The ac needs an awning according to the instuctions and their customer service. What, I have to put an awning over a window ac. STUPID engenering. They have vents on the top of the case to let rain and snow in. How big of an awning? Do they know that there is wind to blow rain and snow under the awning? It is also not supose to be in direct sun. Where in the world does the sun come up at high noon. That is a big awning to protect this. from sun, rain and snow. Find a better ac with better engenering. I am returning it.