Installing window AC in metal frame

26422 Views 10 Replies 6 Participants Last post by yuri, Aug 8, 2009

sato

Discussion Starter · Apr 28, 2009

Hi,

I live on the fifth floor in an apartment building where the windows have a metal frame. I bought a Frigidaire air conditioner at Best Buy and the screws and installation manual are based on a wood frame.

The screws are just for an L-shaped piece of metal designed to lock the window's position, and also screws that hold the "accordion" side panel thing in place.

I don't want to violate the lease by drilling the window, and I'm not even experienced enough to try that.

Is it really necessary to install the window lock, or is pushing the window down to meet the air conditioner enough to hold it in place? What I have now is a sort of telescoping curtain rod pushing the window down on the inside.

How else could I lock the window in place if I wanted? It seems sturdy, but I don't know...

Here's that section of the manual for clarity:

http://img512.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture5q.png

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COLDIRON

· #2 · Apr 28, 2009

Lock

It's difficult to advise how to lock window down however it must be screwed and locked someway to prevent someone from accidentally opening it due to the 5th floor location. If you have to screw into metal to install brackets do so.

We don't want it to fall and kill Innocent people walking by.

Another thing if I was lucky enough to own an apartment building I would not let Tennant's install appliances without my Facilities Department inspecting them.

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sato

Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 28, 2009

SULTINI said:
It's difficult to advise how to lock window down however it must be screwed and locked someway to prevent someone from accidentally opening it due to the 5th floor location. If you have to screw into metal to install brackets do so.

We don't want it to fall and kill Innocent people walking by.

Another thing if I was lucky enough to own an apartment building I would not let Tennant's install appliances without my Facilities Department inspecting them.

Right, locking the window down I can do with an adjustable rod or something. But what about support for the part that is hanging outside? There are no holes on the air conditioner for me to attach my own...dunno that it's necessary, or if I should just rely on the window frame to hold it.

If it did fall, it wouldn't fall into the street. That window overlooks the main entrance...so it would fall into the little side garden if it fell down perfectly. Obviously I don't want that to happen, but I don't think it would kill anyone.

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Scuba_Dave

· #4 · Apr 28, 2009

Pushing the window down will not be enough
Vibration just from trucks on the street could be enough to loosen it

You could buy a piece of plywood larger then the window
Then cut the hole out of the plywood for the AC
Screw the AC to the plywood
Buy more metal "L" braces if needed
The plywood - larger then the window !!---would prevent the AC from going out

A picture of the window would help

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COLDIRON

· #5 · Apr 28, 2009

Listen

Scuba_Dave said:
Pushing the window down will not be enough
Vibration just from trucks on the street could be enough to loosen it

You could buy a piece of plywood larger then the window
Then cut the hole out of the plywood for the AC
Screw the AC to the plywood
Buy more metal "L" braces if needed
The plywood - larger then the window !!---would prevent the AC from going out

A picture of the window would help

Listen to these guys I really don't mess around with window shakers.
I am familiar with Central residential, Commercial and Industrial.

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Scuba_Dave

· #6 · Apr 28, 2009

On of the biggest problems is getting it into the window opening without it slipping out of your grip!!

If it does fall it could hit a window ledge below you & bounced out & away from the building. Don't chance it. If it kills someone you could be charged with involuntary manslaughter & sued into the poorhouse

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sato

Discussion Starter · #7 · Apr 28, 2009

Here's a picture of the window

The AC is also sort of hanging at an angle...perhaps more of an angle than it's supposed to?

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diy50

· #8 · Aug 7, 2009

I am trying to do the same thing but the side-panel "FRAME" are smaller then my window.

ie. width of my window is 44'' but width of AC is 19" + 2 x (width of Frame =10") = 39" .

I don't know if I can buy a new Frame (the metal brackets) that holds the AC to the window.

Any ideas ?

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Scuba_Dave

· #9 · Aug 7, 2009

Many people cut a piece of plywood & paint it white & used that
Others have used acrylic

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wrangler

· #10 · Aug 8, 2009

This is a bit late to help the OP, but may help the current/future posters. This device attaches to the window frame and prevent or limit movement of the sash. I have seen them used often on old aluminum windows I have taken out to limit how far the window could be open by children. Should work fine for locking your sash in place as well.

http://www.idealtruevalue.com/servlet/the-139590/Detail

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yuri

· #11 · Aug 8, 2009

I would visit a door/window retailer and ask them if they have hardware/accessories or what they would recommend.

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