Replace casement window with single-hung window for air conditioner

8 years ago

I want to install an air conditioner in one of my windows. I currently have a set of 3 casement windows which consist of a center crank out unit and 2 fixed windows on either side. Each individual frame is 23" x 63" (the glass portion is 19" x 59"). I will require either a single or double-hung window that can slide up so that I can install my air conditioner on the widow sill. Can I replace just one of the fixed windows with a single/double-hung window or do I have to replace the entire group of 3 windows with the new type? -thanks-

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DavidR

8 years ago

Sophie, the OP didn't say why he wanted to install a room air conditioner, and I think it's a stretch to assume it's because his home HVAC system isn't doing its job. Not everyone has or wants central air conditioning.

As it happens, for example, I have 2 rooms with air conditioners in my house. That's intentional. One gets used regularly, the other only a few times per year.

This setup works for me. And if someone (say, a guest in my home) tried to tell me that I should upgrade my HVAC system because my room air conditioners didn't meet his standards, he probably wouldn't get invited back.

For the record, I agree that a mini-split would do the OP well. One of my air conditioners is a mini-split, and I like it. But it was outrageously expensive. I bit the bullet because I needed an especially quiet system.

I hope installers have come to their senses since I had mine installed, but at the time, the installation cost over $1000. I had other quotations in the $2000 range. From what I could tell, they wanted about the same fee as they charged for a central air conditioner.

In many other places I know of where mini-splits are popular -- Asia, South America, the Middle East, even Puerto Rico -- getting one installed usually costs around $100-300. I don't know about the EU.

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Comments (9)

millworkman
8 years ago
Pictures? However I would replace all 3. Are they all ganged together, if so absolute replace all 3. If seperate openings you could technically replace 1 only but the look would not be good. Or you buy a casement aire conditioner.............
thinkdesignlive
8 years ago
Why monkey with the windows at all if you can do something like this...
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Sammy
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
thinkdesignlive:

Here’s the photo you tried to post of the room showing a ductless mini-split air conditioner, which, I agree, if feasible, is a better solution than replacing a window to install a window AC unit:
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thinkdesignlive
8 years ago
That’s weird Sammy...I see the picture in my post. Hmmmm houzz gremlins at work I guess.
w0lley32
8 years ago
They make narrow air conditioners for windows just like yours. I think mine is around 19" wide. The movable sash is held in place with two brackets that just pop into their hinges. You remove that, remove the sash and install the air conditioner.

Here's one example:

http://airconditionercanada.com/airconditioners/FFRS10C2Q1-Frigidaire.html
Jim
Original Author
8 years ago
I am also looking into a ductless air conditioner to supplement my current system. However, my HVAC technician said that it might not be feasible as there is an issue with how to drain the system.
klem1
8 years ago
Your HVAC tech worry's me Jim. I feel safe in saying any wall that is suitable for a window unit wouldn't present a challenge for draining a MS. I also question mounting the window unit on window sill after going to all the trouble and expense of completely rebuilding the opening. A window unit 6' above floor is aproximatly 20% more efficient than at 3'. Unless room has too many windows anyhow,I would cut hole in wall,frame it to unit and leave window as is.
User
8 years ago
How about fixing the actual root problem that your home’s AC isn’t properly configured?