Window models of air conditioners are monoblock devices for air cooling, which are mounted in the window frame. As a rule, they are used in the summer period of the year, and are turned off or dismantled for the winter.

With the advent of plastic double-glazed windows and split systems, monoblocks have lost their popularity. The fact is that installing a window air conditioner in a plastic window is more difficult than in a wooden frame. At the same time, it is very important not to spoil the double-glazed window and not to reduce its tightness.

In this material, we will try to rehabilitate monoblock climate systems and tell you how to mount them in modern frames with your own hands.

Monoblock air conditioners

To begin with, you should understand the design and principle of operation of window air conditioners. For the most part, such coolers are monoblock devices. This means that all the main structural details are in a single block. This is the main feature of window coolers and their main difference from split systems.

Window models of air conditioners are installed in a special hole in the window frame made of wood or PVC. They draw air from the street, purify and cool it and supply it to the room. Such models are quite effective for small apartments, have low noise performance and aesthetic appearance.

Small mobile air conditioners

Monoblock devices also include mobile mini-coolers that can be installed in rooms where there is access to a window. Air is supplied to the device through a special hose, which is discharged into the open window sash. As a rule, small window air conditioners for the home are installed for the summer season in an apartment or in a country house. Among the disadvantages of such models can be called a bulky appearance and high noise performance.

Installation of a window monoblock

Proper installation of a window air conditioner with your own hands is quite difficult, but possible. It is best to install a monoblock during the repair of the opening or when replacing a double-glazed window. In this section, we have listed the basic rules for installing such climate control equipment.

Mounting tool kit

Installing a monoblock in a plastic window is a rather time-consuming process that will require an impressive set of tools. Many of them can be found in every home, but some parts will have to be bought specifically. We list the minimum set of tools for mounting the cooler:

• Hammer drill or percussion type drill.
• A set of drills and cartridges for various materials.
• Electric jigsaw.
• Metal file.
• A set of chisels.
• Level.
• Bulgarian or a special nozzle for a drill with a cutting wheel.
• Corners of internal type and flat for furniture.
• Silicone based sealant.
• Paint and brush.

The location of the device is an important factor that directly affects the efficiency of the window air conditioner. Therefore, before installing a monoblock, you must carefully select a place for its placement. In this case, you should be guided by the following rules:

• To begin with, it is worth visually inspecting the frames of the window opening, since they will become the basis for mounting the device. Bolts, mounting brackets and corners of sufficient strength are used as fasteners. If you are not sure about the strength of the frames, you need to strengthen them in the possible ways.
• When choosing a place for air conditioning, you need to consider a mechanism for removing condensate. In order for condensate not to linger inside the case, it must be placed with a slight slope towards the street - by 1–2.5 cm.
• The interior of the monoblock should not be blocked by furniture - this will prevent proper air circulation and may affect the performance of the device. And also, you should not place the cooler close to people's resting places - above a sofa, bed or table.
• On the sides of the monoblock, you must leave free space for unhindered access when servicing the device.

Installation algorithm

The process of installing a window air conditioner with your own hands consists of several important steps. They need to be followed both for self-assembly and for professional installation.

The first stage: preparation of the window opening and frame

If the air conditioner is installed directly into a double-glazed window, it is worth choosing such an arrangement of the device in order to avoid gaps between the body and the frame. Modern monoblocks are made according to standard sizes of plastic window sashes, so this requirement is easy to fulfill if the frame has standard dimensions.

Stage two: Fixing the case

To install a window monoblock, due to its considerable weight, a bracket is required. The bracket is attached to the wall and takes all the load from the weight of the device.

The monoblock should be positioned in such a way that the “street part” protrudes outward at a distance of at least 25-30 cm. It is worth taking care of the reliable fastening of the device and its exact alignment with the frame. Otherwise, the cooler will make noise during operation and may break.

When installing the case, do not forget about a small angle of inclination towards the street. It is also necessary to monitor the serviceability of the drainage pipe through which the condensate will be discharged to the outside. If there is a kink or bend in the tube, it must be leveled to avoid air pockets.

It is important to provide protection from sunlight and rain for the outside of the cooler. This can be done with the help of special visors that will close the body of the device at an angle.

So, to carry out the installation of a monoblock, it is necessary to perform the following actions:

• Remove the glass from the frame or the entire frame.
• Install bracket.
• Install monoblock.
• Seal the gaps between the frame and the device.

Step three: Power connection

The window air conditioner can be connected to the power supply using a separate wire and switch. The power of the device should be selected depending on the capabilities of a particular room. And it is also necessary to ensure that the wiring meets the operating requirements specified in the instructions for the device.

