How to Seal an Air Conditioner Window Gap

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A consistent flow of cool, dry air emerges from the vents of your window air conditioner. However, when drafts are present in high quantities, they can make you feel cold and uncomfortable inside your home.

To cover any breaches in windows and seal an air conditioner window gap, you must purchase a pressure regulator with the assistance of a technician. Installing weather stripping around the window frame and using foam sealant tape across the apertures can also assist.

Cold air has traditionally been linked to allergy attacks and other respiratory system problems; thus, a draft near an open window could damage your health. But this article will explain how to block a draft from a window air conditioner. So, let’s get down to business.

Why is There a Draft From Window Air Conditioner? 

AC Unit in Window

Here are the causes of drafts in air conditioners:

Temperature Difference

Warmer surfaces, such as a wall or a rooftop, radiate heat, resulting in a typical temperature or pressure differential between the interior, where the heat source is, and outdoors, where standard heating systems are not present.

But if the windows were not correctly placed or the gasket leaked, the cooling effect would be lost.

Pressure Difference

As they attempt to decrease the inner temperature of the house, air conditioners also produce heat, resulting in a pressure difference between the inside and outside.

Furthermore, placing these window air conditioners too close to a window generates drafts since warm air from within escapes through an opening near the machines. It is replaced by cold outside air drawn into the room by a working AC unit.

How to Stop the Draft

Your alternatives are simple in both weather crises and residences with illegally fitted A/C units: either get rid of these appliances or move them far enough away from your window to eliminate the draft problem.

However, variables such as the situation above can cause many problems because you may want to leave your air conditioner on for comfort.

So to stop the draft from the window air conditioner:

  • To eliminate temperature changes in your room, invest in a pressure regulator for your air conditioner or get guidance from an HVAC specialist.
  • Seal any cracks in windows around the location of your air conditioning unit so it may work smoothly without being hampered.
  • Install weather stripping around the window frame to keep cold air out while it is open, especially if it faces outwards from your home.
  • Install curtains in front of any windows where your air conditioner is to keep the chilly air out of rooms you don’t want it in.
  • Make a draft shield and place it in front of an open window in your home.
  • If you have large windows that are open most of the time or if you’re going on vacation and wish to leave your house unattended, invest in automated curtain rods.
  • Use foam sealant tape to fill any cracks at the joints between two pieces of wood that need to be airtight.
  • Increase the insulation in your house’s walls and floors to keep cold air out when you open the doors or windows to ventilate or if you need more fresh air.
  • Purchase a modest space heater for larger rooms on freezing days when temperatures drop below 0 degrees Celsius.
  • If you don’t want to install a pressure regulator for your air conditioner, you can frequently open and close your room’s windows to keep warm air from stagnating, especially in locations with harsh weather. 

How Do You Seal the Gap Between an Air Conditioner and a Window? 

Interior of the modern office

Here is the step-by-step guide on how to seal the gap between your air conditioner and a window:

  1. Make sure you have a three-prong power outlet near your window. The cord for most air conditioners is only 6 feet long and should not be connected to extension cords as this may void your warranty.
  1. If the manufacturer allows it, ensure the extension cord is rated for appliances and have the following nearby:
    • your owner’s manual
    • a screwdriver
    • someone to assist you when lifting
    • measuring tape
    • a pencil
    • brackets and screws that came in the box
    • scissors
    • weather stripping
  1. Make sure your windows are in good functioning order before installing anything. Because they must be able to sustain the weight of your air conditioner, any decay or damage to the frame must be addressed first.
  1. Check for any debris on the windowsill that could obstruct a secure fit and make it more challenging to seal.
  1. Finally, ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
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