Connecting a window air conditioner to an existing furnace is not a common or straightforward procedure since these two systems typically serve different purposes. Window air conditioners are standalone units designed to cool a specific room, while furnaces are part of a central heating system that distributes warmth throughout the entire house. However, there are a few scenarios where you might consider integrating a window air conditioner with your existing furnace:
Supplemental cooling: If you have a room that gets excessively hot and your central cooling system doesn't reach it effectively, a window air conditioner could be used to supplement the cooling in that specific area.
Zoned cooling: In some cases, people try to create "zones" within their home with separate cooling solutions. In this setup, the furnace would handle the cooling for the majority of the house, and the window air conditioner would handle one or more specific rooms.
To connect a window air conditioner to your existing furnace, consider the following steps:
Select the right location: Choose a window in the room you want to cool that is close to the furnace. This proximity will make it easier to manage power connections and exhaust.
Install the window air conditioner: Mount the window air conditioner securely in the selected window following the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that it is properly sealed to prevent air leakage.
Power supply: Window air conditioners require a dedicated electrical circuit. Ensure that you have an available outlet nearby to power the unit. Do not attempt to draw power from the furnace's electrical supply.
Addressing the exhaust: Window air conditioners generate hot air as they cool the room. This hot air needs to be exhausted outside. Most window air conditioners come with accordion-style side panels to fill the gaps in the window frame. These panels usually have a hole or a space for the exhaust. Make sure the hot air is vented to the outside and not back into the room or into the furnace.
Independent control: Window air conditioners have their own thermostat and controls. Since they are not directly integrated with the furnace, you'll need to adjust the settings on the air conditioner separately from your furnace's thermostat.
Important note: This setup is not the most efficient way to cool your home, and it may lead to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. It's generally more effective and cost-efficient to use a central cooling system if you want to cool your entire house. A window air conditioner should only be used as a temporary solution or for supplemental cooling in specific areas. If you find that your central cooling system is inadequate, consider upgrading or adjusting it for better performance.