Can you turn a window AC unit on its side?

[kavity]

I have stupid windows at my place that slide open horizontally instead of vertically like normal windows. It's also hotter that satan's ___ right now and I need an ac unit to keep my room cool enough so I can sleep (note the time of this post).

I was thinking of grabbing one of those portable ones you can roll around and the only thing you have to vent through the window is its exhaust hose. BUT, AC window units are 1/3rd of the price and if I could get away with putting one of those in sideways then I would love to.

So, is there any reason I couldn't turn an AC window unit on its side?


I thought maybe the compressor oil would be affected but im not really sure how it all works.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[postman1]

the oil would be affected and also the motor inside would be knocked off its mount inside the casing of the compressor. sorry I do not think this would work.

[MattInFla]

A few manufacturers make window a/c units for this application. Google " vertical window air conditioner".

Matt

[SIGP250]

You probably need a casement window AC unit. Like everything else Walmart has an 8,000 BTU for $360.00.

[Ally]

use a 1/2 inch peice of plywood above the a/c, put a block of wood against the part of the window that opens and the casement to keep it in place. You want the plywood to be a snug fit and to make sure that it is in the window track to hold the weight of the unit. Also you may have to shim under it so that it sits right. Once you have it set up you can do it again much easier and quicker. (keep all parts for next year)

[Jackle1886]

You should never run anything with a compressor on it's side. That means AC, Fridge, Freezer, etc. It will ruin it if you do.

[Guantes]

Who do you want to turn it on its side, is the window too narrow to mount it normal.

[cmb]

Burn out a sompressor that way. Take your measurements and see if you can find one with a small enough width. Block the rest in with plywood to secure the opening and dry it in. May want to use pressure treated plywood (depending upong the size of the opening left) and paint the side facing the elements (wind, sun, rain).

[RoadRunner71]

Burn out a sompressor that way. Take your measurements and see if you can find one with a small enough width. Block the rest in with plywood to secure the opening and dry it in. May want to use pressure treated plywood (depending upong the size of the opening left) and paint the side facing the elements (wind, sun, rain).

I did exactly this for a couple of years. Worked fairly well too.

[Guantes]

Agree, find one that fits. Here's mine, goes in for the one or two hot summer months then out. Plexiglass/plastic above to allow seeing out the window.

[kavity]

Thanks for the advice. I just picked one up from Lowes and installed it. It is a portable one that only requires you to install an exhaust vent in the window. I got it all set up and secured it with a couple 2x1 strips cut to length and wedged at the top and bottom of the window. It's nice because they sit in the tracks perfectly and there's no way anyone can jiggle them loose. I had to drive with the unit laying on its side (tilted @ ~30degrees), so I am going to give it a couple of hours more hours before I fire it up. I hope it works. I paid a freakin premium for it. ($450...I could have bought a glock >:|) .

[boatail]

kavity, sounds like you got it licked. I've had problems with standard units even transporting them sideways. You should not transport, mount or use one of those other than upright as it will be installed. Same applies to refrig's or anything with an oil compressor

[jackson85746]

You should never run anything with a compressor on it's side. That means AC, Fridge, Freezer, etc. It will ruin it if you do.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^What Jackle said^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[nutz4utwo]

Correct above, it would not be very cool and you would kill it.

The compressor must suck liquid freon out of the bottom of the cooling circuit. Without gravity causing the freon to gather there, the compressor will run dry and you will have issues.

[Bark'n]

You should never run anything with a compressor on it's side. That means AC, Fridge, Freezer, etc. It will ruin it if you do.

Also if you were forced to tip it on it's side during storage or while moving it, you should let it sit for 12-24 hours in it's proper upright position to let all the oil drain back into the proper place before using it. (or so I've been told)