New York City’slatest revengeful summeris in full , ruby-red - lining heat wave mode , and that means it ’s time to get serious about establish that air conditioner . Because walking into a swelter apartment after days of walk in sweltering outdoor heat makes about as much sense as walk into dealings , here ’s our ultimate guide to evaluating your apartment , purchase the right air conditioner , and installing it like the title-holder you are .
For those hot and bothered
If you do n’t already have an melodic phrase conditioner , know that your arguments against getting one wither in the sunlight with the passing of every day . As Daniel Engber pointed out in Slate , anti - AC cooling argumentsoften amount to moralisation held aloft by tawdry science . The tatty options you could get from place like Home Depot or Amazon start at just over $ 100 – though you will want to give a bit more for the long - term delivery ( and environmental karma ) you ’ll get out of an energy - efficient model . The inauguration Geizeer is even work on aportable melody conditionerthey mean to sell for $ 97 . Gadget The Sweet Home calledLG ’s $ 240 LW8016ER modelits nibble for the best zephyr conditioner , based on extensive testing . in conclusion , if you ’re concerned over whether or not the DOE cost will break off the bank , try using anonline energy calculatorto get an idea of the cost based on the output of an individual unit .
For those who have an AC already
Once you have an air conditioner , installing it is a trickier prognosis than you might realise . For one , there are certain regulating you ’ll have to make trusted you fall out . For two , you do n’t want to slice up your hired hand undefendable . Avoid doing that .
What you ’ll need
Step 1 : meet your social unit
Flickr/Brian Donovan
Most residential window unit are made with a top rail and accordion - like panels that will help keep bug and rodents out . You ’ll want to expend your screwdriver and keep abreast maker teaching to screw the top rail firmly onto the top of your air conditioner . For the side panels , you ’ll typically skid the accordion - similar panel into a course or time slot on either side of your AC . ( Be sure to insert each panel on the correct side , as sneak in them backwards on some simulation can be an irreversible cub mistake . ) The plastic or metal frames of your panel should slide into the rails you secure to the top of your building block .
footmark 2 : Set the AC safely in your window
As always , airlift with your leg when hoisting your air conditioner into your window . Be careful not to cut your hand or arm on the acuate metal grating that is common on the back of most models . Your airwave conditioner should rest over the sharpness of your windowsill at a very slight downward angle . This helps with drain of capsule as the air conditioner withdraw wet from the air . convulsion the bottom of your AC onto the rail of your window and exit the window behind the top rail of your AC , and unfold the side panel . ( While there is nostrict requirementin New York City to utilize ametal bracketto support your air conditioner from the outside , it is widely consider a best practice and will give you peace of mind , and many landlords may want or ply it themselves . )
Step 3 : ensure the unit
Here ’s where the baron practice make out in . All units should number with small-scale alloy brackets – or at least holes for screws in the unit ’s building – that allow you to lock the AC into your window underframe . With the side panels stretch out , sequester the metal brackets to them on either side , drill pilot hole into the window human body , and fasten your gaoler tightly . Do the same for any plastic holes you’re able to get along the side panels . At this point in time , your air conditioner should be firmly installed . We ’d definitely recommend introduce a froth cachet between your two window panels to verify your coolheaded melodic line does n’t get out . you may get one forless than $ 15and they often come with the packaging .
As an added forethought , you might also consider fasten a smallmetal strut like thisto ensure your top windowpane waistcloth does not slip down behind your lower sash in the window human body .
Prevent your worst nightmare
Throughout this process , donotlet yourAC unit fall out of your window , especially if your apartment faces the street . Using the said secure metal bracket will go a long way to assuaging everyone ’s fears of this . It actually does n’t befall that often . Typically theowner of the unit is liable for any injury or damagessustained via falling air conditioner – not the superintendent or building manager who might install it for you .
If that freaks you out…
You could also just get aproto do it . Or ask your superintendent . Or chill off in other ways . If you subsist in New York City , you could run into any of thesebeaches without a car , or a pool , so long as you ’re aware of thehealth risks of public pool facilities . Box rooter are cheaper and consume far less muscularity than melodic phrase conditioners , so there ’s no reason to say no to them . And if all else fails , booking a lake vacationorhiking on a glacierare never speculative ideas .
Just stay nipping .
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