As the scorching summer sun bears down, having some way to cool the air at home becomes a pressing concern. Window air conditioners (ACs) have long been favored for their ability to cool individual rooms effectively. But what if you need an air conditioner inside a room without a window? Can you use indoor air conditioners or put an AC unit inside the house and still achieve the desired cooling effect?
This would work: can you put the air conditioner on the floor, and will it cool the air inside your home? These are common questions during the hot summer when everyone is trying to find the best way to cool down their home or apartment.
In our guide, you can learn more about how to put an air conditioner in a room without windows. By the end, you’ll better understand how to run an AC without a window and what air conditioners need to cool the air more effectively. (Learn How Does Wasp Spray Work)
Can You Vent A Window Air Conditioner Without Window?
While window air conditioner units are installed in a window, you can sometimes use a window air conditioner without a window. While the name suggests these units are designed to be installed in windows, it is possible for the air conditioner kept on the floor inside the room.
However, venting the hot air outside is vital as it would make the unit work harder and make a hotter room everywhere except in front of the air conditioning unit. You should already have the flexible duct to use window ACs without a window. This you can use to vent hot air out of the room to a nearby window or door.
This setup allows you to enjoy the cooling benefits of a window AC even in rooms without conventional windows, like basements or interior rooms. However, ensuring the duct is appropriately sized and positioned is crucial to maintain efficient air circulation. Window air conditioners pull warm air from the room into the unit, cool it off, and then vent outside air, or the now cool air, back into the room.
This process creates a constant loop of cool air coming into the room. For the AC to work properly, the hot air gets sucked into the unit, where the air can circulate and escape out of the room. (Read Andersen Window Removal)
If you don’t have a window, you can create ventilation and airflow by:
- Running a window unit in a sliding glass door. If you install a window unit here, in theory, it offers the same venting as a window AC unit.
- Placing the air conditioner inside a room near an open window in another room. This makes your window air conditioner exhaust flow through open doors between rooms to vent outside the window in the next room.
- Running a vent hose from the AC to the outside. Using a vent hose, you can make it work without a window inside the same room.
Without proper ventilation, the AC won’t be able to cool the room effectively. Your AC unit needs to draw in warm air, and then the hot air needs to be exhausted. If this doesn’t happen, nearest the AC will be cool, and the furthest points from the window or where it vents will be the warmest.
How to Use a Window Air Conditioner Inside a Room?
If you have a windowless room and need to install a window AC unit in a room without a window, follow these steps:
- Select the Right Spot: Choose a location close to an external wall to vent the hot air. Even if the AC isn’t installed in the window or door, the closer it is, the better the air ventilation in the room will be.
- Ventilation Setup: Use a flexible duct or tubing to connect the exhaust vent of the window AC to the chosen venting spot. Ensure the duct is secure and airtight so you can circulate the air and prevent hot air accumulation.
- Secure the Unit: Any air conditioner requires a stable footing. Place your window AC on a stable surface, like a sturdy table or a dedicated AC stand, to keep it off the floor. This prevents potential airflow blockages and improves cooling efficiency.
- Seal Openings: Seal any gaps or openings around the unit to prevent letting hot air into the room. Weatherstripping and foam insulation can be useful when AC units are installed where they shouldn’t be.
- Test the Airflow: After installation, check the airflow and temperature to ensure the unit functions optimally and effectively, cooling the room.
Use a Window Air Conditioner Without A Window
If you ask, can a window AC unit be used inside? As explained earlier, a window AC unit can be used inside the house with the proper venting setup. However, it’s essential to remember that a window AC unit is designed to work optimally when installed in a window. When used indoors, the unit may have to work harder to draw in warm air from the room rather than from the outside. This could affect its cooling efficiency and performance.
To improve the cooling effectiveness of a window AC indoors, consider positioning the unit close to the window or the designated venting spot. This helps the unit draw in fresh air from outside, making it work more efficiently and improving air circulation throughout the room.
Portable AC units are specially designed for this purpose, but you can also use a window unit.
The considerations are like installing it in a room without a window:
- Ventilation – Create an escape route for the hot air, keeping doors open or setting up a vent hose.
