How to reduce heat transfer around the window unit air conditioners

air-conditioninginsulation

I have three old window units in my house and they function as my A/C. I am concerned about the amount of heat seeping into the house and cool air leaking out around the A/C units themselves. They're not fitted to the windows, and we have to use the accordion style panels to prevent drafts, but they're not air tight or very good at insulating.

How can I reduce heat transfer around my window unit air conditioners?

Best Answer

Two things come to mind:

  1. Heat loss occurs much more rapidly when airflow is involved. So do whatever you can to seal all those gaps. Buy some compressible foam insulation (about 1" wide) and use it to make a tighter fit around the air conditioners.
  2. Those accordion things don't seem to have much R-value. Buy some rigid foam insulation and cut it to fit snugly behind the accordion. You could even use some of those compressible foam strips to get an even tighter fit.
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