A reliable air conditioner can be a lifesaver where temperatures can rise to uncomfortable extremes. Whether you’re looking to cool a specific room or you prefer the aesthetics of a through-the-wall air conditioner, this comprehensive guide is here to make your air conditioner installation experience a breeze.
I’ll take you through the entire process, from the first step to the final cool breeze, ensuring that your air conditioner installation is a hassle-free, DIY project. Say goodbye to sweltering summers and welcome the comfort of a well-installed through-the-wall air conditioner.
Let’s dive in and master the art of air conditioner installation together.
Guide for an Air Conditioner Installation Through the Wall
Installation of a through-the-wall air conditioner might appear complicated. It’s quite easy if you know what to do and have the right tools. We’ll guide you through the steps in this article. You can tell by the end if this is something that you want to do on your own or if you should hire a professional.
Basics Installing a Through-the-wall Air Conditioner
You can skip this section if you have thoroughly researched what through-the-wall air conditioners are. If you’re unfamiliar with them, this section will briefly overview their benefits.
Contrary to what one might assume at first glance, through-the-wall air conditioners are simply window units fixed into a hole in a wall. Vents are located on the back rather than the sides of the unit. The through-the-wall air conditioner doesn’t stick out as much from the outside as a window unit. It is relatively flush.
Mini-splits are not the same as through-the-wall air conditioners. They look different, and they have two separate units. Mini-splits are installed by mounting them with brackets and screws rather than drilling a large hole in the wall.
Benefits of Through-the-Wall Air Conditioners
Installation of a through-the-wall air conditioner does not require ductwork, as with other air conditioner types. The air conditioner can be used both indoors and outdoors. A through-the-wall air conditioner can be a good option if you need to use your window (for example, if it is your only one or your escape route in case of fire).
The energy consumption of through-the-wall air conditioners is comparable to window air conditioners. Find out how much electricity different types of air conditioners consume here.
Potential Downsides Of Through The Wall Air Conditioners
With a wall-mounted air conditioner, it is important to have proper insulation. This will result in a hole that is completely open to the exterior. If you don’t properly seal the hole, you’ll get a draft and any bugs or pests who find their way in.
Cutting a hole in itself is a big commitment. It can take a long time to paint and fill the hole before you can move the air conditioner.
It’s not impossible to install an air conditioner through the wall, but it’s difficult if your skills or confidence are lacking.
How To Install A Wall Air Conditioner
Now that you have a basic understanding of through-the-wall air conditioners let’s talk about how to install wall air conditioners. You’ll need the following to install a wall air conditioner:
- The mounting bracket or sleeve
- The caulking gun, including the silicone caulk.
- Measuring device
- Stud finder
- Paint (to retouch your wall after cutting the hole)
- Circular saw
- Hammer and nails
- The Level
- Drill Set
- Drywall knife
- Lumber (for framing your hole in the wall)
Step 1: Select a Suitable Location
Find a place that’s unobstructed and is between 1 and 5 feet higher than your floor. Choose a wall facing outward and close to an outlet.
Step 2: Find Your Wall Studs
Find 3-4 studs with your stud finder. The studs are usually 2 x 4 pieces of wood that support the wall. They are usually 16 inches apart. Mark the stud with a pencil, then find the rest. You can use the guide provided with most through-the-wall air conditioners to gauge the size of the unit. Position the guide so that it passes as few studs as possible. It will make the job much easier.
Step 3: Turn Off the Power at the Breaker
You’ll want to be careful since you have chosen a wall with an electrical outlet. Find the switch that controls electricity in the room where you plan to install the air conditioner. Avoid getting electrocuted by turning it off before cutting into the wall.
Step 4: Cut a Hole in the Wall
Trace an outline through as few wall studs as possible using the guide, sleeve, or bracket that came along with your through-the-wall air conditioner. As you draw, use your level to ensure that whatever you use as a reference is flat. After you have drawn the first outline, draw another that is roughly 2.5 inches bigger. This outline will be used to create the supporting frame.
