Window Air Conditioner Insulation

Window air conditioner insulation is important in order to keep cool air in and hot air out.

Insulating your window air conditioner can help to improve its efficiency and keep your room comfortable.

When insulating your window air conditioner, there are a few key factors to consider.

First, you’ll want to choose the right type of insulation for your specific unit and window size.

Understanding the dimensions of your window and the size of your air conditioner will help you choose the right insulation material.

Additionally, you should also take into account the climate in which you live.

If you live in a hot and humid climate, you may want to consider using a thicker insulation material to help keep the cool air in and the hot air out.

On the other hand, if you live in a cooler climate, a thinner insulation material may be sufficient.

When installing insulation, it’s important to ensure a tight seal around the edges of your window.

This will help to prevent any air leaks and maximize the effectiveness of your insulation.

By following these tips and properly insulating your window air conditioner, you can help to improve its efficiency and keep your room cool and comfortable.

Window air conditioners are a boon in hot summers, but they can let in a lot of cold air during winter. Eliminating drafts is a simple, inexpensive DIY project.

Remove the Air Conditioner

To eliminate air leaks, remove the unit and close the window. However, this may not always be practical due to the unit’s weight and difficulty in handling, which can cause it to fall when the fasteners are removed.

If you decide to remove your unit, ensure that you clean, dry, and safely store it for future use.

Seal the Air Leaks

Air leaks around window air conditioners can account for up to 25% of cold air in a room. Some gaps around the unit are easily visible, allowing air and insects to pass through freely. Smaller gaps may require the use of a smoking candle or lighter to detect.

Simply move the candle or lighter slowly around the air conditioner near the window, and the airflow will cause the smoke to flow or the flame to flicker in the presence of a draft.

You can use one or more methods to seal gaps. These include:

1. Compressible Foam: Available in strips or can be cut from larger sheets. It is usually compressed between the window sash and the air conditioner or the unit and sill.

2. Foam Tape: It has a peel and stick backing. You can install it around the perimeter of the air conditioner where it meets the window, sill, and accordion side pieces.

3. Spray Foam: It easily fills gaps up to ½”. However, it can be messy and difficult to remove. It is important to use low-expansion foam.

4. Caulking: It is used to fill gaps and cracks up to ¼”. It is highly effective and waterproof. However, it is difficult to remove.

In reality, warm air always moves to cooler areas. On still days, heat is lost to the outside. However, wind changes this dynamic and blows air into the house.

Store-bought insulation covers are also an option.

Premade insulated covers can be purchased online, at home improvement stores, and most air conditioner retailers. They are available for both interior and exterior use and come in various sizes. All covers should include fastening systems.

Many are priced at less than $20.00.

Exterior covers offer better protection as they shield the air conditioner from the elements and wind that can move them. However, installing them may be challenging or even impossible on units in apartment windows or on the second floor of a house.

Foam kits of various sizes are available for air conditioners. They come with self-adhesive strips, but these may not be weather-resistant.

To insulate your air conditioner, remove the cover from the housing and fill any open areas with plastic to prevent wind and water from entering. Then, cut a piece of soft foam (around half an inch to one inch thick) to fit the size of the air conditioner housing and wrap it around the unit. Use duct tape or packing tape to hold it in place.

Another area to insulate is the pleated side pieces of the air conditioner. Cut pieces of foam to cover these areas and tape them to the window sash, sill, window frame, and air conditioner. This will help prevent warm air from escaping.

Anyone with a sewing machine and talent can make a cover from a padded moving blanket. Sewing elastic around the open end creates a snug fit and easy installation. Any thick, padded material that resists wind and moisture will work as well.

Terry Schutz is a freelance writer specializing in home renovations, DIY advice, and construction. He has over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, working as an installer, manager, salesperson, and business owner.