Depending on the apartment building—especially older ones—it may not be possible to install air conditioners in every unit.
My apartment has no balcony and no place to put an outdoor unit, so I have no choice but to use a window-mounted air conditioner to get through the summer.
I realized something while installing the window-mounted air conditioner, so I’d like to write about it.
The width of the door-side gasket included with the unit is insufficient
In 2019, I had the window frames in my room replaced, and at that time, I switched to a Corona brand window-mounted air conditioner.
However, the width of the window seal that came with the unit wasn’t wide enough, so it didn’t reach all the way to the window. The window frame size just didn’t match. During the summer of 2020, I used a black rubber strip I bought at a home improvement store, attaching it with double-sided tape to make up the width.
However, that black rubber didn’t seem to be heat-resistant, so cracks and tears formed, making it easier for air to leak through.
So, I bought a window-side gasket compatible with my air conditioner online and decided to attach it to the unit’s gasket (the window-side gasket) using double-sided tape again to increase the width. This way, it should have heat resistance.
Since simply attaching it with double-sided tape would likely cause it to peel off due to the heat within a single summer, I secured it in several places with a stapler after applying the tape.
Important Note
If you buy similar rubber strips from a home improvement store and add them yourself, they may degrade due to the heat from the air conditioner’s exhaust if they lack heat resistance. Since this can be dangerous in some cases, be sure to use door gaskets made by manufacturers like Corona that are heat-resistant. Even if the manufacturer is different, as long as the gasket is designed for window air conditioners, it will have heat resistance, so you can get creative and add it yourself.
Also, to prevent the door gasket from peeling off and falling, it’s a good idea to secure it with a stapler in addition to double-sided tape.
The gasket warps and twists, creating a gap with the window
Extending the width of the gasket to reach the window was a good idea, but I just couldn’t get it to lie straight and flat. As shown in the photo, it ended up wrinkled and warped, leaving a gap between it and the window.
I was wondering what to do, but then I realized, “Wait a minute, there’s something rubber-like attached to the window, isn’t there?” It’s the area I’ve circled.
Isn’t this designed to have something inserted into it?
Sliding the door-side gasket into the window gasket
So, when I inserted the door-side gasket into the window gasket, although there was a slight gap at the top and bottom edges, it sealed reasonably well.
I think this came with the air conditioner. When I installed it, the frame was too stiff for me to screw it in myself, so I hired a professional to do it—I think they must have attached it then.
Last year, I used the door-side gasket without realizing this, just letting it rest against the window.
What a fool I was.
They also sell gaskets designed to fit this type of window frame (manufactured by Corona).
If the gasket gets dirty, you can replace it.
If the seal gets dirty or moldy, you can replace it.
Please check to make sure the model number matches.
Replacing the window gasket is a simple process.
For Corona-brand sash gaskets, you can remove them by sliding them up from the bottom.
Installation is a bit tricky, but you can fit it by sliding it down from top to bottom, as if fitting it into the groove from above.
Seals for window air conditioners designed for cooling only are here ⬇️
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Seals for dual-purpose (heating and cooling) window air conditioners are here ⬇️
If your window doesn’t have a gasket, purchasing and installing a window gasket will allow you to insert the air conditioner’s door-side gasket more tightly, reducing gaps and preventing hot air from entering. It also ensures the air conditioner’s exhaust isn’t blocked. This allows you to lower the room temperature more efficiently.
I believe this applies even if the air conditioner’s door-side gasket already reaches the window sufficiently. In that case, simply purchase the window gasket and attach it to the window.
However, the downside is that it can come loose in strong winds. On days when a typhoon is approaching, it might not look great, but it’s best to secure it with masking tape or similar.
Important Notes
Simply inserting the window-side gasket of the window air conditioner into the window frame may cause it to come loose due to wind, so even though it may not look great, it’s a good idea to secure it with masking tape or similar.
Corona Window Air Conditioner
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Summary
If the width of the window-side gasket on a window air conditioner is insufficient, adding width with similar rubber may cause it to deteriorate and crack if it lacks heat resistance. If you need to add material, use a gasket from a manufacturer like Corona that is heat-resistant.
Also, even if you attach it with double-sided tape, the heat from the air conditioner’s exhaust can cause it to peel off, so it’s better to secure it with a stapler or similar tool as well.
Inserting the window-side gasket of a window air conditioner into the window frame gasket creates a better seal, prevents obstruction of the air conditioner’s exhaust, and allows for more efficient cooling of the room. On days with strong winds, it’s a good idea to secure it with masking tape to keep it from coming loose.
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