Imagine a sweltering summer day. You need cool air fast, but window units are bulky, and central air is too expensive. What’s the perfect middle ground for efficient, permanent cooling? Enter the Through The Wall Air Conditioner (TTW AC).
These units offer serious cooling power without the hassle of window installation or the massive cost of ductwork. However, choosing the right one can feel like a maze. Do you need a sleeve? Which size is right for your room? How do you ensure it fits perfectly and runs quietly? These are the common headaches that stop people from enjoying perfect indoor temperatures.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down everything you need to know, from understanding BTUs to installation tips and choosing the most energy-efficient model. By the end, you will feel confident selecting the best TTW AC for your home or apartment.
Ready to ditch the heat and find your ideal wall-mounted cooling solution? Let’s dive into the world of Through The Wall Air Conditioners.
Top Through The Wall Air Conditioner Recommendations
- Energy Efficient R-32 Refrigerant: With an energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 10.6, this ac wall unit employs the most efficient refrigerant currently used in the industry
- Wall Mounted AC Unit: This 11,800 BTU ac wall unit is suited for a through the wall installation; It is not properly vented for a standard window installation; The wall air conditioner has dimensions of 24” W x 20.1” D x 14.4” H
- Confident Cooling: This air conditioner features 3 cooling speeds and 3 pre-programmed modes meant to cool rooms up to 530 square feet using a turbo fan
- Wall Unit Modes: Energy Saver mode keeps the fan running to circulate air but turns off the compressor when your desired room temperature is reached; Dry mode removes moisture from your space; Cool mode keeps you comfortable on warm days with cold air
- Accessories Included: A trim kit finishes the indoor installation, while a plastic mesh grille protects the outdoor; A washable, reusable filter, insulation foam, and a remote are also included
- Energy Efficient R-32 Refrigerant: With an energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 10.7, this wall unit employs the most efficient refrigerant currently used in the industry
- Wall AC Installation: This 9,800 BTU wall mounted ac unit is suited for a through the wall installation; It is not properly vented for a standard window installation
- Confident Cooling: This ac wall unit features 3 cooling speeds and 3 pre-programmed modes meant to cool rooms up to 440 square feet using a turbo fan; Energy Saver mode keeps the fan running to circulate air but turns off the compressor when your desired room temperature is reached; Dry mode removes up to 2.9 pints of moisture per hour; 4-way air deflection gives you ultimate flexibility
- Easy Wall Air Conditioner Installation: A plastic, snap-together trim kit finishes the indoor installation, while a plastic mesh grille protects the unit
- Wall Unit Air Conditioner Features: A washable, reusable filter, insulation foam, and a remote control are included
- Exceptional Cooling: This powerful, 12,000/11,600 BTU through the wall air conditioner with 10600/8600 BTU supplemental heat (not meant to be used as a primary heat source in the coldest months) is best for spaces up to 550-sq. ft. with an attached, 4.9-ft plug that will fit any 230V/20A electrical outlet
- Cooling Flexibility: With 8-way directional louvers, 3 fan speeds, and 4 operation modes you can customize your cooling to fit your specific needs
- Universal Fit Size: With dimensions of 20.3” D x 24.2” W x 14.5” H, this air conditioner fits into sleeves 24.5”-27” wide and comes with a trim kit and rear grille to finish off the look
- Convenient Functions: The Eco and Sleep functions save you money throughout the day and night while keeping you cool while the programmable 24-hour timer allows you to cool on your schedule
- Easy Remove Filter: The unit features a quick-access filter for easy cleaning so you can simply pull it out, wipe the filter clean, and push back into the unit
- Energy Efficient R-32 Refrigerant: With an energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 10.6, this ac wall unit employs the most efficient refrigerant currently used in the industry
- Wall AC Installation: This 11,800 BTU air conditioner is suited for a through the wall installation; It is not properly vented for a standard window installation
- Confident Cooling: This wall air conditioner features 3 cooling speeds and 3 pre-programmed modes meant to cool rooms up to 530 square feet using a turbo fan; Energy Saver mode keeps the fan running to circulate air but turns off the compressor when your desired room temperature is reached; Dry mode removes up to 3.9 pints of moisture per hour; 4-way air deflection gives you ultimate flexibility
- 230V Outlet Required: This wall unit ac has a 6 ft power cord with a special NEMA 6-15 230V plug; It will not run on a standard 115V residential electrical outlet
- Wall AC Unit Features: A washable, reusable filter, insulation foam, and a remote control are included
- Reliable Through the Wall Air Conditioner: The powerful 10,000 BTU through the wall ac unit is what you need to efficiently cool your apartment, bedroom, bathroom, or any small to medium sized living space up to 450 Sq.Ft.
