Can You Install A Window Air Conditioner Through A Wall

Through the wall air conditioner installation might seem complicated and finicky. In reality, it's quite simple if you lot have the tools and noesis. In this post, we'll walk you lot through all of the necessary steps. By the end, you'll know whether this is something you'd like to endeavour on your own or if yous're better off enlisting the aid of a professional.

Through The Wall Air Conditioner Installation: The Basics

Tools needed for through the wall air conditioner installation.

If you've already done thorough research concerning what through the wall air conditioners are, experience free to skip this department. Otherwise, read this department for a brief rundown on their benefits.

Contrary to what you might retrieve on showtime glance, through the wall air conditioners aren't only window units fixed to a hole in the wall. Functional differences include vents placed on the back of the unit rather than its sides. A through the wall air conditioner also doesn't protrude outside as much every bit a window air conditioner. It sits relatively flush.

Note that yous shouldn't confuse through the wall air conditioners with mini-split air conditioners, which (despite their like name) look completely unlike and consist of 2 separate units. Installation of a mini-split air conditioner involves mounting the unit with screws and brackets rather than cutting a huge hole in your wall.

Benefits Of Through The Wall Air Conditioners

Through the wall air conditioner installation doesn't involve any of the ductwork y'all'd find with many other types of air conditioners. A single unit serves both the outdoor and indoor functions of the air conditioner. If total utilize of your window is mandatory (say, you simply have one and it's your fire escape road), a through the wall air conditioner is a great option worth because.

Through the wall air conditioners tin as well be very efficient to run, with free energy usage comparable to that of window air conditioners. Read more about how much electricity various types of air conditioners use here.

Potential Downsides Of Through The Wall Air Conditioners

Proper insulation is essential with a through the wall air conditioner. You lot'll be cut a hole in your wall that leads clean through to the outside. If you don't insulate that hole properly, a draft volition come through along with any insects or other pests that find their way within.

In and of itself, cutting a hole is also a serious commitment. Yous won't be able to movement the air conditioner without refilling the hole and repainting it, which can be fourth dimension-consuming.

While through the wall air conditioner installation isn't impossible for DIYers, it can exist quite difficult if yous're non handy with tools or lack confidence in your abilities.

How To Install A Wall Air Conditioner

Now that you know a flake about through the wall air conditioners, allow's discuss how to install a wall air conditioner. For your wall air conditioner install, you'll demand:

A mounting sleeve or subclass
A caulking gun (including the silicone caulking, of form)
Measuring device
Stud finder
Paint (for retouching your wall subsequently you lot cutting the hole)
A circular saw
Hammer and nails
Level
Drill set
Drywall knife
Lumber (for framing the pigsty in your wall)

Stride #1: Notice A Suitable Spot

You'll need to find a spot that is unobstructed and between 1 and five anxiety above your flooring. The wall you select should also be outward facing and shut to an electrical outlet.

Pace #2: Locate Your Wall Studs

Locate 3-iv studs using your stud finder. Studs are pieces of wood (usually two x four) used to back up your wall. They usually sit down about 16 inches apart. When you lot locate a stud, marking it with a pencil and find the remaining ones. Most through the wall air conditioners come with some sort of guide that y'all can place on the wall to get an idea of the unit's proportions. Position the guide in such a way that it passes through as few studs as possible. This volition make your chore a whole lot easier.

Step #3: Switch Your Ability Off At The Breaker

Since you lot've chosen a wall that has an electrical outlet, you'll demand to take a few precautions. Locate the switch controlling electricity to the room in which you're installing the air conditioner. Shut it off to avoid getting electrocuted when yous showtime cutting into your wall.

Step #four: Cut Your Hole Into The Wall

Using the guide, sleeve, or bracket that came with your through the wall air conditioner, trace an outline that runs through as few wall studs as possible. Use your level to make sure whatever you're using every bit a guide is perfectly flat as you draw. Once you've drawn that outset outline, make another one roughly 2.5 inches larger than information technology. You lot'll be using that outline to create a supporting frame.

Score forth the outline with your drywall pocketknife and then either hammer the slice out or make a clean cut with your saw.

If you detect insulation on the other side, clothing the proper protective gear (a respirator mask, gloves and fully-sleeved/legged article of clothing) and cutting the insulation as well.

By the end of this pace, you should see exposed wall studs. Cut those studs equally needed and then that their edges are flush with those of your outline. The outside portion of the wall should all the same be nowadays at this stage.

Stride #half-dozen: Build Your Air Conditioner'due south Frame

Cutting your 2 10 4s and so that they fit lengthwise into your wall opening. You'll cease up with four pieces of lumber. Nail those pieces together and fit the resulting rectangle into your hole. Fix it to your studs every bit much equally possible using screws.

Step #7: Make Your Exterior Wall Cutout

Here'southward where you'll cut the hole in your exterior wall. From the inside, drill a hole through each of the opening's 4 corners. You'll be using these holes as a guide when you head outside to brand the cuts.

Once y'all're finished drilling, head outside and describe perfectly straight lines connecting the holes using your level. When you cut through this outline with your circular saw, yous'll have a hole that aligns with your internal one. Y'all should exist able to encounter clean through to the inside of your home at this point.

Pace #8: Insert Your Metal Sleeve And AC Unit of measurement

Next, insert your metallic sleeve or subclass into the opening you've now created in your wall. Your wall AC unit installation transmission should include some instructions for fixing the bracket in place, either with screws or some other method. In one case the sleeve is in place, insert the air conditioner itself.

Step #nine: Properly Seal The Opening

You're about washed! Before you call it a day, however, you lot need to properly seal off all gaps in the opening. Fill especially large gaps with drywall. Once you've gotten those gaps out of the manner, plug the entire perimeter with caulking. Optionally, use paint to touch upward any surrounding areas that may take gotten damaged.

Step #10: Plug Your AC In And Restore Power

You did it! Now you're ready to plug the air conditioner in and flip the ability switch. You should strongly consider contacting a professional at this point to accept them review your work. If y'all live in the Phoenix expanse, learn nigh our services here.

Air conditioner installation can be tricky and so you lot won't regret having a professional review your piece of work. Alternatively, if these instructions have left yous feeling skeptical nearly your abilities to get the chore done, reach out to your local HVAC company and have them complete the install. Any competent professional should know how to install an air conditioner in the wall. Bank check out this post for some tips on choosing a suitable service company.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does information technology toll to install an air conditioner in the wall?

Y'all'll spend an average of $ii,400 for wall Air-conditioning unit installation. That includes parts and labor if you're contracting the work out. You tin save $50 to $100 past performing the installation yourself.

Can you put a window air conditioner through the wall?

Window and through the wall air conditioners are generally not interchangeable. That said, there are some window air conditioners that tin be retrofitted using special sleeves that make them behave like wall air conditioners. This is non typical, though, given that window and through the wall units accept fundamentally different designs.

Do through the wall air conditioners demand a sleeve?

Yes! If you endeavor to install a through the wall air conditioner without a sleeve, y'all'll find that the wall is incapable of supporting the boosted weight. Y'all'll cease up deforming the wall. Near through the wall air conditioners come with a sleeve or slide-out chassis.

Are all through the wall air conditioners the same size?

Through the wall air conditioners more often than not come in a standard size of 26″ by 16″.