Dumb A/C, Electrician question

Our new house doesn't have any a/c or outlets designated for a/c's. We haven't moved in yet so we've been ok but we're getting closer to a move in date and I can't imagine surviving the rest of the summer without any a/c. We're planning to put in two window units.

My question is, should I first call the electrician to figure out what we need done in terms of running another line, putting in outlets, etc and THEN purchase the a/c units? Or should we buy the a/c units first and then call the electrician? Sorry for being clueless, this is all new to me. TIA!

Re: Dumb A/C, Electrician question

I would have the electrian come in first. Ask him what wattage/voltage the house can support for A/C units, the buy the A/C units.

Re: Dumb A/C, Electrician question

you mean for the window units? If its just three prongs (grounded) you don't have its a fairly easy thing to do switch out the actual plug my father did these for us. But if your not comfortable (we weren't) electrician should be able to do that fairly cheaply unless you need a panel upgrade.

Re: Dumb A/C, Electrician question

Thanks! Yeah, they're for window units. Calling the electrician now

Thanks again!

Re: Dumb A/C, Electrician question

You shouldn't need an electrician to use window units.

Just find out what outlets correspond to what circuits. Then when you have an AC plugged in, try not to run too many things on the other circuit. A lamp or a clock isn't a big deal. I just wouldn't plug my vacuum into an outlet that is shared on a circuit with a window AC.

Or if you need to vaccum, just turn the AC off until you are done.

Re: Dumb A/C, Electrician question

Re: Dumb A/C, Electrician question

oh yea as long as you can actually plug them in you should be fine as long as you don't run everything on in that circuit. Otherwise you will be visiting your box to switch everything back on.


But you might want a estimate anyway to redo it this way you know the cost to be slightly worry free.

Re: Dumb A/C, Electrician question

unless you are talking about a big AC that runs off 220, then you would have an issue....but everybody statements above is correct.

Re: Dumb A/C, Electrician question

Re: Dumb A/C, Electrician question

Posted by ave1024

Posted by july4mrsO

Posted by ave1024

You shouldn't need an electrician to use window units.

Just find out what outlets correspond to what circuits. Then when you have an AC plugged in, try not to run too many things on the other circuit. A lamp or a clock isn't a big deal. I just wouldn't plug my vacuum into an outlet that is shared on a circuit with a window AC.

Or if you need to vaccum, just turn the AC off until you are done.

Thanks. I keep hearing different things from different people. My parents keep insisting I will short out the a/c lol

No you aren't going to short it out.

Most window ACs run between 6-10 amps. In fact there should be a label on the AC that might tell you how many amps it uses.

Most circuit breakers in the house are 15 amp breakers. Each breaker controls a number of different outlets and overhead lights (thats why its important to know what else is on that circuit).

As long as you keep the curcuit load light, you will be fine. Vacuums take 10-12 amps usually, thats why you can't run a vacuum on the same circuit as a window AC.