- Maximum Comfort: Featuring 3 cooling modes, 3 fan speeds, 4-way adjustable air louvers and a programmable timer; Aside from cooling, 2.3 pints of moisture from the air is removed every hour with the built-in dehumidification system
- Space Saving: Keep your window view and floor space with this through wall air conditioner 115v; Easy installation with universal interior trim kit
- Smart Remote Control: The remote takes the temperature of the room you are in, displays it on the LCD screen and sends a signal to your ac wall unit every 3 minutes for accurate cooling
- Powerful Cooling on a Budget: Our High Efficiency thru the wall ac will give your electric bill a break by using the 'Energy Saver' or Sleep' mode; These features automatically program your unit to use less energy
- Reliable Wall AC Unit: Keystone proudly produces consistent cooling to provide you comfort even on the hottest days; Our powerful 8,000 BTU wall air conditioner is what you need to efficiently cool any small-medium sized living space up to 350 Sq.Ft.
- Maximum Comfort: Featuring 3 cooling modes, 3 fan speeds, 4-way adjustable air louvers and a programmable timer; 2.1 pints of moisture from the air is removed every hour with the built-in dehumidification system
- Space Saving Design: Keep your window view and floor space with this through the wall air conditioner; Easy installation with standard universal interior trim kit
- Smart Remote Control: The remote takes the temperature of the room you are in, displays it on the LCD screen and sends a signal to your wall unit every 3 minutes for accurate cooling, no matter where you are in your home
- Powerful Cooling on a Budget: Our High Efficiency wall unit air conditioner will give your electric bill a break by using the 'Energy Saver' or Sleep' mode
- Set The Perfect Temperature: This 8,000 BTU wall ac unit cools spaces up to 350 sq ft; beat the heat and stay cool and comfortable in your space all summer long; perfect for medium sized rooms whether it’s your living room, bedroom or office
- Built-in Dehumidifier: Set the wall unit to Dry Mode to pull moisture from the air and improve your space’s air quality; control and reduce humidity to make your space more comfortable and help prevent odors
- Works with Smart Home Devices: This wall ac works with smart home devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant so you can control it with simple voice commands; change and adjust your unit’s settings without needing to get up
- Compatible Sleeve Dimensions: This wall unit fits wall sleeves sized 26”x20”x15.57”; Wall Sleeve Not Included
- Actual coverage may vary based on room size and configuration (ceiling height, number of windows, and other varying conditions) and environmental factors such as number of occupants, home insulation, etc
- Keeps Rooms Cool: 18,000 BTU window air conditioner unit will keep your home cool and comfortable. This window unit AC runs at four levels: auto, low, medium and high to ensure optimal indoor relief
- For Larger Rooms & Living Spaces: Our window ac units offer consistent and effective cooling for spaces up to 1,000 square feet. Perfect for whole floors, offices, living spaces and apartments
- Full Function Remote Control: Control every setting and function on the easy-to-use remote control. Window unit air conditioner features sleep mode, energy saver, 24-hour timer and more
- Easy Window Installation: Accordion style window air conditioner side panels for easy installation ensure the AC unit fits standard double hung windows from 28" to 40.5" wide and as low as 18.5" H
- Through The Wall Installation: Wall sleeve and parts included with this window AC unit. Through-the-wall installations and electrical wiring should be performed by a licensed professional
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner
Through-the-wall air conditioners are a great way to cool down rooms without needing complicated window installations. They fit neatly into a pre-cut opening in an exterior wall. This guide helps you pick the right one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, several features make a big difference in comfort and cost.
- Cooling Capacity (BTUs): This measures how much heat the unit removes. You need the right size for your room. Too small, and it won’t cool well. Too big, and it wastes energy. For small rooms (around 150 sq. ft.), look for 5,000 to 6,000 BTUs. Larger rooms need 10,000 BTUs or more.
