How to Install a Slide Out Chassis Air Conditioner

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Updated Jun 27, 2022 11:13 PM

If you are looking at the various types of home cooling options out there, you may want to learn how to install a slide-out chassis air conditioner. But, there are other types, such as a wall-unit air conditioner, and a central air conditioner that you can install instead. Yet, if you’re interested in the slide-out chassis, then keep reading. Some of the best air conditioners, after all, come in this design type. So what is a slide-out chassis AC unit, why use one, and how to install it? Let’s find out.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • A slide-out chassis air conditioner is one designed to fit inside of a walled enclosure, with a slide-out chassis on either side of the wall. This is how most wall-mounted air conditioners work.
  • These AC units are relatively simple to install, with a difficulty level akin to your standard wall unit.
  • Remove both chasses, slide the AC into the enclosure, plug it in, and power it on before testing for maximum comfort.

What is a Slide-Out Chassis AC?

A slide-out chassis air conditioner is typically known as a wall air conditioner or wall unit. Its installation is different than a window unit, which is easier to drain water from a window A/C. This appliance draws air from outside, just like a window unit, but rests in a partition in the wall. The chassis, located outside, can slide on or off depending on the season or if it is being used. These AC units tend to be on the smaller side if you are wondering how to install a portable air conditioner. Moreover, you can learn how long to run a portable A/C if you prefer one of those.

Insider Tip

Some slide-out chassis air conditioners are designed in such a way as to make them useable with a standard window instead of a walled enclosure. This enables them to offer twice the functionality.

How to Install a Slide-Out AC

This is fairly simple, though you’ll need to have the wall enclosure already. If you lack a walled enclosure, look toward another type of installation, such as learning how to install a window air conditioner in a mobile home or installing an air filter in an A/C, which isn’t difficult.

STEP 1 Shop Around

  1. These AC units come in a wide variety of designs and shapes, as do walled enclosures.
  2. Make sure you purchase an air conditioner that easily fits into the hole in your wall.

STEP 2 Prepare

  1. Prepare your space by sliding off the chassis on both sides of your wall.
  2. You should also clean the immediate area, to make installation easier.

STEP 3Place the AC

  1. From the indoors, slide the air conditioning unit into the enclosure.
  2. Go around to the outside to ensure that it is placed correctly.

STEP 4Insulate

  1. Your AC should fit snugly in your enclosure, if not, cover up any obvious gaps with insulation.
  2. Use foam insulation or whatever type is recommended by the instructions accompanying your AC.

STEP 5 Plug-In and Test

  1. Plug the air conditioning unit into the nearest power outlet to the wall enclosure on the inside of your home.
  2. Once plugged in, power the unit on and close any doors leading to the room it is located in.
  3. Let the AC run on full blast for ten to 15 minutes, keeping track of the temperature of the room.

F.A.Q.S

How quiet are Friedrich ductless mini-splits?

These AC units are known for being energy-efficient and offering a suite of tools to keep track of filter changes.


What is the difference between a fixed chassis and a slide-out chassis?

A fixed chassis stays put once it is installed with a mounting kit, typically featuring an exhaust vent. A slide-out chassis is removed and replaced as needed.


Why choose a slide-out chassis air conditioner?

Modern slide-out units include a whole bunch of nifty features, such as auto restart, sleep mode, 6-way directional airflow, and more. They also tend to include extended warranties.



STAT: Air conditioning dates back to prehistory. Ancient Egyptian buildings used a wide variety of passive air-conditioning techniques.[4] These became widespread from the Iberian Peninsula through North Africa, the Middle East, and Northern India. (source)

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