If there is no electricity, running a window air conditioner (AC) will not hurt the unit itself. However, it is important to note that if the air conditioner is running when the power goes out, it will cease to cool the room and circulate conditioned air.
When the power supply is interrupted, the air conditioner will shut off, and it won't restart automatically when the power is restored. This is a safety feature to prevent the unit from unexpectedly turning on and potentially causing electrical issues or damaging the compressor.
In such situations, it's recommended to turn off the air conditioner when you know there will be a power outage. This way, when the power is restored, you can turn the unit back on manually and resume its normal operation.
It's worth noting that sudden power fluctuations or power surges caused by power restoration can sometimes damage electrical appliances. To protect your air conditioner and other electronic devices, it's advisable to use surge protectors or unplug them during a power outage to avoid potential damage.