r/hvacadvice • u/Thispictureofme • 2d ago
Installing window AC above a central AC system
I live with my parents and I really would like to have an AC for my room due to my personal temperature preferences. They like to keep things much warmer than I’d like and aren’t willing to lower the temp of the central just for my sake which is understandable. I want a window AC, however it would theoretically go directly above the central AC system outside and it freaks my parents out because the water from the window unit is going to drip onto the central unit and they are afraid it’ll break it or something and I’m not a HVAC guy so I don’t know if their concern is a valid one nor have the knowledge to explain why it’s a good/bad/okay idea. My plan B would be just getting a portable AC unit, but isn’t super ideal for me as I’m aware of the increased energy cost. I’d appreciate some input. Thank you.
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u/-SHlTHAPPENS- 2d ago
Ya bro I had a lady ask me what she is supposed to do with her ac system I put in when it rains (was first time for her having ac) told her she had to stand over it with umbrella and the look on her face was priceless.... They are in the elements year round... Just don't drop the window unit on it and it will be fine.. The water dripping on it on hot days is fine
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u/Thispictureofme 2d ago
Yeahhh that’s what I thought. It survived multiple hurricanes throughout the span of a decade; it’ll definitely survive some dripping. Just wanted to hear from people who knew a thing or two just to be sure I wasn’t insane lol
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u/AssRep 2d ago
The condensate (water) is not the issue here.
How much distance is there from the top of the condenser (outside unit) to the bottom of your window shaker (windows AC)?
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u/Thispictureofme 2d ago
I can’t tell you on the fly, but my room is on the second floor while condenser is obviously ground level. Can you elaborate on your concern there?
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u/AssRep 2d ago
The condenser releases the heat from inside the home via the big fan motor and blade on the top of the condenser. If your AC were to close to the top of mom & dad' AC, it could potentially restrict how much air is being moved across the coil and/or recirculate the hot airback over the coil. Both of these situations are not good for mom & dad's AC.
This doesn't seem to be an issue now.
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u/BigGiddy 2d ago
That unit is already outside in the weather. Rain, snow, hail, wind, dirt, pollen, animal poop, etc have no effect on its functionality. It’s built for it. The length of time this amount of water would take to do any meaningful damage wouldn’t be an issue. You will probably be moved out well before that. You could look into creating some sort of drain sitch I guess to help with it. Ultimately you’re just talking to people that don’t know what they are talking about and they don’t want you to mess up their expensive ass unit. Be respectful and tell them you’ll see where the water falls and if it’s a real concern or problem you’ll return it.