Is it unsafe to use a window A/C without venting it in a window?

New apartment. Have to wait a week for maintenance to install my a/c units. In the meantime, wondering if it is unsafe to put one on the table, by a window, with a towel underneath it. Do they give off exhaust? Thanks.

It will not be unsafe but it will be counter-productive and raise the temperature of the room as long as the whole unit is inside. There will be cool air coming out of the front and warm air coming out the back.

Hey, I'm actually doing the exact same thing right now (for the same reason - my building's maint. dept has to install it and it'll take a week).

So far I've had it on in my bedroom for about 2 hours with the door to my room closed and the window open with the A/C in front (pressed against the screen). When I went into my bedroom 5 min ago, it was noticeably cooler than the rest of the apartment whereas before it was the same temp or hotter. The window screen was a bit warmer (not like fire hot, just warm).

Anyways, I have to disagree with the "counterproductive" comments because firsthand evidence is showing me otherwise.

Only thing is, I hear the water vibrating/dripping on the fan blades, I'm not sure if that's a normal sound or if it's because of improper draining. I'm thinking I'll risk it and empty the tray in the morning. Maybe it'd be better without the towel underneath, and just wiping up the tabletop periodically.

no, it is not unsafe it will leak water as an air conditioner first removes humidity. but the back, (the part usually outside) will also emit so much heat it basically counteracts whatever coolness comes from the front. but with todays heat at least you can sit directly in the blowing cool air but it will not significantly cool the room

You'll have a flood. Towels will not handle the moisture passing through the unit.

Also with an open window it will be worse.

The only way you could do this is on a platform, level with the window, seal around it, and set up a drain system to the outside.
You may still have a problem with vibration.

There are inside portable units available.

not it would not harm you but it is very easy to install yourself,you just stick it in the window opening and if it has sliding expanders,slide them to seal window,there should be screws to mount the window screw them in so a/c wont fall out and thats it. good luck

I am not sure it will harm you but it certainly would be counter productive. The hot exhaust will negate any colling that comes from the front.

Stay elsewhere, Get yourself a fan or open a window until it can be installed

You will not gain anything the amount of cool that blows out you will have equal amount of hot coming into your apartment.

It puts out heat -- you don't want that inside with you.