How can I install a regular window air conditioner to a sliding window?

Question

I just bought my first AC unit from sears http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_04275151000P?vName=Appliances&cName=Air+Conditioners&sName=Multi+Room+Units.

It is for a window that slides up and down but my window slides left to right. I have no idea how to secure it on to my window. Here is what my window sill looks like:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e86/greasydame/Fileb001.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e86/greasydame/File003.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e86/greasydame/File005.jpg

As you can see the exterior wall is stucco. For the gap at the top of the AC unit we plan on putting in some plexiglass. Will that be enough insulation? I've read that the AC unit has to lay at an angle so the water could drain out. My unit has a drain hose so will I still need to do that?

One last thing, after moving the box I noticed this http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e86/greasydame/File006.jpg ...will that be a big problem or should it be ok?

Answer 1

OK first of all the dents in the heat exchanger will affect the performance of the unit. take it back and get another. second you might have to build a support for the unit on the outside. i know you don't want to anchor through the stucco but it won't hurt it if you do it right. ( predrill, caulk, etc.) another option is to put support chains from the top of the window frame to the top rear of the unit. be careful it doesn't want to slide inward as there will be some force pushing it in. for the chains you just need some stout eye-hooks. small holes and if you again caulk well it wont damage the stucco. then you could take the unit out in the winter. and get two layers of Plexiglas and sandwich a piece of flat aluminum between them around the edge. it will add strength and insulating value. plus it is nice to be able to see out a window with a ac unit in it. good luck.

any more questions ask direct. happy to help. ( I've done similar things several times.)