- Location – Keep the unit near an exterior wall, window, or door for the easiest venting.
- Air leaks – Seal gaps so the cold air stays in the room.
Window AC units are heavier than portable units, so you’ll need to account for the weight if placing the unit on the floor. A table or stand can make the installation more secure.
The only downside to using a window AC inside is it’s not designed to be moved frequently. Window units are bulkier and heavier than portable. Just take care when moving it to avoid damaging the unit. (Learn How To Cover A Window)
Can You Put a Window Unit AC on the Floor?
Elevating the unit on a table or dedicated AC stand is recommended to ensure proper airflow and avoid potential damage from moisture on the floor. Placing the unit directly on the floor may obstruct the air intake or vent, making it less efficient and potentially reducing lifespan.
While it is possible to put the AC on the floor, there are some downsides:
- Reduced efficiency – An AC unit works best when elevated off the floor. This allows air to circulate underneath, which helps the unit blow cool air more effectively and improves airflow throughout the room.
- Condensation leak risk – Window AC units produce a lot of condensation. This can leak out on the floor and cause water damage to the flooring or carpet.
- Airflow obstruction – Furniture, rugs, etc., around the unit will obstruct airflow. This can prevent cold air from circulating well in the room.
- Damage risk – On the floor, the unit is more likely to get knocked around, tipped over, etc., which could damage it.
Place a window AC on the floor on a sturdy stand or table to elevate it up 6 inches or more. Ensure furniture isn’t blocking the front or back. Place a water-collecting pan under the unit to catch condensation drips. And secure the unit in place so it doesn’t shift around.
Compared to window air conditioners, those sitting on the floor must handle more dust. The dust eventually works to the floor since it is heavier than air. When the unit blows air, it also moves the dust, which eventually settles on the ground in the unit’s path.
Thus, after a while, it will cause the unit to work harder as the unit sucks in dust as it tries to blow cool air throughout the room.
What Happens To a Window Air Conditioner Inside With No Vents?
Venting is crucial when using a window AC unit inside a room without a window installation. If you place a window unit on the floor without venting, a few things will happen:
- The unit will struggle to expel the hot air, causing the AC to cycle on and off frequently as it tries to circulate air and overheats. This leads to freezing issues and breakdowns.
- The room will not cool down because all the hot air has nowhere to go. The room air will become a mixture of hot and cold air, creating an uncomfortable environment.
- Moisture from the AC unit’s condenser will build up rapidly in the room instead of being vented outside. This leads to mold/mildew growth.
- The AC unit must work harder and run longer to cool warmer air around the room. This wears down the unit much quicker.
- Energy bills will spike as the AC constantly runs without a window; without venting the room, the unit tries to cool the hot air it produces.
The AC will be very inefficient without venting the hot air out of the room. And it can actually create bigger problems with excess humidity, AC breakdowns, and higher electricity usage. Some type of ventilation is crucial – even just keeping the door open can help a bit. For best results, install a venting hose or duct to the outside. This allows the AC unit to function properly. (Read Basement Fake Windows)
FAQs: Can I Use A Window AC Unit Inside?
- Can I use a portable air conditioner instead of a window AC on the floor? A portable air conditioner offers a more versatile cooling solution for rooms without suitable windows.
- What if I don’t have a window to vent the hot air? In such cases, you can create an opening or vent the hot air through a nearby door or lower window section in another room.
- Is a window AC on the floor as effective as one installed in a window? Placing the unit on the floor may slightly reduce its effectiveness because of potential airflow blockages, but it can still provide adequate cooling with proper setup.
- Can I vent window AC units installed inside my home permanently? It is not recommended to vent a window air conditioner inside your home permanently as it can lead to poor air quality and other potential hazards.
- What are some alternatives to using a window AC on the floor? If a window AC is unsuitable, consider using a portable air conditioner, central air conditioning, or other cooling options based on your needs.
Considering these factors and following proper installation guidelines, you can bring the unit inside and enjoy the cool air around your home.
Depending on the type of AC unit, you can even use a window AC unit without one as long as you have proper ventilation to maintain optimal performance and extend the life of your AC unit.
