Kara Zorn on April 30, 2014 21 Comments If you think a portable air conditioner isn’t for you because you have crank or casement windows, you may be pleasantly surprised to discover that not only is it possible, but it’s easy to do. Although most portable air conditioners come with a traditional window kit, you can absolutely fabricate an insert to fit into the casement window allowing you to vent your portable air conditioner. We recommend using Plexiglas; however any type of material that will keep the hot air out and the cold air in will work. Step 1 First measure the window in order to know what size Plexiglas insert you’ll need. You can have a piece of Plexiglas cut at your local hardware store. You’ll also need a hole cut in the Plexiglas for your vent hose. It’s best to bring the vent hose with you so they can cut the hole to fit your hose correctly. Step 2 Once you’ve got your Plexiglas, you can begin the installation process. Open the crank window and firmly attach a latch to the window as well as the frame. Step 3 Next, using retainer clips or twist clamps securely position the insert into the window frame. You”ll then need to caulk where the casing and window frame meet in order to seal the insert and keep it waterproof. A second option would be to run weatherproof stripping where the casing and window frame meet instead of caulk. Step 4 Now that your insert is installed weatherproofed, all that’s left is to attach the hose to your insert and enjoy the cool air.
Jeff says June 12, 2014 at 8:26 pm OMG thank you! You’re awesome. I’m in an apartment with casement windows..fans blowing and hotter than hell and it’s only June! There is hope! Reply
Jill DaSilva says June 23, 2014 at 4:43 pm Thanks for this Kara..Hubby is doing the install as I write this Reply
bob atkins says June 1, 2015 at 6:47 pm thinking of installing one in a pop up camper. any one have any suggestions on how to do this Reply
Tammie Lou says May 12, 2016 at 9:18 am Oh my gosh, I never thought of that. We have regular a/c units in the bedroom and kitchen, but the living room has always been so hot. We have been trying to figure out a way to cool the living room and you just saved my summer!!! Thank you so very much! This is an AWESOME find!!!! Reply
Robert Smith says July 16, 2016 at 6:39 pm Great idea except for one thing, you now have your window sash sticking out into the weather where it gets wet when it rains. Maybe in those areas where there is little rain this is ok, but in New England you are likely to find the sash will never close again. Good luck. Reply
Diane says July 31, 2016 at 4:16 pm What is the “retainer clip” you are using? What do they look like and where can I find em? Reply
Nicole says May 12, 2017 at 5:44 pm What about the screen I twist a handle and my whole window rolls out leaving the screen in place so the bugs can’t get in and wasps. The only other window I have opens side to side and only has a 14″x20″ openening what can I do? I’m staying with my grandma without either of us indenting for me to be I have two window up down coolers but she got new twirl out windows a year ago! Please help? Reply
George says May 18, 2017 at 1:40 pm @Nicole: The screen should be removable in case of damage, so you’d be replacing the entire screen with the plexiglass as described. Reply
lilian says June 21, 2017 at 12:35 pm I live in a mobile home ,the windows screw up ,how can I do it here ,My body is on melt down…lol Reply
kate says June 21, 2017 at 10:40 pm This may be a silly question but if you are caulking or weatherstripping to insulate, what happens in the winter when you need to remove the AC exhaust and close up the window as normal? Will all that come off?? Reply
Mike says October 9, 2017 at 2:41 am Thanks for this brilliant idea! One question I have which you partially answered is my concern about high winds ripping off my open window while open. In step 3 you say to firmly attach a latch to the window as well as the frame. Where do I get these items and do you think they will be strong enough if there are winds say in excess of 50 miles an hour? I’m on the 6th floor and sometimes it can get very windy. I suppose I could get several latches? Thanks again! Reply
ValB says January 8, 2018 at 11:25 pm Why can’t I just use one of my bathroom vents and MacGiver it in? Reply
Andrea B says July 6, 2018 at 8:14 am My central A/C died a quiet death during a heatwave, of course and I couldn’t quite come out of pocked with 8K. I used plexiglass and had the person at Lowes cut a whole the size of the vent. Works like a charm and saved me a lot of sleep! Cheers 🙂 Reply
Kathy E. says July 6, 2019 at 10:49 am Another option is to cut the screen out of its frame and put the plexiglass in there. This way you have the perfect fit to the window.. Assuming you own. Even then, when you move out, just replace the screen when you move out. You probably won’t need the screen anyway.. Reply
LLG says July 6, 2019 at 1:04 pm I’d suggest clear duct tape instead of caulking. As long as you’re ok with removing a bit of sticky residue afterwards. Reply
Tina says June 20, 2020 at 6:23 pm It’s sapose to rain tonight so I took it down is that what I have to do every time it’s going to rain? Reply
CompactAppliance.com says July 17, 2020 at 7:39 pm Unfortunately, if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, this may not be the solution for you. Reply
