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Smart AC Solutions
Window Air Conditioners

How to Cover Sides of Window Air Conditioner?

ByRalph P. Sita Updated onJanuary 23, 2025

To properly cover the sides of your window air conditioner, purchasing a window air conditioner side panel kit is essential. These kits typically include two side panels and all the required hardware for installation, making it easy to achieve a secure fit. By following the provided instructions, you can quickly attach the panels to your air conditioner, ensuring both efficient use and a better seal against external elements.

How to Cover Sides of Window Air Conditioner
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  • Why should you Cover the Sides of an Air Conditioner?
  • What Can I Put around My Window Air Conditioner? You can minimize that by making sure your AC is properly sealed and insulated.
  • How Do You Cover an Open Window Air Conditioner?
  • Diy Air Conditioner Side Panels
  • How To Insulate A Window Air Conditioner
    • Related Articles

Why should you Cover the Sides of an Air Conditioner?

There are a few reasons why you might want to do this:

1. To protect the air conditioner from the elements. If you live in an area where it gets very hot or cold, covering the sides of your air conditioner can help to keep it from working too hard.

2. To reduce noise. If your air conditioner is located near a bedroom window, for example, covering the sides can help to muffle the sound so that you can sleep more peacefully.

3. To improve efficiency. By insulating the air conditioner, you can help it to run more efficiently and potentially even save money on your energy bills.

What Can I Put around My Window Air Conditioner?
You can minimize that by making sure your AC is properly sealed and insulated.

Here are a few tips: -Start by examining the unit itself.

Check to see if there are any cracks or gaps around the edges.

If so, you can seal them with weather stripping or caulk. -Next, take a look at the window it’s installed in.

Make sure there’s no gap between the AC unit and the window frame.

If there is, you can fill it with foam insulation or rope caulk. -If your AC unit doesn’t have an insulation sleeve already, you can buy one (they’re not too expensive) and slip it over the unit.

This will help even more with drafts. -Finally, close your curtains during the day to keep out the sun’s heat.

How Do You Cover an Open Window Air Conditioner?

1. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions. Some units need to be vented while in storage, so check your AC’s manual before doing anything else.

2. Clean the unit thoroughly. Remove any debris from the coils and surrounding areas. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth; this will help prevent mold and mildew growth while the unit is in storage.

3. Covering the coils is critical. Exposed coils can become damaged or dirty over time, which can affect your AC’s performance when you take it out of storage. Use plastic or foil to cover the coils; make sure the material is tight against the coil so that no dust or dirt can get in.

4. Store the unit in a cool, dry place. An attic or basement typically works well, but anywhere else that meets these criteria will work too (e.g., a closet).

Diy Air Conditioner Side Panels

If you want to improve the efficiency of your air conditioner, one thing you can do is add side panels.

This will help to deflect heat away from the unit, and keep it operating at peak levels.

Additionally, it will also help to protect your AC unit from the elements and prolong its lifespan.

Here’s a quick guide on how to make your own air conditioner side panels. What You’ll Need:

-Plywood (thickness will depend on the size of your AC unit)

-Ruler or measuring tape

-Circular saw or jigsaw

-Sandpaper

-Staples or nails

-Drill Instructions:

1. Measure the width and height of your AC unit, then add an extra inch all around for margin. Cut out two pieces of plywood using these dimensions.

2. Smooth out the edges of the plywood with sandpaper. Then, use a drill to create pilot holes along the perimeter of each piece of wood.

3. Position one piece of plywood against the side of your AC unit, making sure that all four corners are flush with the edges of the unit. Nail or staple this piece into place using the pilot holes as a guide. Repeat this step with the other piece of plywood on the other side panel of your AC unit.

4 That’s it! Your DIY air conditioner side panels are now in place and ready to do their job!

How To Insulate A Window Air Conditioner

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Ralph P. Sita
Author: Ralph P. Sita

Ralph P. Sita is a seasoned professional with deep roots in both the HVAC and tech industries. His family’s business, Ralph P. Sita, Inc., is a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor with over 42 years of experience, serving the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas. The company specializes in residential, commercial, and industrial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services, offering everything from installation and maintenance to custom ductwork and indoor air quality solutions -www.ralphpsita.com. A former CPA, he spent the last decade as co-founder and co-CEO at Cybrary, a leading platform for cybersecurity and IT training. Cybrary became the largest, most well-known cybersecurity training businesses in the industry under his leadership. Smart AC Solutions is an opportunity to give back to the HVAC community by providing reliable, actionable information on all things heating and cooling.

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  3. Should You Cover Your Air Conditioner In Winter?
  4. What Size Air Conditioner Cover Do I Need? Covering Your Bases
Ralph P. Sita

Ralph P. Sita is a seasoned professional with deep roots in both the HVAC and tech industries. His family’s business, Ralph P. Sita, Inc., is a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor with over 42 years of experience, serving the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas. The company specializes in residential, commercial, and industrial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services, offering everything from installation and maintenance to custom ductwork and indoor air quality solutions -www.ralphpsita.com.

A former CPA, he spent the last decade as co-founder and co-CEO at Cybrary, a leading platform for cybersecurity and IT training. Cybrary became the largest, most well-known cybersecurity training businesses in the industry under his leadership.

Smart AC Solutions is an opportunity to give back to the HVAC community by providing reliable, actionable information on all things heating and cooling.

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