The inside of a single room or small area can be cooled with the help of a through-the-wall air conditioner, which is a type of air conditioning unit that is placed through an outside wall of a structure. These units are frequently utilized in place of window-mounted air conditioners or central air systems, particularly in structures were installing windows is impractical or impossible.
Since they are positioned flush with the wall, through-the-wall air conditioners are typically more enduring and secure than window units and provide a more streamlined appearance. As they are more sealed and do not let as much hot air escape, they are often more energy efficient than window units. in our guide, we will cover how to install the wall air conditioner sleeve.
How To Install Through The Wall Air Conditioner Sleeve
What is the benefit of Through The Wall Air Conditioner?
There are several benefits to using a through-the-wall air conditioner:
- Installation is simple because there is no need to alter the building’s façade or the windows when installing through-the-wall air conditioners.
- Energy efficiency: Due to their improved sealing and less hot air leakage, these units often use less energy than window-mounted air conditioners.
- Streamlined look: When compared to window units, through-the-wall air conditioners have a more streamlined and appealing appearance since they are positioned flush with the wall.
- Security: Because these air conditioners cannot be quickly removed from the outside, they are more secure than window-mounted air conditioners.
- Efficiency in cooling a single room or small area: Because they are made expressly for this use, through-the-wall air conditioners are often more efficient at cooling a single room or small area.
- Through-the-wall air conditioners frequently run silently, which makes them perfect for use in bedrooms or other locations where noise may be a concern.
How To Install A Through The Wall Air Conditioner
- Tools Required
- Sleeve
- Measuring Tape
- Stud Finder (or you can use a small penny nail for finding the studs)
- Pry Bar
- Circular Saw
- Hand Saw
- Hammer
- Nails
- Caulking Gun
- Silicone Caulk
- Level
- Paint
- Pencil
- Several 2 x 4 pieces of lumber (for framing)
- Drills and drill bits
- Utility Knife
- 1 sheet of drywall
- Drywall compound
- Drywall Knife
Follow the below procedure for installation:
- Prepare the wall: The preparation of the wall where a through-the-wall air conditioner will be put in is the first stage in the installation process. This usually involves constructing the space where the unit will be put and removing any siding or other materials that may be covering the wall.
- Install the sleeve: The sleeve, a metal or plastic bracket that holds the air conditioner in place, has to be installed next. Your through-the-wall air conditioner should come with a sleeve that has to be secured to the wall with screws or nails.
- Apply silicone caulk around the sleeve’s edges with a caulking gun once the sleeve has been installed. This will aid in sealing the appliance in place and stop air leakage from the unit’s edges.
- Install the unit: The air conditioner unit itself may be installed once the sleeve has been put in place and is securely sealed. Typically, to do this, the device is slipped into the sleeve and fastened in place with screws or other fasteners.
- Finish the installation: After inserting the unit, you may complete the installation by restoring any siding or other materials that you had previously removed and painting or otherwise completing the wall to match the surrounding area.
- Last but not least, test the appliance to make sure it is operating correctly and cooling the space appropriately. If you have any issues, you might need to make modifications to the device or look for expert help.
Potential Downsides Of Through The Wall Air Conditioners
There are a few potential downsides to using through-the-wall air conditioners:
- Cost: If you need to have a sleeve or other supporting structure placed in your wall, these units may cost more to buy and install than window-mounted air conditioners.
- If you’re attempting to watch TV or fall asleep in the same room as the air conditioner, certain through-the-wall models can be pretty noisy.
- limited scope: Through-the-wall air conditioners are made to chill a single room or a small area; they might not be adequate to cool a full house or bigger spaces.
- Lack of adaptability: Through-the-wall air conditioners are more permanent fixtures and cannot be readily relocated to new locations, in contrast to window-mounted air conditioners that can be removed and put in different places.
- Incompatibility with some types of walls: Through-the-wall air conditioners may not be acceptable for use in buildings with specific types of siding or in walls made of particular materials, such as those built of brick or concrete.
- Installing a through-the-wall air conditioner may in some circumstances result in a decrease in property value because it entails permanently altering the building’s facade.
How much does mounting an air conditioner on a wall cost?
The size of the unit, the difficulty of the installation, and any repairs or wall modifications required will all affect the price of installing a through-the-wall air conditioner. A through-the-wall air conditioner installation typically costs between $300 and $1,500, with an average price of roughly $8,000. Normally, this fee will cover the cost of the appliance itself as well as any installation-related labor and supplies. However, since the real cost might vary based on your particular scenario, it is usually advisable to acquire an estimate from a qualified HVAC specialist.
Is it possible to insert a window air conditioner through a wall?
Technically, a window air conditioner might be mounted through the wall. This is not advised, though, as window air conditioners may not work correctly or be as energy-efficient as through-the-wall air conditioners because they are not intended to be put in this manner. Additionally, mounting a window air conditioner through a wall could lead to worse performance, more noise, and even harm to the appliance or the wall. Generally speaking, a through-the-wall air conditioner that is made for this installation method is preferable.
Are sleeves required for through-the-wall air conditioners?
A sleeve, which is a metal or plastic bracket put in the wall to hold the weight of the appliance and aid in sealing it in place, is typically necessary for through-the-wall air conditioners. The sleeve, which is normally inserted in the wall before installing the air conditioner itself, comes with the unit. If a through-the-wall air conditioner is made to fit into a certain kind of wall or is light enough to be supported by the wall itself, it might not need a sleeve. To ascertain if a sleeve is required, it is always advisable to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or a qualified HVAC contractor.
Conclusion:
Using through-the-wall air conditioners to cool a single room or small area is practical and efficient. Compared to window-mounted units, they provide simple installation, energy efficiency, a streamlined look, and secure operation. However, they could be more expensive to buy and install, might make noise, and might not be appropriate for cooling bigger regions or a whole house. Additionally, they can need a sleeve or other supporting structure installed in the wall and might not work with all wall or building types.
For individuals who need to chill a particular room or region, through-the-wall air conditioners can be a decent option overall, but it’s crucial to carefully assess your demands and budget before choosing one.
