slat windows too drafty for AC

heavy drapes should do the trick..to keep cold air in and heat of sun out during the day... ps , stop belly acheing... i live in new jersey 🙁

Hi Dan,

I tried a free-standing AC unit in the apartment that I had when I first moved here earlier this year. I had new windows that worked just fine, but I determined that the problem was the AC unit.

I hate to sound discouraging, but honestly, IMHO I just don't think these units work very well. My unit seemed to work fine and also gave off a lot of cold air, but there is something about the design of these units that seem to prevent them from cooling a room properly. I took mine back to Home Depot and told them just what I am telling you. They graciously allowed me to return the unit for a full refund.

If your windows have screens, go and purchase some clear vinyl material, most window screen companies have it and duct tape it onto the screen. All it need to do is stop the flow of air...it will not act as insulation, but it will work.
Naturally insulated material would be best, but the house isn't insulated, so why bother! Stop the air flow and the ac will be multiple times better.
Sometimes paint stores have clear thin plastic drop cloth type material, cut to size and tape in place. The tape can come off when necessary to move and the land lord will not complain, maybe!
I have a screen door at my house, also have a set of screens that were replaced with the clear vinyl. Heavy wood main door can be open, but with the vinyl sheet "scren" inplace...the air conditioning is fine.
This is not 100% perfect, but will be 10 time better than dark shades covering the windows. The clear vinyl will allow the sun light to shine in.

Storm windows although they call them AC covers down here. Many of the places that make screens can make these for you. Aluminum frame with a piece of plexiglas.

Jim

I agree w/Capt. Pete about the clear plastic on your windows. I had 2 sliding glass doors and removed the screens, cut the clear plastic to fit and rolled the "spline" material that was holding the screens in, cut a hole in the clear plastic for my window unit, and "wa-lah!" Worked like a charm. Gallows Bay Hardware sells the clear plastic in several different thicknesses and it's on a long roll. You buy it by the inch. If I remember correctly, it cost me about $14.00 to enclose both doors. The other problem I see might be the exhaust hose on your portable a/c unit. Where are you venting the hot air to? A window unit or split unit would work much better. And your WAPA bills won't kill you as badly with a window unit. Just "think outside the box" when deciding which way to go ot close off the little cracks in your window jalices.

Thanks for all of the great feed back. I have to agree with Mell. I think the unit is a dog. It just doesnt cool the place. I wouldnt recomend it for anyone. I may just have to chalk it up for experience and get a window unit, if I replace it at all. Last night was windy and cool enough; I slept great! This whole ac is small potatos, as we say in Maine, anyway. Wouldnt it be nice if that was the worst problem we had to face.
Life is good, Thanks again
Dan