Then, either hammer or saw the piece cleanly.
Wear the appropriate protective gear, such as a respirator, gloves, and long-sleeved/leg clothing, and cut the insulation.
You should be able to see the exposed wall studs at the end of this process. You can cut the studs to match your outline. At this stage, the exterior wall portion should still be visible.
Step 5: Frame Your Air Conditioner
You’ll end up with four pieces of lumber. Four pieces of lumber will be left. Then, nail the pieces together to form a rectangle. Fit it into the hole. Use screws to attach it as tightly as possible to the studs.
Step 6: Cut Out Your Exterior Wall Cutout
This is where you will cut the hole into your exterior wall. Drill a hole in each corner of the opening from the inside. These holes will be used as a guide for cutting the wood outside.
After drilling, use your level to draw straight lines between the holes. When you cut this outline using your circular saw, you’ll get a hole aligned with the internal hole. At this point, you should be able to see through to the interior of your house.
Step 7: Insert Your Metal Sleeves and AC Unit
Insert your metal bracket or sleeve into the hole you have now made in your wall. The manual for installing the wall AC unit should provide instructions on fixing the bracket, whether with screws or another method. Insert the air conditioner once the sleeve has been installed.
Step 8: Seal the Opening Properly
You’re almost done! It would help if you sealed all the gaps before you can call it a night. Fill in large gaps using drywall. After you have filled in the gaps, caulk the perimeter. You can also use paint to repair any damaged areas.
Step 9: Reconnect Your AC and Restore the Power
It’s done! You’re now ready to plug in the air conditioner and turn on the power. It would help if you considered hiring a professional to review your work at this stage. Learn more about our services if you are in the Phoenix region.
You won’t regret hiring a professional to review your work. Air conditioner installation is tricky, so it’s best to leave the job in the hands of a pro. If you still need to figure out your ability to complete the installation, contact your local HVAC company to have them do it. Installing an air conditioner into the wall is a skill that any competent professional should be able to perform. This post will give you some advice on choosing a service provider.
Conclusion
Installing a through-the-wall air conditioner may seem daunting initially, but it can be a manageable DIY project with the right guidance and tools. We’ve walked you through the basics and provided step-by-step instructions to ensure your installation succeeds. By following these guidelines, you can transform your space into a cool and comfortable haven without breaking a sweat.
While DIY installation can be rewarding, it’s important to remember that air conditioner installation is a precise task that requires skill and experience. If you ever feel uncertain or uncomfortable about any aspect of the installation process, it’s wise to seek professional assistance.
Look no further than the Air Conditioning Contractor in Crofton LLC for top-notch air conditioner installation and furnace repair services. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing the best HVAC solutions in the Crofton area. Whether you need a new air conditioner installed, require furnace repairs, or have any other HVAC needs, we’ve got you covered.
Contact us today to ensure your cooling and heating systems are in the hands of trusted professionals. Stay cool and comfortable year-round with the assurance of our expert services!
FAQs
What is the cost of installing an air conditioner on a wall?
Installing a wall AC unit will cost you an average of $2400. If you contract out the work, that includes both parts and labor. Installing the system yourself can save you $50 to $100.
Can you install a window air conditioning unit through a wall?
Air conditioners for the window and wall are not interchangeable. Some window air conditioners can be retrofitted with sleeves to act like wall air conditioners. It is rare, however, as window and through-the-wall units fundamentally differ in design.
Do through-the-wall air conditioners require a sleeve to protect them?
Yes! You’ll discover that your wall will not be able to support the extra weight if you try to install an air conditioner through the wall without a sleeve. The wall will be deformed. The majority of through-the-wall air conditioners have a slide-out chassis or sleeve.
All through-the-wall air conditioners are the same size.
Standard sizes for through-the-wall air conditioners are 26″ by 16″.
