eventually burn out.

Is it bad to put an air conditioner on the side?

Dangers Of Installing Your Air Conditioner Sideways. The main danger of having your air conditioner on its side is the possibility of freon leaking onto your wall, carpet, curtains, bed, or whatever it is that’s under your air conditioner.

Is it bad to install an air conditioner vertically?

There are many reasons why it’s a horrible idea to install your air conditioner vertically, but they all lead to the fact that this will break your air conditioner. Not only will it make your air conditioner break down, but it is also hazardous. To help you understand even more why this is a bad idea, we’ve elaborated on some of the potential issues to give you a better picture of what might happen if you install it sideways.

Do you need a platform for an air conditioner?

However, you will need to add a platform on the outside of the window frame to get the air conditioner to sit in there correctly with no problems. This is because a casement window frame is a bit more narrow than your standard window frame. This is especially true if you live in a manufactured home. You can expect to pay a little more for a casement air conditioner than you would a traditional air conditioner.

How window air conditioners operate

Though the window air conditioner is technically inside, the back part of the unit, which contains the compressor and condensation drain hole, is meant to be outside. This is so that the hot air can be vented outside and so that the drain drip can drip outside.

Can you run a window air conditioner inside?

A window air conditioner is meant to be placed in a window opening for it to work optimally to cool down a space. There may be situations, however, where one does not have a window to install the window AC.

What should I do if a window AC cannot run inside?

Sometimes it is better to be safe than sorry, and if you find that the above methods are too demanding or risky to perform, then you may want to opt for ventless portable air coolers. These devices do not need to be vented outside and they use water or ice to cool the air in the room.

Can a window AC be installed horizontally?

A window air conditioner can be installed horizontally in some circumstances, but it is not recommended. Horizontal installation puts extra strain on the unit and can cause it to leak.

Why does an air conditioner need to sit for 24 hours after you install or move it?

An air conditioner needs to sit for 24 hours after you install or move it because the coolant needs time to settle.

How do you make a window air conditioner frame?

The unit is supported by brackets that are attached to the window frame.

Can you put an air conditioner on its side?

Yes, you can put an air conditioner on its side, but make sure there is nothing blocking the airflow.

What happens if you lay an AC on its side?

Permanent damage to the AC can occur if it is laid on its side. This is because the Freon gas can leak out of the compressor.

How long can portable AC be on its side?

As it will depend on the make and model of your portable air conditioner. It is generally advisable, however, to avoid storing your portable AC unit on its side for extended periods of time.

How long should an AC unit sit after moving?

Typically, an AC unit should sit for around 24 hours after being moved before it is turned on. This allows the unit to settle into its new location and prevents any damage that could occur from moving it.

Why do we need a window AC unit?

A window AC unit is a great way to cool your home effectively. Window AC units are usually much more efficient than other cooling methods because they focus on one specific area at a time. We recommend using a window AC unit as it is intended to be used. Put it in the window and make sure it is set up properly.

How Long Do Window Air Conditioners Last?

A window air conditioner will last for approximately ten to twenty years.

Why do we need vents in our house?

These vents help to make sure the cool air is properly distributed and cools the entire house.

How many sq ft is a window AC?

Window AC units are designed to cool a specific square footage. If you have a window AC unit that is capable of cooling an 850-sq-ft room and that is the size of your house, then it could work quite well. Since a window AC does not have vents throughout the house, it does not do as good a job of evenly distributing cool air.

What happens if my air conditioner is flooded?

If the air conditioner were to get completely flooded, it could be a problem, and it may stop working altogether.

Do window AC vents work?

Since a window AC does not have vents throughout the house, it does not do as good a job of evenly distributing cool air. When you have a central air conditioning system, there are vents located throughout the entire house. These vents help to make sure the cool air is properly distributed and cools the entire house.

Can you use a window AC unit in a house?

You can use a window AC unit in the house, but it will require modifications. Placing a standard window AC unit in the middle of the room and expecting it to cool the room will leave you disappointed. This is not how a window AC unit works, and in fact, if you try this process, you will very likely heat up the room you are trying to cool.

image

1.Can You Run a Window Air Conditioner Inside? (Explained)

Url:https://homeapricot.com/can-you-run-window-air-conditioner-inside/

17 hours ago Yes, it is possible to use a window air conditioner without a window. For that hot air of the AC must be released outside through a pipe. If you have a window but don’t have conditions to set …

2.Videos of Can You Run a Window Air Conditioner On Its side

Url:/videos/search?q=can+you+run+a+window+air+conditioner+on+its+side&qpvt=can+you+run+a+window+air+conditioner+on+its+side&FORM=VDRE

24 hours ago You can run a window AC sideways for a short time. However, we are not aware of how running a window AC sideways would affect (shorten) its lifespan. As you can see here, …

3.Can You Put A Window Air Conditioner In Sideways?

Url:https://learnmetrics.com/can-you-put-a-window-air-conditioner-in-sideways/

34 hours ago The vents on the window air conditioner are placed on the sides to protect from rainwater incursion. Turning your air conditioner on its side puts the side vents on top where …

4.Can You Put An Air Conditioner Sideways In A Window?

Url:https://upgradedhome.com/can-you-put-an-air-conditioner-sideways-in-a-window/

28 hours ago  · You cannot also turn the air conditioner on its side to fit a window. By doing this, you will eventually destroy the appliance. Dangers of Installing a Horizontal Air …

5.Can Window Air Conditioners be Installed Sideways?

Url:https://homeinspectioninsider.com/window-air-conditioners-installed-sideways/

20 hours ago While it’s safe to lay an air conditioner on its side for shipping, it’s not safe to install it and run it while it’s on its side. This can cause the freon to leak, as well as damage the air compressor. …

6.Can A Window AC Units Be Installed Sideways? (Find …

Url:https://upgradedhome.com/can-window-ac-units-be-installed-sideways/

26 hours ago  · It is important to bear in mind that without applying the necessary modifications, you cannot run the window air conditioner inside as it will only warm up the space instead of …

7.Can you run a window air conditioner inside? - Best …

Url:https://bestairconph.com/can-you-run-a-window-air-conditioner-inside/

16 hours ago The unit is supported by brackets that are attached to the window frame. Can you put an air conditioner on its side? Yes, you can put an air conditioner on its side, but make sure …

8.How do you use a window air conditioner with a …

Url:https://www.remodelormove.com/how-do-you-use-a-window-air-conditioner-with-a-horizontal-sliding-window/

22 hours ago  · Leave the air conditioner unplugged for at least 24 hours before use. If you’re wondering, “Can you lay down a portable air conditioner,” we have your answer. Never place a …

9.Can You Use A Window AC Unit Inside The House?

Url:https://www.thecoldwire.com/can-you-use-a-window-ac-unit-inside-the-house/

17 hours ago

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9