are air conditioning units safe for birds?

[maddox]

Hey all! So it's getting to the warmer season, and I am considering putting my AC unit in. It's a window unit, and the issue is that it is pretty close to Maddox's cage, probably six feet or so away. I can't really move his cage or the AC so I wanted to get your thoughts. Are these even safe for birds at all?

 

[Owlet]

Unfortunately no, they are not safe. They cause a draft which can easily chill the bird and cause them distress or medical problems.

 

[SailBoat]

I can understand that one can draw this view point, as it is true they create a cool to cold draft.

But, they have as part of their design the ability to direct that channel of air easily away from one's parrot(s) and especially with 6' (a bit less than 2 meters). Personally, I like to target setting that channel of air up into the air. With Parrots in the room, I would add pointing that channel up and either left or right away from your Parrots.

So, why do I recommend pointing that channel up? Because it will cool the room quicker as warm air rises and cool air falls. Pointing the channel down it has to build-up the layers and as a result slows cooling the air.

Now, about preparing to install you window shaker, air-conditioner.

- Visit your big box store or local hardware store and ask if they have a; window air-conditioner support bracket kit, which commonly includes the bracket, a lifting screw and a mounting screw. This devise places the weight of the air conditioner on the windowsill and not on the window itself. This makes for a safer installation of the air conditioner (something to slide the air conditioner out the window on and eliminates the damage to the window as it no longer has to support the weight of the air conditioner. NOTE: assure that you mount the bracket so that you can shut the window with the air conditioner not in place and that it has a slight downward slope to it.

- Inspect the air conditioner, assuring that the different air flaps are all working fully. Glue any cracked plastic bits. Remove the filters and clean it /them prior to reinstalling as part of front plastic grill.

- Set the air conditioner in place and connect to its own power outlet and turn it to the fan only position. Allow it to run for at least 30 minutes as this helps recharge the capacitor, which is needed to start the compressor unit with ease. Now older units will start easier if you turn them to fan first and after a bit, turn them to the On position. NOTE: Set the air condition to your target operating temperature. Turning it for maximum cold air, will not cool the room any faster! Also, set the fan to either medium or low as setting to high pulls air through faster than the air can pick-up the effect of cooling.

Enjoy the comfort of the cooler air!!

 

[bkbirdlady]

Bumping this thread because I have the same concern....it looks like I'll be bringing home a GCC at the end of June (!!!!). I plan to put my birdcage around ten feet from the window AC unit. Where I'm at (NYC) it gets really humid and hot during the summer, so I tend to keep my AC on, especially in the living room where I plan to put the cage. Will my bird be ok?

 

[SailBoat]

Bumping this thread because I have the same concern....it looks like I'll be bringing home a GCC at the end of June (!!!!). I plan to put my birdcage around ten feet from the window AC unit. Where I'm at (NYC) it gets really humid and hot during the summer, so I tend to keep my AC on, especially in the living room where I plan to put the cage. Will my bird be ok?

Yes, as long as you use the advice above regarding placing the unit and its cool air channel. Once the room is at the target temperature, attempt to target the lowest fan setting as possible and maintain room temperature. It will also help lower your cost of operation and general noise.

 

[bkbirdlady]

Yes, as long as you use the advice above regarding placing the unit and its cool air channel. Once the room is at the target temperature, attempt to target the lowest fan setting as possible and maintain room temperature. It will also help lower your cost of operation and general noise.

Thank you.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

I can understand that one can draw this view point, as it is true they create a cool to cold draft.

But, they have as part of their design the ability to direct that channel of air easily away from one's parrot(s) and especially with 6' (a bit less than 2 meters). Personally, I like to target setting that channel of air up into the air. With Parrots in the room, I would add pointing that channel up and either left or right away from your Parrots.

So, why do I recommend pointing that channel up? Because it will cool the room quicker as warm air rises and cool air falls. Pointing the channel down it has to build-up the layers and as a result slows cooling the air.

Now, about preparing to install you window shaker, air-conditioner.

- Visit your big box store or local hardware store and ask if they have a; window air-conditioner support bracket kit, which commonly includes the bracket, a lifting screw and a mounting screw. This devise places the weight of the air conditioner on the windowsill and not on the window itself. This makes for a safer installation of the air conditioner (something to slide the air conditioner out the window on and eliminates the damage to the window as it no longer has to support the weight of the air conditioner. NOTE: assure that you mount the bracket so that you can shut the window with the air conditioner not in place and that it has a slight downward slope to it.

- Inspect the air conditioner, assuring that the different air flaps are all working fully. Glue any cracked plastic bits. Remove the filters and clean it /them prior to reinstalling as part of front plastic grill.

- Set the air conditioner in place and connect to its own power outlet and turn it to the fan only position. Allow it to run for at least 30 minutes as this helps recharge the capacitor, which is needed to start the compressor unit with ease. Now older units will start easier if you turn them to fan first and after a bit, turn them to the On position. NOTE: Set the air condition to your target operating temperature. Turning it for maximum cold air, will not cool the room any faster! Also, set the fan to either medium or low as setting to high pulls air through faster than the air can pick-up the effect of cooling.

Enjoy the comfort of the cooler air!!

I couldn't live without AC in the summer because I'm very heat intolerant, especially at night.
If you can't move the cage farther from the vent or redirect it I would drape a blanket down the side of the cage closest to the cold air blowing out to block the draft.