Air conditioner installation

[Marian]

Greetings! I am wondering if my air conditioner can be put in the window on its side, so it will fit my casement window.Then I can slide the plastic parts that cover the opening upwards, instead of sideways.In the past I have had to put plywood in the large opening above the slider window. If it could be put in on its side, it would fit a lot better. Would it harm the air conditioner or keep it from working if I do this? Thanks!!

[LazyPup]

ABSOLUTELY DO NOT TURN AN AIR CONDITIONER ON ITS SIDE, not even for a moment. The lower half of the compressor housing has a sump filled with oil to lubricate the motor and compressor. If an air conditioner is turned on its side there is a high risk of the oil getting into the capilary tube which will obstruct the tube and thereby seriously damage the AC even to the point where it will not work at all. The same holds true for refrigerators, dehumidifiers and all other types of hermetic refrigeration equipment. Often we see refrigerators laid on their sides in pickup trucks as they are transported from one site to another. If that is done, the minimum is to let is sit upright for at least 24 hours before plugging it in, but even then, there is a serious risk of severe damage.