I'm trying to design a frame for a window ac that will allow me to easily move the unit in and out of the window. (mostly for security reasons – I want to be able to close the window properly at night.)
Here's my current design: the unit will sit in a frame that is attached above the window to hinges, I should be able to swing the unit in and out easily.
(If I'm not being clear, imagine an ac unit stuck in a awning window. When you swing the window open the unit clears the window frame – that's roughly what I'll achieve with the frame I'm building. In my case I have a sliding window, so when the unit is no longer in the window I can close the window properly.)
Here's my question, how much of an angle can the unit be kept at. Obviously the unit won't be running while it is at an angle, but a quick search shows that even storing a unit sideways can damage it.
I'll be keeping the unit at a roughly 15 degree angle (according to my current design) for extended periods – sometimes just overnight and sometimes for perhaps weeks. I want to be able to slip the unit back into the window when I want, and turn it on right away. Can anybody tell me whether such an idea will damage the unit?
Thanks
Best Answer
That's unlikely to be a problem. Plenty of such units have been stored on crooked trucks and pallets without damage.
It may be more of a concern if you were to run it at an angle, as the bearings in the motor may not be designed for that type of load, and condensation drainage may be wonky.