Hi, All. I got a new window A/C installed today (Friedrich Kuhl) and asked for a clear plexiglass side panel instead of those ugly flimsy accordion shade thingies that came with the A/C. The plexiglass looks very nice -- and saves a bit of the view out the window. But I realize that with the clear panel, when I am looking at window from any angle but from the front, I can see the bracket and the... [more]
Hi, All. I got a new window A/C installed today (Friedrich Kuhl) and asked for a clear plexiglass side panel instead of those ugly flimsy accordion shade thingies that came with the A/C. The plexiglass looks very nice -- and saves a bit of the view out the window. But I realize that with the clear panel, when I am looking at window from any angle but from the front, I can see the bracket and the ugly bulky exterior of the the A/C. And when the blinding sun hits there will be no protection where that panel is. The installer said that many clients choose black plexiglass instead of clear. They do it for sun protection and is pretty because it matches the top part of the A/C unit, which is black. And you don't get that ugly side view.
Have any of you gone the black plexiglass route -- and if so -- how do you like it? Or if you have clear plexi, does it bother you to see so much of the ugly unit when you're not facing it directly? And if you have clear how do keep bright sun from blasting thru and fading whatever's in its path? Thanks.
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Response by flarf
over 10 years ago
Posts: 515
Member since: Jan 2011
How about some window tint film? Fast, inexpensive, and you can take it off if you don't like it. Certainly a lot cheaper and easier than having the plexiglass switched out.
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Response by Aaron2
over 10 years ago
Posts: 1698
Member since: Mar 2012
Or consider useing translucent ('frosted') window film or plexiglas. Gives you some light, blocks the view, blocks the worst of the direct rays.
I have the Kuhl installed with glass side panels. Seeing the bracket and sides isn't an issue for me but it would depend on your window's width and how high the Kuhl is installed. I installed frosted window film on the side panels for privacy.
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Response by Propinquity
over 10 years ago
Posts: 92
Member since: Feb 2012
Privacy isn't an issue but I have a question. Did you center the Kuhl in the middle of the window so you have a panel on each side? CoolAir did mine and put it in flush right, so there is only one panel on the left. Window is about 36" wide and it is the 7900 BTU Kuhl. What do you do for window treatment over the thing? I previously have had thru the wall a/c so have to figure out something nice. I have two double hung windows side by side and the Kuhl is installed in the lower pane of the right window.
We have the larger btu units centered in 60" wide windows. I think you'd be fine with the 7900 model centered in 36". We have roller shades which leave the side panels exposed next to the a/c's. We left those clear in the living room, but have used the frosted film in the bedrooms. It's not ideal as a good amount of light gets through. Thinking of installing a more opaque sheet of plexi. There's not really a great black out solution unless you install curtains.
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Response by Propinquity
over 10 years ago
Posts: 92
Member since: Feb 2012
Sounds like everyone's suggestion of going with opaque/frosted plexi rather than black is the way to go. I was thinking of doing roller shades, too, so will copy you. Would you be willing to share who did your shades? (Assuming you're happy with them.)
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How about some window tint film? Fast, inexpensive, and you can take it off if you don't like it. Certainly a lot cheaper and easier than having the plexiglass switched out.
Or consider useing translucent ('frosted') window film or plexiglas. Gives you some light, blocks the view, blocks the worst of the direct rays.
Excellent suggestions, both. Thank you so much.
This is what you call a "first world" problem.
I have the Kuhl installed with glass side panels. Seeing the bracket and sides isn't an issue for me but it would depend on your window's width and how high the Kuhl is installed. I installed frosted window film on the side panels for privacy.
Privacy isn't an issue but I have a question. Did you center the Kuhl in the middle of the window so you have a panel on each side? CoolAir did mine and put it in flush right, so there is only one panel on the left. Window is about 36" wide and it is the 7900 BTU Kuhl. What do you do for window treatment over the thing? I previously have had thru the wall a/c so have to figure out something nice. I have two double hung windows side by side and the Kuhl is installed in the lower pane of the right window.
Have you considered bricking the window? No window, no AC, no aesthetic issue, no privacy issue especially if this window is in your shower: http://streeteasy.com/talk/discussion/14059-98-riverside-drive
We have the larger btu units centered in 60" wide windows. I think you'd be fine with the 7900 model centered in 36". We have roller shades which leave the side panels exposed next to the a/c's. We left those clear in the living room, but have used the frosted film in the bedrooms. It's not ideal as a good amount of light gets through. Thinking of installing a more opaque sheet of plexi. There's not really a great black out solution unless you install curtains.
Sounds like everyone's suggestion of going with opaque/frosted plexi rather than black is the way to go. I was thinking of doing roller shades, too, so will copy you. Would you be willing to share who did your shades? (Assuming you're happy with them.)