Window air conditioners can rightfully be attributed to one of the very first devices in the air conditioning group. Installing a window air conditioner with your own hands is a fairly simple procedure and quite doable with your own hands without the involvement of specialized organizations.

Which air conditioner do you prefer

The choice of window air conditioners today is truly great. You should choose a device that suits you in terms of power. Depending on this parameter, the area of ​​the cooled air will also depend. If you listen to the recommendations of experts, then the device should be bought "with a margin", for reinsurance.

If we talk about specific manufacturing firms, then it is desirable to prefer the models of Japanese firms. They have been a leader among manufacturers of air conditioning devices for several years now. Japanese manufacturers at a very reasonable price provide reliable and durable devices that will work properly for many years.

The cost of the device primarily depends on the power of the air conditioner and the availability of additional options. There are also very small and compact devices that can be installed directly in the window.

Installation steps

It is worth noting that these devices are still one of the most common among air conditioning devices today. High demand is due to the small compact size, rather high efficiency and reliability of the devices themselves.

The design itself is a single block in which all the mechanisms are located. Typically, the device is installed in a specially prepared opening for it, and the device itself should be somewhat smaller than the opening, approximately 15 cm on each side.

Do-it-yourself installation of a window air conditioner should be done in such a way that the place under the air conditioner has a high protection against rain getting inside. It is advisable to place the device in the shade in order to completely exclude the rays of the sun from falling on it.

The device has special shutters through which air is taken. Usually they are located in the upper part of the case. They should not be covered or cluttered with anything, which will subsequently lead to the failure of a small installation.

1. In a pre-prepared wall opening for the device, a special frame is installed, which has slopes made of steel corners.
2. The frame is fixed in such a way that the outer edge is slightly lower relative to the inner edge of the frame, that is, you need to make a slight slope. In the future, this will make draining condensate from the device faster and more convenient.
3. The gaps between the walls of the opening and the device itself must be sealed with mounting foam. It should be added that many modern models have a special casing, which is removed and mounted separately.
4. The last step is to connect the device to the power supply. If the power of the device is low, then it can be safely connected to a regular outlet. But there are air conditioners that have a lot of power and to connect them you need to bring out a separate socket with grounding and a separate machine for safety during operation.

Features of mounting the device

Knowing how to install a window air conditioner isn't enough to keep your system running efficiently at all times, there are many things you need to pay special attention to. Of course, such a device in the form of a monoblock system is much easier to install a more complex split system, since there is no need to run a route between the blocks for refrigerant and drainage, but it also has its own features.

• Experts recommend installing a separate outlet with a separate machine, even for devices that have very little power.
• When choosing a model, be sure to consider the width parameters. It must be less than the width of your window.
• There must be enough free space around the device. so that it can work properly.
• Unlike the outer edge, which is below the inner side, the left and right sides of the appliance are installed evenly. otherwise, the condensate that accumulates during operation will unevenly drain from the sump.

Place to install air conditioner

In most cases, the device should be installed directly on the windowsill. To do this, you will have to remove the existing double-glazed window, insert a jumper or a special casing that comes with the device and cut the glass according to the dimensions.

But, you must admit, not everyone wants to spoil new double-glazed windows, especially since in the future you may purchase a more powerful air conditioning unit. In this case, you can choose a small compact device with sufficient power. In such a situation, it is best to install an air conditioner in a window, which will avoid the removal and cutting of a double-glazed window, as well as gouging in the wall of the opening. Just remember that you should not expect high efficiency from a small device.

Experts do not recommend making the device into a wall, the thickness of which is more than 250mm. This is due to the fact that air access to the intake grilles of the device can be disturbed, and this leads not only to inefficient operation, but also to rapid wear of the device parts.

drainage system

Currently, many modern models have appeared in stores that can be installed on a window, regardless of whether it can be opened or whether there is a window on the window. This is ensured by a modern mechanism that can be easily removed from the body of the device and attached, for example, to the wall.

Be sure to pay attention to the fixing bolts or cushioning pads that any device is usually equipped with in order to increase its safety during transportation. Before installing the device in place, they must be removed, as they will cause interference in its operation.

Self-installation of a window air conditioner also implies the installation of a drainage system on your own. In any air conditioner, condensation forms during operation due to temperature differences. If you do not install a drain hose into the device, then the accumulated moisture will simply drain along the wall, and this, of course, is undesirable.

The drainage system must be designed so that the liquid draining the tube does not touch the water in the collection pan or the ground. Be sure to check for kinks or bends when laying the drainage system.

