Why Seal Windows Around Portable Air Conditioners?

Besides their low price point, portable air conditioners are valued for their convenience, ease of use, and the fact that their installation requires no particular skill set. 

The sole drawback? The hot air generated from a portable AC must be evacuated through an exhaust hose. Said hose is typically placed in the window’s opening, which causes warm air to filter inside the home, reducing the air conditioner’s efficiency. As such, window seals become an essential purchase to limit heat transfer between the outside and the inside, preserving your climate-controlled air. Without said component, even if your air conditioning unit is super efficient, the room in which it’s installed won’t cool. 

So, why weatherize your window when installing a portable air conditioner? Which sealing kit is best? How should it be installed? We’ll explain everything down below. 

What Are the Benefits of a Portable AC Window Seal?

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A seal kit will act as the perfect weatherizing tool to prevent outside air from seeping into the room, thereby retaining the cool, fresh air. It’s used to seal the opening and, once installed, prevents hot air, humidity, and insects from entering. 

Some seal kits said to be “standard” can be adapted to practically all window types and installed on doors and window/door combos. Here are the main advantages of a window seal kit for portable air conditioners:

1. Increases the AC unit’s efficiency
   Your AC will be more efficient, cool the room faster, and retain cool air longer.

2. Reduces energy use
   You can save on your electricity bill thanks to its low power use.

3. Keeps bugs and insects out
   This device prevents insects from crawling into your home, reducing the spread of dust and dirt.

4. It’s waterproof
   It prevents water from trickling into the home.

5. Supports window use
   One can keep opening and shutting the window without altering the AC setup.

6. Easy to install
   Its installation doesn’t call for major work and most people can handle it. There’s no need for drilling or damaging existing materials. No tools are required.

7. It’s reusable
   Easy to install and remove; it can be reused, year after year.

8. Low maintenance
   It can be removed in a flash and is machine washable!

9. Reduces carbon dioxide emissions
   Makes a real difference for the planet during a time of year when most people are using cooling systems. 

How to Choose the Best Window Seal Kit for Your Portable AC

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A seal kit is the simplest, fastest, and cheapest option to fully benefit from a portable air conditioner. Here are a few elements to consider when choosing a product best suited to your situation.

Assess the Kit’s Suitability

Opt for a kit made of a synthetic material, equipped with a suitable fastener, one that’s perfectly adapted to the portable AC’s exhaust hose. Furthermore, make sure the seal kit is suited to your window type. 

Choose the Right Window Seal 

Several window seal kits are retailed in standard sizing. Opt for a window seal kit with adjustable couplers. They can better suit a variety of window openings. 

Consider the Exhaust Hose Length Needed

This will determine the maximum distance between the portable air conditioner and the window. Ideally, opt for a rather lengthy hose, especially if the window is quite high up.

Look for Easy to Install Models

To easier it is to install, the more flexibility you’ll have when it comes to changing your current setup.

How to Install a Window Seal for a Portable Air Conditioner

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Below is a straightforward 5-step guide.

1. Pick out your window seal kit

Unless you’ve purchased a universal window seal, make sure the measurements detailed on the packaging suit your window. The latter will mention the maximum suitable window height, as well as the maximum door or window opening.

To seal your window, the kit should include the following:

Zip-Up, Weatherproof Seal Guard

Positioned in the window opening, the seal guard will prevent outside air from filtering into the room and cool air from seeping out. Since the seal guarantees the room’s insulation, make sure it’s the right size. Prioritize models with Velcro fasteners, as these are simple yet effective; a product that’s both waterproof and washable. 

Roll of Adhesive Fasteners (Velcro) 

Velcro models are not only easier to install, but they’re often more aesthetic. The adhesive edge strip is designed with a two-part mechanical fastener system to facilitate locking and unlocking. Opt for a weather-resistant edge strip. 

2. Thoroughly clean the window

For a perfectly sealed setup, the materials used must be adhered to clean surfaces. Therefore, you must:

• Use a cloth or vacuum to remove all dust build-up in the frame and on the panel. 

• Use mineral spirits or another window-appropriate cleaner to eliminate all oily or greasy deposits. 

• If needed, use a scraper to remove all traces of chipped paint or varnish. 

• If needed, use a scraper, blade, or another suitable tool to remove the previously used adhesive strips.

• Wipe clean with a cloth and allow surfaces to dry fully.

3. Install the adhesive strip 

Follow the guidelines listed below:

1. Open the window.

2. Measure the opening (height & width).

3. Cut the Velcro strip accordingly.

4. Stick the previously trimmed strips where appropriate around the window’s opening and along the frame.

4. Install the window seal 

Note that the zippered opening isn’t in the middle of the seal guard. 

1. Position the narrow side against the opening/closing window panel.

2. Secure the guard against the window frame, working from one end to the other.

3. Repeat the step above, using the same starting point, but this time, do so on the opening/closing window panel.

4. Make sure the installation is lined up with the adhesive strips.

5. Secure the exhaust hose

1. Position the air conditioner near the window.

2. Unzip the guard.

3. Place the exhaust hose in the opening.

4. Use both zippers simultaneously to position the hose as you see fit.

5. Secure the exhaust hose using zip ties to prevent it from shifting.

Portable Air Conditioner Couplers and Window Seals

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Since there’s a plethora of different air conditioners retailed, it’s hard to say which works best with which device. Some air conditioners are retailed with a window seal kit, while others are not. Nonetheless, here are some sought-after consumer product suggestions based on their efficiency, ease of installation, and price point. 

Hoomee Universal Window Seal: Sold exclusively on Amazon, this system seems to have a unanimous seal of approval. Its waterproof seal makes for an effective air conditioning system, especially since it features an all-around window seal, even when open. It also works with air conditioners with one or two exhaust hoses. It’s easy to install, high-performing, and retailed at a cool, affordable price. 

This seal suits windows opening left to right, right to left, bottom- and top-hung windows, as well as skylights. 

NOMA Casement Window Seal: This model is super easy to install, doesn’t require any drilling, and features a double-zippered closure for a tighter seal. It’s made with a waterproof material and lasts between 6–12 months.

Aozzy Window Seal for Portable Air Conditioners: This one covers the entire surface of the window, fights off humidity, and prevents insects from crawling in and warm outside air from filtering through. It's designed for casement windows and comes with Velcro surfaces.

Airly Window Seal for Portable AC Units: This model zips around your window frame to create a barrier against the outside elements, protecting your home from insects while keeping out the warm air. This model suits bottom- and top-hung windows, as well as casement windows.

What’s the Difference Between Rigid Seal Plates and Window Seal Guards?

Rigid window seal plates for portable air conditioners achieve the same purpose as malleable window seals. The only difference is that seal plates are rigid yet adaptable systems, closing the gap around the exhaust hose when the window is open.

While the seal plate kit is technically more aesthetic, it can only be used with vertical or horizontal sash windows. Moreover, the plates' dimensions must be identical to that of the window’s opening.