How to install a Window Air Conditioner in a Brownstone with Security Bars?
Okay, so I am moving into a ground level unit of a Brownstone/Townhome in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The unit has security bars on all windows, which is great. These security bars are straight and flat. I.E. they are not the kind that have a bump out to accomodate an air conditioning unit. Thus causing my delima….
Okay, so I am moving into a ground level unit of a Brownstone/Townhome in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The unit has security bars on all windows, which is great. These security bars are straight and flat. I.E. they are not the kind that have a bump out to accomodate an air conditioning unit. Thus causing my delima. How do I install a traditional window air conditioning unit into the window? The space between the bars and the window is very minimal…definitly not enought to fit the window unit I currenlty own. Are there very narrow window AC units made for this purpose? Or is there a way to install a standard AC unit in such a way that the majority of the bulk of the unit would lie on the interior side of the window? I have heard about portable air conditioner units which do not sit in your window, but I have heard they are much less effective at cooling than a Window unit. Plus they are SUPER expensive by comparison. Any help or suggestions are much needed and sincerely appreciated!
i’m still trying to figure out why brooklynnative thinks the LL installed the wrong bars, those look like they could be original. everybody else has already said it, yes you can probably find an AC unit that will work, either on its own or with slight modifications.
i have one of those free-standing ACs and while they more or less work, they’re kind of a pain (bulky, heavy, not super sturdy) but you’d be better off with a window unit. my old roommate managed to find one small enough to compensate for the close bars on his window, definitely superior to my behemoth’s output.
incidentally are you on the south end of the neighborhood? that looks like my house in the photo!
Ok OP. I was thinking your landlord didnt want pay the extra cost for running an ac unit but, that’s not the case here.
We got one of those air conditioners that mostly come into your room and don’t stick out too much so they work with bars. however, when it broke we couldn’t find another one at home depot or lowes. Think they may be discontinued. It is really a pain – the good news is basement apts are not as hot since they don’t get as much sun…
Ditto 5:25. Thru-the-wall unit is best option with, of course, the sleeve (add: $75?). For ‘gates’ on the side/s I recommend one-inch thick polystyrene insulation (from packaging). If you want something harder, go to Staples and get plastic backboard and cut to size. GL.
You should be able to install a thru-wall sleeve type air conditioner, you’ll just need to make a plywood panel to cover the rest of the window opening and probably have to brace the unit on the inside.
The thru wall types are not as efficient as a window model.
Yes, you can find a unit to fit. No need to do anything with the bars. I couldn’t install the “bump out” bars on my garden level because it would either interfere with the door or the cellar hatch. I just found the correct a/c unit at Home Depot. No biggie.
No utilities are not included. Why do you ask?
Pricing for new bars and installation will cost between $200 and $400 depending on how much custom work is needed versus taking something off the shelf.
But we just had a new custom guard crafted and installed (in a similar 1st floor brownstone) for $325.
ground floor are utilities included?