Keep in mind that the air conditioner removes some of the high-temperature air to the street, so protect passers-by as much as possible from the exhaust air.

It is desirable to arrange the air conditioner so that the direct air flow does not fall on the bed, directly on the sofa, which is a resting place, on the work or play area. Ideally, place the device in the center to ensure the best possible air circulation in the room.

The part of the air conditioner protruding to the street must be protected from atmospheric precipitation falling on it. For this, the simplest visor is quite suitable.

Today, to simplify the installation work in any hardware store, you can buy a special kit for installing the device. It also includes a special metal case, in which the air conditioner will then be installed.

Be sure to take care of high-quality grounding of a device that is difficult to operate. This will protect both the room and the air conditioner from power surges.

Before buying a particular model, it is advisable to independently calculate the required power of the air conditioner. Here, this parameter will depend on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, the height of the ceilings. And the device should be bought with a power reserve. This is due to the fact that even each person emits a certain amount of thermal energy. And there are windows that, facing the sunny side, also contribute to additional heating of the room.

In custody

As you can see, it is not difficult to install a window air conditioner yourself. Moreover, today you can also purchase a kit for self-installation, which will radically facilitate the task. The most important thing is to ensure the safety and correct connection of the device.

If the manufacturer indicates in the passport that the device must necessarily have grounding, you should not ignore this fact, this will primarily ensure your safety and prevent the device from breaking in case of unusual situations.

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Which is better, a window air conditioner or a separate split system - 5 factors in favor of choosing a monoblock

For those homeowners who cannot afford to buy expensive climate control equipment, I suggest installing a monoblock window air conditioner in a plastic window. It will cost much less, besides, it will be easy to install it yourself, without significant financial costs. For those who doubt, I will give arguments in favor of this decision.

Factor 1. The principle of operation of a window air conditioner

All compressor-type air conditioners work on the principle of a heat pump., which, in the temperature reduction mode, transfers heat from the refrigerated room to the street. As a working medium in such pumps, special refrigerants (freons) are used, which, depending on the operating pressure and temperature, can be in a liquid or gaseous state.

Window-type air conditioners work on the same principle, so inside they are divided by a sealed partition into two isolated parts, one of which is located outside the window, and the second is inside the room. In the outer part, an electric compressor, condenser and fan motor are installed, and in the inner part there is an evaporator, a circulation fan impeller and an electronic control unit.

1. After turning on the air conditioner, gaseous freon is compressed 5-6 times under the action of the compressor, and enters the condenser, warming up to a temperature of 60-90 ° C;
2. The condenser is a flow coil made of finned copper or brass tubes, due to which it has a large heat transfer surface. Due to this, the compressed and heated freon cools quickly, giving off its heat to the surrounding space (to the street), and goes into a liquid state of aggregation;

1. Liquid freon passes through a throttle valve, which has a very small cross section, and enters the evaporator through the pipe system, which is installed in the inside of the air conditioner;
2. Inside the evaporator, liquefied freon enters a space with a large volume, so it expands dramatically, as a result of which it turns from a liquid state to a vapor.
3. The evaporation process is accompanied by a strong absorption of heat and the release of a large amount of cold., so the evaporator is cooled to a very low temperature (from -12°C to -24°C);
4. After that, the evaporated freon, under the action of vacuum, again enters the compressor, and the entire described cycle is repeated anew;

1. Inside the window air conditioner there is an electric motor, in which two fan impellers are mounted on both sides on one shaft. This motor is usually switched on at the same time as the compressor is started;
2. The impeller of the outdoor unit blows the condenser during operation, and thereby contributes to better heat removal into the atmosphere, and the fastest liquefaction of heated compressed freon.
3. The impeller of the indoor unit is designed to force the circulation of warm air from the room through the cooled evaporator. Thus, the entire volume of air in the room is gradually cooled, and transfers its heat through the refrigerant to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

Factor 2. Additional features of window air conditioners

Despite its name, a modern window air conditioner is designed for more than just cooling the air. Thanks to the built-in additional functions, it can constantly maintain optimal climatic parameters of the air in the room. In the ventilation mode, it can perform the function of forced supply or exhaust ventilation.

Some models of inverter air conditioners, in addition to cooling, also have a heating function, so in the warm season they can cool the room, and in the cold season they can work in heater mode.

