window a/c mounting
 

I need to install a window a/c unit in a vinyl double hung window. What's preventing me from mounting it on the top window instead of the traditional bottom window?

Main reason I'm asking is it's the only window in the room and having the ac mounted in the bottom window would prevent me from looking outside while sitting at my desk. I don't wanna have to get up every 2 seconds to see outside. It would also block the natural light I like and use at my desk.

Is there something obvious that I'm missing that makes it so you can't mount it in the top window?

You would need to cut some wood spacers the right length to wedge in the sides to hold up the outer sash and ac unit. But i guess it would work

Lot of weight balancing on a thin piece of wood, might be hard to get it to stay in place.

The top sash slides down and when fully down, is even with the top of the bottom sash. It's about 3.5" wide with both sashes together that it would be sitting on. I figure that's better than the traditional bottom mount in which it would be balancing on 2 pieces of vinyl no thicker than 1/16" that I can flex with my fingers.

Just get a taller desk....and chair. Done! :)

U-shape bracket lag bolted into the house not the window

likely you will have to buy steel channel and cut bend and twist to fit

crooks like to push in wall/window a/c units as many are not strong mounted

There are some kits out there for window shaker installations. One may work for you or you might have to make something up yourself.

Make sure that there is enough structure to hold it up so that the vibration doesn't drive you crazy. Make sure it doesn't fall out of the window and onto a person, pet or property located below...

Make sure they are installed level (or to the manufacturers spec.) so the condnsate will drain to the outdoor side. They sometimes have a slinger ring to throw the condensate from the evaporator at the condensing coil. If not installed correctly you may have water inside or worse inside the wall.

Locating it a bit higher will make the room it is in more comfortable.

The top rail of a DH vinyl window is not designed whatsoever for a cantilevered AC unit installation. However, I see some possible work arounds. The idea of wood or PVC struts under the top sash is a start. Adding a U-channel over the top rail will strengthen against bowing and breakage. You will also not be able to use the conventional bracing so plan on customizing some. You might consider moving the unit inwards a bit but not so much as to interfere with the condenser air flow. The units are initially designed to sit as far outwards as possible so that window treatments like blinds and curtains function.

This in a 2 man job in my book. And doable.

seen it done. looked a bit janky. they guy used some thin chain to support the cantilevered AC unit..up to the eaves. then there was some bracing to keep the upper sash from dropping under the weight.

new AC units are surprisingly lightweight now. i think you could figure it out.

Why not cut in a 2nd "window" opening just for the A/C? That's what I did in my shop.

Have you considered the units with just a small duct? https://www.costco.com/De'Longhi-Pinguino-500-sq-ft-4-in-1-All-Season-Use%3a-Air-Conditioner%2c-Heater%2c-Dehumidifier%2c-Fan.product.100398741.html