Through the Wall Air Conditioner Buying Guide for 2022

Finding the right through the wall air conditioner for your home or living space can be a challenge –– especially since there are so many different options available.

Through the wall air conditioners essentially function the same way that window units do –– retrieving fresh air, running it through coils to cool it, then sending the air into the room. Unlike window units though, through the wall air conditioners are installed in a hole in an exterior wall, and require installation of a sleeve.

For those looking to cool a single room, or are worried about a unit taking up space, a  through the wall ac can be a great option to consider.

Here we look at the advantages of through the wall air conditioners, and what factors you should look for.

Benefits of Through the Wall Air Conditioners

There are many reasons why through the wall air conditioners might make sense for you. It’s important to note that the coverage area for this type of AC unit is around 200-800 square feet, so this is not a whole home solution. These air conditioners are meant to cool single rooms or areas and do require a bit more upfront installation work than a window unit. 

Here are a few of our favorite features of through the wall air conditioners:

Visual Appeal

While we’ve made many strides when it comes to air conditioner technology, one element that lags is the visual design. In other words, most people do not want their air conditioner to be the focal point of a room, and actually prefer to place it somewhere unobtrusive.

For this reason, through the wall AC units are a good choice, as they fit tightly inside the wall, and do not jut out too far into the space or draw attention to themselves. They don’t take up window space, which keeps the windows in the room open for their main purposes, like having a nice view. They are also easier to blend in with the decor of the room.

Space Saver

Similarly, air conditioners installed in the wall also save space, as they are often installed higher up or out of the way. This element makes them perfect for particularly small rooms or office spaces that need to take advantage of every square inch.

Convenience

If you are using the air conditioner for a room that isn’t used all the time, these units can simply be turned off when the room isn’t in use.

For those living in colder climates where the AC isn’t needed for most of the year, having an air conditioner installed in the wall cuts down on the amount of time needed to pack, unpack, install, and take down the unit when the seasons change.

Efficiency

Because of the placement of the unit into the wall, these air conditioners tend to be more efficient. As they fit snugly right into the exterior, air gaps and drafts are minimized. This saves you money, as the higher the efficiency of the air conditioner, the less unnecessary costs you will have to incur on your electric bill.

Lower Cost

Buying a through the wall air conditioner is usually a mid to low cost option. These units are a more permanent solution than a window air conditioner, are easy to replace, and last longer. The average pricing for this type of air conditioner, including installation, is around $700 – $1300.

How to Choose a Through the Wall Air Conditioner

Here’s what you should look for when shopping for a through the wall AC to make the most of your purchase:

Specs

What makes the best through the wall air conditioner? The short answer is that it depends on your situation and what is the most important to you.

First, consider size. What is the square footage of the place you are wanting to cool? With that measurement, you can use our BTU calculator to assess the power capacity you will need for your unit. Some units go up to 15,500 BTUs, which can cool spaces up to 600 square feet.

Then, think about your energy efficiency. Do you want to minimize the amount of electricity you are using? If so, look into a unit that has timers and low-voltage startups, which can help you manage your usage much more precisely.

Finally, as mentioned earlier, there is also price to consider. Through the wall ac units are generally a low-range to mid-range price, between $500 and $1200 for the unit itself, plus installation costs which will result in around $700-$2000 total. While you may want to save the most money on the ticket price, it can sometimes be more beneficial to get a more expensive unit that is more efficient, and will save you money in the long term.

PTAC

You may run into the acronym PTAC in your research. PTAC stands for packaged terminal air conditioner, and describes a self-contained heating and cooling unit that is installed through the wall.

PTAC units are a great choice due to their energy efficiency and many come with a heat pump so the unit can be used for both heating and cooling a room.

What to ask about

Before you dive into the buying and installation process, consider chatting with a professional regarding things to consider for your particular situation.

Some things you may want to ask about include:

• Cost of cutting the hole in the wall / installation
• Electric wiring or plumbing considerations
• Voltage requirements
• Type of wall sleeve

Most of the time, through the wall air conditioners require professional installation, so it is a good idea to consult a contractor who can guide you on these areas.

Our Recommended Through the Wall AC Units

As we said earlier, the right through the wall air conditioner for you will depend a lot on your specific needs. That said, here are a few units that we recommend:

PTAC Air Conditioner with Heat Pump:

Friedrich PZH15K5SC 15000 BTU Class Select Series 10.0 EER PTAC Air Conditioner with Heat Pump

This unit is a powerhouse ideal for either residential or commercial use, with 14,300 BTU cooling and 13,200 BTU heat pump and electric heat. The PZH15K5SB has an EER of 10.2 making it an efficient system for cooling rooms over 550 sq. ft.

Features include a digital touchpad, a range of compatible thermostats from wired non-programmable to wireless programmable; and an Indoor Coil Frost Sensor that protects the compressor for a longer life.

For general home and office use:

GE AJCQ12DWJ 12000 BTU Through-the-Wall Room Air Conditioner – 208/230V – WiFi Enabled – Energy Star

This EnergyStar certified through-the-wall air conditioner delivers 12,000 BTUs of cooling, ideal for small to medium-sized spaces up to 550 sq. ft. It carries impressive energy efficiency ratings of 10.5 CEER & EER. 

Features include 3 fan speeds, paired with a 6-way directional air-flow, as well as three unique modes: eco mode, dry mode, and auto mode. Integrated SmartHQ WiFi allows for seamless control of the unit through your smartphone, so long as you have internet access.

Through the Wall Air Conditioner with Heat Pump for Smaller Spaces: 

Amana PBH092J12AA 9000 BTU 9.7 CEER, 9.8 EER Thru-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Heat Pump

This through-the-wall air conditioner features 9,000 BTUs of cooling and a reverse-cycle heat pump that can output up to 8,500 BTUs of heating. It also comes equipped with a 1.2 kW (3,900 BTU) electric heat strip as a supplemental heat source, ideal for spaces up to 300 sq. ft. 

It uses R32 refrigerant, which has a low GWP (Global Warming Potential). Additional features include 3-way adjustable air flow options and four unique fan speeds. This model also comes with a wired thermostat-ready design for easy temperature control through either the programmable PHWT-A200 thermostats or the non-programmable PHWT-A150H thermostats.

Through the Wall Air Conditioner Accessories

Grilles

Architectural grilles provide an aesthetic face to your through the wall AC unit. They come in different designs, colors, and styles, such as window pane style grilles and linear bar grilles to suit your home.

Wall sleeves

Wall sleeves help securely hold your through the wall air conditioner in place. They help eliminate air gaps and drafts, allowing your AC unit to work more efficiently. We carry a variety of wall sleeves for different AC brands.

Buying a Through the Wall Air Conditioner

While the options for through the wall ACs may seem overwhelming at first, the most important elements to take into account are the power needed and energy efficiency required. When weighing out the cost of different units, note that choosing an option with greater efficiency can result in longer-term savings. We recommend consulting a professional before purchasing or installing a through the wall air conditioner.

We’ve highlighted a few of our favorite products up above, but many more are waiting for you to check out in our wide selection of through the wall air conditioners at Total Home Supply. 

Easily compare, shop, and select the one that’s right for you. If you’d like more information, you can contact us, and one of our skilled professionals will help you find the AC unit that will work best for your situation.