1. Built-in touch sensors and an electronic control unit monitor the temperature and humidity of the indoor air, and can turn on or turn off the air conditioner in automatic mode, depending on the preset settings;

1. In order to ensure the ventilation of the room without opening the window, a special window is provided in the separating partition between the outer and inner parts, which is normally closed with a hermetic damper;
2. When the ventilation function is activated, this damper automatically opens, after which the auxiliary fan motor starts. Depending on the selected mode, it can work as a forced draft or as a blower;
3. The heating air conditioner through the window is equipped with exactly the same interchangeable models of the evaporator and condenser, which are installed and connected to the compressor symmetrically. The direction of movement of the refrigerant, in this case, is set using controlled three-way solenoid valves;

1. When the unit is in room cooling mode, the internal coil acts as an evaporator, and the outer one plays the role of a capacitor. In this case, freon circulates as described in the first section;
2. When the room heating mode is turned on, the solenoid valves redistribute the direction of freon movement in the opposite direction. Thus, an outdoor unit with a cooled liquid refrigerant takes heat from the street and becomes an evaporator, and an indoor unit with heated compressed freon vapor gives off heat to the room and becomes a condenser.

Despite the technical specifications declared by the manufacturer, I do not recommend turning on the heating function for a long time, or using the air conditioner as the main heating device when the air temperature outside the window is below +3°C. The fact is that at negative temperatures, the viscosity of engine oil in the compressor increases significantly.
This leads to increased power consumption, accelerated wear of rubbing parts and premature failure of the compressor unit.

Factor 3. Main advantages and disadvantages

There is a widespread opinion among apartment owners that window air conditioners are morally obsolete, and at present they are practically not used anywhere. From my own experience, I can say that such an opinion is wrong, since even now many homeowners opt for such models. This is due to the fact that the built-in window air conditioner has a number of significant advantages over separate split systems:

1. Very often, the main criterion for choosing household appliances is their cost. As I said, the purchase of a monoblock window will cost much less than the cost of buying, installing and connecting modern split systems;
2. In most cases, the installation of the outdoor unit of a split system must be carried out using an aerial platform or with the involvement of industrial climbers, and such work is very expensive;
3. Taking into account the design features of the split system, refrigerant charging of such air conditioners is carried out at the very end, after installation and connection of the freon line. Refueling must be carried out by a qualified specialist, who will also require a certain amount of money for his work;

1. Window or vent monoblocks are sold filled with freon and completely ready for installation., so installing a window air conditioner with your own hands is not particularly difficult. Installation work is carried out directly from the window of the apartment, and the absence of an outdoor unit does not require the involvement of industrial climbers;
2. Due to the compact arrangement of components and assemblies, as well as the absence of a long freon line, such devices have a higher efficiency and are distinguished by higher maintainability, reliability and durability;
3. Due to the fact that the window monoblock is installed at the junction of the street and the apartment, the forced ventilation function is easily implemented in it, which allows you to quickly and efficiently ventilate the room. In a separate split system, such a function is technically very difficult to implement;

If we talk about which air conditioner is better to choose for your apartment, then I should draw the attention of readers to some of the shortcomings that are inherent in almost all models of window air conditioners:

1. The installation of any air conditioner violates the aesthetics of the building and spoils the appearance of the facade, and the installation of a window monoblock, in addition, also blocks part of the light opening of the window;
2. The separating partition between the outer and inner parts of the air conditioner does not have proper thermal insulation, therefore, in severe frosts, it can cause cold to enter the apartment.
3. The presence of small gaps between the window frame and the air conditioner body, as well as loose closure of the ventilation damper, can become a source of drafts.
4. To reduce the noise level in the room, all electrical units and assemblies (compressor and fan motors) are located in the outer part of the monobloc air conditioner. Despite this, his work is still accompanied by a low monotonous noise, therefore, speaking objectively, split systems work much quieter;

Long curtains and curtains made of thick, dense fabric can prevent normal air circulation through the evaporator of a window air conditioner. To prevent this from happening, the curtains and blinds on the windows should be chosen so long that they do not slightly reach the air intake grilles of the indoor unit.

Factor 4. Features of installation and connection

Despite the fact that the technology of mounting a window monoblock, at first glance, may seem quite simple, when performing such work, you will have to redo the double-glazed window and make changes to the design of the window frame. To make it easier for the reader to cope with this task, as an example, a step-by-step instruction will be described below, in which I will describe in detail the main stages of installing a window air conditioner in a metal-plastic window.

