How To Lock Window With Ac Unit

Window Air Conditioner Security

How to secure a window AC unit…

During the summer months, window AC security is of import. When the weather warms upwards, it'southward fourth dimension to install your window air conditioners. But they can get a target for burglars.

A burglar could get into your home through a window after pushing in the air conditioner on the 1st-flooring. Or the burglar might just steal it!

Here'southward what you tin can do almost it. I'm going to list a number of tips and things you tin can do to help with window air conditioner security.

Read on for several upwardly-to-engagement suggestions!

Spiral the Elevation Mounting Rail Window AC unit into Sash

This works for woods windows (see below for vinyl or metallic), and other options.

Near window air conditioners are installed and just held in place by gravity. Information technology's tucked behind the window sash which keeps it from falling out. Perchance there's a pocket-size spiral holding the top runway and a few on the side for the piano accordion side-panels.

Many people don't even install a single support screw into the height rail because the air conditioner is held in identify by gravity and its downward force confronting the window sash. Skillful enough, correct?

So, what can you do to better secure your window air-conditioner?

At least install a screw through the air-conditioner's top mounting rail into the window sash. Most window air conditioners include a drilled-out pigsty in the meridian center to conform this.

Consider drilling additional holes through the aforementioned superlative mounting track to conform more screws into the lower window sash (encounter illustration below).

secure-window-air-conditioner-with-more-screws

UPDATE: If you cannot screw into the window, in that location are several alternate ways to secure the air conditioner which I've listed beneath. Ane of which is this clever little bracket that will keep the AC unit from being pushed out:

Stabilizer Pack
(amzn)

To install the security bracket, the Ac was positioned properly in the window and the minor u-shaped end of the bracket was placed over the upper flange (back up bar) of the air conditioner.

The window was and so closed over the large u-shaped end of the bracket.

Thin atmospheric condition stripping was placed between the window sash and the upper flange of the air conditioner to seal the small gap (due to the thickness of the bracket).

The bracket was secured to the flange of the air conditioner by tightening the provided commodities through the lesser hole. The bolt wasn't overly tightened since it substantially prevents the bracket from sliding also much forward and dorsum.

(I didn't use the bolt in the top hole since the air conditioner flange was as well loftier.)

Although the subclass looks to be a scrap loose, it can't be removed and the air conditioner can't be pushed out of the window unless the bottom sash is raised.

The provided window locks didn't piece of work for my windows, so I used the Windobully Window Lock to foreclose the sashes from existence raised or lowered.
~ from a production review

Install Security Window Lock for your Portable Air Conditioner

A convenient window lock for air conditioner security: (Sliding Window Lock, Window Stop, Window Restrict)

A window lock volition prevent or deter the burglar from pushing and forcing up the window.

The AC unit may be screwed to the sash, but if the window itself isn't locked it's still possible to strength open and achieve in and shove the air conditioner. Install window frame locks to prevent this.

AC Window Lock – Vinyl & Aluminum

For Vinyl Windows – you might consider this popular window lock equally shown beneath:

>> Defender Security Sliding Window Lock for Vinyl Windows
(view on amzn)

>> Defender Security Sliding Window Lock, Aluminum

Window Security Wedge

Another clever idea is a window wedge.

>> Window Stopper
(view on amzn)

Window Air Conditioner Security Bars

This adjustable window security bar is designed to fit between the window and the acme frame to forbid it from opening beyond an adjustable opening altitude. Perfect for when a portable AC is installed.

The security bar fits into the gap. Measure the gap and exist sure you lot buy the right security bar for that measurement.

Here'southward an instance of what I'g talking about:

(Measure the gap with the Air-conditioning installed to make up one's mind which security bar will fit)

>> EZ-AC Window Security Bar – Extends seven ane/2″-14″
(Made in The UsaA. by Veteran Owned Concern)
(view on amzn)

Here's another one:

>> Sturdy Steel, Extends from 15 1/2″ to 29 one/ii″
(view on amzn)

>> Sturdy Steel, Extends from 7 3/4″ to 14 iii/8″

'Practise It Yourself' Window Security Bar:

While the air conditioner is mounted in the window, measure the distance from summit of the lower window frame to the very summit of the double-hung frame itself (with AC installed). Cut a wooden dowel to snugly fit – which tin be wedged to prohibit the window from opening further…

Window Air Conditioner Bracket

It's also a good idea to become a window air conditioner subclass. It makes information technology harder for the burglar to get the air conditioner out from the exterior. You could also secure the portable AC unit to the bracket in various ways.

>> Brackets on amzn

Stick-on Window Alert

Here's a groovy product that will absolutely deter a would-be burglar.

The second they begin to force open up the window, this cleverly designed window alarm volition warning (based on motion/vibration sensing).

It but 'sticks' onto the window, inside. Pocket-sized, simply about iii″ diameter. Information technology has an 'on/off' switch for your convenience when opening the window yourself…

>> Window Warning 4 Pack – Loud 120dB Alarm and Vibration Sensors
(view on amzn)

Stick-on Burglar Warning Security Window Sticker Decal

Deterrence! On the window with the air conditioner, stick on a dwelling security window decal where information technology will exist plainly visible.

This alone may be enough to prevent a intermission-in equally the burglar may motion along to an easier target.

>> Dwelling Security Thousand Sign and 4 Security Sticker Window Decals
(view on amzn)

Window AC Accordion Side Panels

Depending on the width of the window air conditioner, the 'accordion' side panels may exist extended fairly wide, or maybe not. This is an obvious weak indicate of entry for a infiltrator to punch through and gain leverage to shoving the air conditioner itself.

While the aforementioned suggestions will deadening down or deter a infiltrator (likely to the extent of giving upward without attracting attention), you might consider to (do it yourself) build wooden side panels to supercede the plastic 'accordion' panels.

Window Air Conditioner Security Tips

Ultimately, you are not going to cease a determined burglar. Just you volition probably stop the majority of amateur burglars who are looking for quick and like shooting fish in a barrel entry.

If one of them happens to pick your home because they run into a window air-conditioner hanging out of a 1st-flooring window, when given a hard push and it doesn't budge, they will probably move on.

If the burglar pulls or pushes on the air conditioner while attempting to lift the window sash, information technology volition not readily come up if you've taken the precautions mentioned above.

Burglar Proof Tips

Okay, maybe more accurately stated, burglar resistant…

Tip: Consider removing whatsoever 1st-floor window air-conditioners when going on an extended holiday. A few minutes endeavour may exist worth it…

Tip: Yous could plant thorny bushes… rose bushes, blackberry bushes etc. just below your windows…

Supercede the side panels with plywood between the sash and jamb.

A wire cage to cover the outside of the AC unit.

Amazon Recommends this Air Conditioner:

Perfect for a bedroom, a small room, great reviews:

Have it shipped right to your door:

>> FRIGIDAIRE