Rotating a window air conditioner?

[Sync]

I have a small room, about 100 sq ft, that needs air conditioning badly. The room is too small for a floor model and split models are too expensive (and not sized very well for the window either), and it's a rental so I can't punch a hole in the wall. There are two windows in the room with the screened opening (slide removed) that measure about 20" HIGH and 16" WIDE. I've found some small window air conditioners that may fit in the window if they are oriented to 90 degrees. I've found several of their installation manuals, and NOWHERE do I see ANY comments regarding if it is OK or not to rotate a window air conditioner 90 to install it in a window that is taller than it is wide. Neither a "yes this works" or "no you can't do that." I've been unable to locate a window air conditioner of the "casement" type that apparently tend to be for horizontally sliding windows that is anywhere as small as I need for this window.

I'm rather amazed, frankly. I doubt I am the first person to want to insert a small window air conditioner at a different orientation than in the pictures on the box and in the manual. My gut tells me that rotation might be a problem if the air-conditioner has some mechanical functions that are dependent on gravity, such as condensation water draining or something like that, but I'm no refrigeration expert so I don't know if there really is any problem in rotating one. The fact that there's no caution regarding orientation OR suggestion that you can in fact do it leaves me mystified as to if there is an issue regarding it or not.

One model in particular I'm looking at is the Frigidaire FAX054p7a.

Does anyone have any idea if a window air conditioner will still operate properly if rotated by 90 degrees? Any reason why not if not?

[classicrock86]

air conditioners have oil that is needed by the compressor.. if the unit is tilted the oil will flow out of the compressor and it will malfunction soon after... a company in van nuys ca.. genie air conditioning have one of the largest selections of window and wall units including casements... Im sure the have a model that can work for you... ps.. the faxo54p7a is not a casement and is a 5000 btu unit... very small.... will use more energy that its cooling capacity for you space.

[buffalobill]

no. it's the coolant pathway. generally: there is a collection of removed humidity as water which on some may be sitting inside and used to make your air conditioner more efficient, or may be drained as an option. instead buy the correct model, casement window air conditioner. also know not to use a window air conditioner in a wall air conditioner's opening, because it cannot vent its heat sideways into a metal sleeve. and don't lie your refrigerator on its side to stack two lying down together either. the coolant pathway requires it be installed for the compressor to work in its design position. you will find in a more comprehensive manual the correct installation and range of window openings are often on the outside of the carton as well. we just installed window air conditioners for our tenants, including 2 casement types.

-buffalo ny

[Meat Plow]

-snip-

Can't do it.

[unclemon]

I knew I'd seen it in their catalog:

[8~{} Uncle Monster

[DT]

You cannot rotate an A/C unit. The only place I have noticed recently that has vertically oriented units (for slider windows) is Sears. They have several models at the store near me.

[lp13-30]

As far as I know, casement units are still made. There never was a big selection of sizes and features with them, though, and they were about 2 to 3 times the cost of a standard one, but that's life. I have even seen them installed in the wall where they had studs on 16' centers and did not want to cut a stud out. Larry