1. First of all, you need to decide where the air conditioner will be located in the window. In my opinion, the lower part of one of the deaf, non-opening sashes is considered the most suitable place.;

1. On the selected sash, you need to remove the locking plastic glazing beads. Cut a layer of silicone sealant along the perimeter of the glass with a sharp knife, and then carefully dismantle the double-glazed unit;
2. Before installing a window air conditioner on your own, a power cable with a cross section of 3x1.5 mm² must be connected to the installation site, which must be connected in the switchboard to a separate machine of the appropriate power;
3. Insert the air conditioner into the window opening freed from the glass, and pre-fix it at several points using standard mounting brackets that are included in the delivery;
4. If the overall dimensions of the device are smaller than the window opening, then its installation will require an additional insert with a cutout for the air conditioner, which will be installed between its body and the window frame;

1. It can be made of rigid and durable weather-resistant material (aluminum sheet, thick plastic or baked plywood), and then insulated from the outside with a layer of extruded polystyrene foam or polyurethane foam at least 50 mm thick;
2. The insert must be installed in place of the double-glazed unit, smeared around the perimeter with silicone sealant, and firmly fixed to the window frame around the entire perimeter using self-tapping screws. From the inside, it is best to paint it in the color of the main metal-plastic profile;
3. Above the insert, install and fix a small section of the lower profile of the window frame, which can be purchased at a workshop for the manufacture of metal-plastic windows;
4. After installing the lower profile of the window opening, you need to take measurements for the installation of glass, and order in the same workshop the manufacture of a new double-glazed unit that will be installed above the air conditioner;
5. During the final installation of the air conditioner, it should be started from the inside of the window. The front panel and the inside of the monoblock must be brought inside the cutout in the intermediate insert, and fix it with mounting brackets without tightening the mounting bolts to the end;

1. Using a level and pads, align the face of the air conditioner relative to the window, and make sure that its body has a slope in the horizontal plane from the room to the street, at least 2 °;
2. After that, you need to connect an electrical cable to the device, and do not forget to tighten the mounting bolts to the end, and blow out the existing slots and joints with mounting foam and coat with silicone sealant for outdoor use;
3. Install a new double-glazed unit in the upper opening of the window above the air conditioner, spill it around the perimeter with silicone sealant, and install locking beads on the metal-plastic profile;
4. As a rule, window air conditioners have a long resource and a long service life, but if you suddenly need to repair the compressor unit or refill the system with freon, then the disassembly of the window and the dismantling of the monoblock will need to be performed in the reverse order.

So that after a major overhaul in the apartment you do not have to redo a new window with your own hands, it is best to purchase a monoblock air conditioner and order metal-plastic windows at the same time. At the same time, it is enough to provide the installation dimensions of the air conditioner to the workshop that manufactures windows, and indicate where it should be located, and then they will do everything themselves.

Factor 5. Alternative to a monoblock window

If you have a portable mobile air conditioner on wheels in your house, then I advise you to install it next to the windowsill, and direct the hot exhaust air from the condenser directly to the window. This will improve its efficiency and help reduce electricity consumption., and in addition, it will eliminate the need to lay a thick hose throughout the apartment to release hot air.

In order to carefully bring the hose outside, you will need to make a small intermediate insert that will be installed in the window frame below the main double-glazed unit.

1. Before installing the floor air conditioner in a plastic window, you need to measure the length and diameter of the hot air outlet hose, and make an insert in accordance with these dimensions;

1. Further steps for making the insert should be carried out in exactly the same way as described in the previous section, with the only difference that it does not need to cut a large opening for the entire air conditioner, but it is enough to make a round hole along the diameter of the outlet plastic hose.
2. In the resulting hole, you need to firmly fix the plastic sleeve. Put the free end of the air outlet hose on it, and fix it with a crimping plastic clamp;
3. When hot air exits outside, condensation may form in the pipe. To prevent water from flowing back into the hose, when installing the sleeve, it must be given a slight slope towards the street.

1. Although the air conditioner will only be used during the hot summer months, when the cold weather sets in, the window insert for the floor air conditioner will remain in place. So that in winter the cold does not penetrate into the hole, it is necessary to make a dense insulated plug in advance.
2. Some models of floor air conditioners, in the standard delivery set, have a ready-made insert for bringing the air hose out of the window. It is made in the form of a telescopic plastic bar with an oval hole, and is completed with a sleeve for connecting a hose.
3. If it is used, it is also installed in the lower part of the window, and its length is adjusted by extending the inner telescopic bar.

All mobile floor-standing air conditioners are equipped with a removable collection container, so during long-term operation of the device, it must be periodically removed and the accumulated water poured out of it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to remind you that for the normal operation of a window monoblock, its rear part must be freely blown from all sides by cool ambient air from the street. For this reason, it is not allowed to install a window air conditioner in deep openings or blind wall niches.

It is also forbidden to cover its outer part with decorative and protective grilles or other similar devices that may impede the free circulation of air. To get visual information on the installation of window air conditioners, I advise you to watch the video in this article, and if after that you have any questions, I can always answer them in the comment form.

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