does an air conditioner HAVE to be mounted in a window, and if so, why..?
Answers:
No, you can mount it ni a wall as well however the rear end of the unit must reside outside. The reasons are as follows:
Condisation will happen and typically it will drain to the back of the unit if istalled properly. You dont want this on your carpet.
Hot air is released from the rear of the unit, you will be working against yourself to try to cool a room from the front of the unit while heating with the rear.
You can purchase units made to put in the rooms but there will be a pan to drain from time to time and a vent to place somewhere with outside access (like out a window) for the hot air release to go. From my experience they arent really worth it.
Other answers:
For the fresh air perhaps...
For the fresh air perhaps...
no.
Only the ones designed specificly for such mounting. The cheap ones often are mounted in the windows. Expensive ones often have ducting throught the house and just have to be outside somewhere.
No, you can always tear a hole through the wall. That works. Most people use windows because it's easier. Some air conditioners work using hoses that pipe air in & out though small holes in the wall.
Have you ever felt the heat some of the window units put off at the back, not to mention the condensation that drips from there as well?
NO
try mounting it inside..and let's see what happens to the moisture,,,floor carpet?it gets soaked..hard wood? hmm maybe warps....
air "conditioner" is not just a fan. It re-moisturizes air in a building. Air from the outside is generally more moist than indoor air so it is more efficient to take air from the outside
My parents had a hole in the wall for one. You can get portable ones that are free-standing and have a collection compartment for moisture.
"Have" is a strong word. The AC won't work well if it is not, however, as it is pulling and exhausting hot air and moisture outside that would otherwise stay in your room (and make a puddle on the floor).
An air conditioner does not have to be mounted in a window ,but it is a convenient way to install and uninstall (if you live in a climate that has a cold season). Some people mount them in transom way which is a space above the door frame( that doesn't usually exist in newer houses.). Also you can buy portable a/c that you can transport from room to room. They are usually more expensive than widow units. ( 600.00 or more for )