Can You Put Furniture in Front of a Window AC Unit?

A window AC unit is one of the essential household gadgets. In addition to its portability, a window AC unit is easy to install and guarantees fresh air so that you can relax in the hottest months of the year. But does placing furniture in front of the AC have any adverse effects?

It would be best if you didn’t put furniture in front of a window AC because the appliance requires some space to circulate air. Furniture can interfere with this process. If you need to place something near the AC, make sure to maintain a distance of at least 20 inches.

Let’s look at how much clearance a window AC unit requires and why you shouldn’t put furniture in front of it. We’ll also cover some other installation and placement tips so that you can get the most out of your AC unit.

How Much Clearance Does a Window AC Unit Need?

AC Unit in Window

When installing an air conditioner, you should maintain a 20-inch clearance around it. This is because a window AC needs ample space to suck and release air for excellent circulation. There shouldn’t be anything interfering with that process.

It’s always best to check your manufacturer’s guidelines regarding the clearance necessary for your specific unit. If there are no guidelines, 20 inches is a good rule.

Ensure there is no object blocking the vents or airflow.

Other Tips for Window AC Installation & Placement

Air conditioner build into wall

You can implement several tips and tricks for proper window AC installation and placement. These measures ensure your AC can function properly.

1. Get the Right Power Source

Each window AC unit has a recommended power requirement depending on the AC’s cooling ability and energy efficiency. The former is measured in British Thermal Unit (BTU) while the latter is in EER.

A unit with a higher power efficiency means less power consumption. On the other hand, a bigger room requires more BTUs. Therefore, when choosing your power source, consider these two factors to ensure the window AC can properly and efficiently cool the room.

A quick solution is to check the manufacturer’s recommendation, but you can also calculate the power needed with an online BTU calculator.

2. Consider the Measurements

Each window AC unit has specific measurements that should be based on the room being cooled and the width of the window where it will be placed. Both of these measurements can be found in the instruction manual.

The room measurement is typically a maximum, so make sure your room size falls within the manufacturer’s recommendation.

We recommend that you check the measurements out before installation to ensure the AC unit will serve the room perfectly. If you install a window AC that can’t handle the space, your room will always feel hot, and you’ll likely use lots of power to run the AC with limited results.

3. Get Help for the Installation

A window AC unit is relatively heavy, and because it needs to be installed in the window, there’s a high risk of dropping it. This is especially the case if you’re doing it alone or if you’re not sure exactly how it works.

We recommend that you call in a technician or have a friend or family member help you install it for enhanced safety.

4. Choose the Window Wisely

Not every window suits a window AC unit. Sliding windows don’t work well for most AC units, as they require double-hung windows. Corner windows are also not ideal; they may be noisy due to the echo created.

Make sure you have a three-pronged socket available near the window you intend. It’s also important to note that you should connect your AC directly to a socket, not via an extension cord.

5. Ask Before You Install

If you live in an apartment or a similar residence, you shouldn’t install a window AC without seeking the management’s approval. In many cases, these buildings won’t allow such installations mainly due to the safety hazard of them falling and the effect on the aesthetics of the building.

6. Use the Security Bracket

You should install the security bracket when fixing your window AC, also known as the window locking bracket. This bracket helps to keep the window locked and prevents it from being raised. If your unit didn’t come with a bracket, you could use the Jeacent Support Bracket (on Amazon).

7. Proper Placement

The window AC unit should be placed some distance away from the window frame. This allows for more airflow and efficient cooling. And as we discussed earlier, you should also avoid placing any furniture or object that may block airflow from or into the AC to prevent hot air from being circulated in the room.

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