- Energy Efficiency (EER/SEER): The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) tells you how well the unit cools compared to the power it uses. Higher numbers mean lower electricity bills. Look for ENERGY STAR certified models.
- Noise Level (dB): Air conditioners make noise. Units under 50 decibels (dB) are generally quiet enough for bedrooms or offices. Check the decibel rating before buying.
- Thermostat and Controls: Digital controls offer precise temperature settings. Programmable timers let you set the AC to turn on or off automatically.
- Smart Features: Some modern units connect to Wi-Fi. This lets you control them using a smartphone app or voice commands (like Alexa or Google Assistant).
Important Materials and Construction
The materials used affect how long the AC lasts and how well it handles weather.
The outdoor side of the unit needs to be tough. Most good models use **galvanized steel** for the outer casing. This metal resists rust, which is important because it faces rain and snow.
Inside, the **condenser and evaporator coils** should be made of **copper** or aluminum. Copper coils last longer and transfer heat better, improving efficiency. Ensure the fan blades are durable plastic or metal that won’t easily bend or break.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality is about performance and longevity.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- **Inverter Technology:** Inverter ACs adjust their power output smoothly instead of constantly turning fully on and off. This keeps the temperature very steady, saves energy, and reduces noise.
- **Good Insulation:** Quality insulation around the compressor helps keep the unit running quietly and efficiently.
- **Easy Cleaning Filters:** Removable, washable filters are essential. They trap dust and keep the air clean.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- **Cheap Plastic Housing:** If the outer shell feels flimsy, it might crack in extreme heat or cold.
- **Low EER Ratings:** A unit with a very low EER rating will cost you much more to run over time, even if the purchase price is low.
- **Complex Installation Kits:** Some budget models come with poor mounting hardware, making a secure, weather-tight installation difficult.
User Experience and Use Cases
Through-the-wall units shine in specific situations. They are perfect for apartments, condos, or rooms where a window unit is not allowed or practical. Because they are permanently mounted, they generally provide a more secure seal against outside air leaks than temporary window units.
For a **home office**, look for a quiet model (under 50 dB) with good temperature holding so your concentration isn’t broken by loud cycling.
For a **bedroom**, prioritize sleep features, like a sleep mode that slowly raises the temperature overnight while keeping the fan quiet.
Remember that installation requires cutting a hole in an exterior wall and installing a sleeve (a metal or plastic housing). This usually requires professional help unless you are very handy.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Through-The-Wall Air Conditioners
Q: What is the main difference between a through-the-wall unit and a window unit?
A: A through-the-wall unit is permanently installed through a hole cut in the exterior wall and is generally more secure and blends in better. A window unit sits temporarily in an open window.
Q: Do I need professional help to install this type of AC?
A: Yes, professional installation is usually needed. A hole must be cut into the wall, and the unit must be sealed properly to prevent water leaks and drafts.
Q: Are these units noisy?
A: Noise levels vary greatly. Higher-quality units with good insulation operate quieter, often below 55 dB. Always check the listed decibel (dB) rating.
Q: How do I figure out the right BTU size?
A: You measure the square footage of the room. A general rule is about 20 BTUs per square foot. Larger rooms need more power.
Q: Can I use a through-the-wall AC for heating too?
A: Yes, many models are “heat pump” versions. They offer both cooling in the summer and efficient heating in the winter.
Q: How often should I clean the filter?
A: You should clean the filter about once a month during heavy use. Clean filters keep the air fresh and help the unit run efficiently.
Q: Will this unit lower my electric bill?
A: A high-efficiency (high EER) unit will save you money compared to an old or low-rated unit because it uses less power to produce the same amount of cool air.
Q: What is the “sleeve” that comes with the AC?
A: The sleeve is the metal or plastic housing that slides into the wall opening. The AC unit then slides into this sleeve. It helps create a tight seal.
Q: Are these units safe from weather damage?
A: Good quality units are built with weather-resistant materials on the outside. The installation process ensures the unit is angled slightly outward so rainwater drains away from the wall.
Q: What happens if I move? Can I take the AC with me?
A: No, these units are generally considered permanent fixtures. Removing them involves patching and repairing the hole in the wall.