Best Through the Wall Air Conditioners (2022 Reviews)

Through-the- wall air conditioners offers a great energy-efficient and space-saving cooling system. These self-contained units fit through your wall. They are styled like a window AC unit but a hole is actually placed in the wall for them so you don’t lose your window, the chance to open it, and the opportunity for a great view. These units are supported by wall sleeves.

The best part is that the heat is emitted from the exterior of the wall, so it doesn’t negatively impact the temperature of the room.

Through-the-wall units are a permanent cooling option for homes. They are designed to meet the cooling needs of a given room space.

Comparison Chart of the Best Through the Wall AC Units

How to Choose a Unit

Choosing a Through the-wall AC unit requires you to focus on several parameters apart from the price and cooling ability. Get yourself equipped with the following information before you purchase an AC.

Room Size  

The cooling capacity is calculated based on BTUs (British Thermal Units) of the AC. If the unit produces higher BTUs, it can cool a larger room. Of course, how the room is used makes a difference, too – you’ll need a more powerful unit for a kitchen than a bedroom, even if they’re both the same size.

This table will help you determine the BTUs you need based on the square footage of your room. Square footage is the length times the width of your room.

Wall Measurement

Pick the wall and its measurements to correspond to the size of the AC unit. You need to leave enough space around the installation area to allow good ventilation on the exterior side of the wall. It is also important to note the thickness of the wall.

Sunlight

If the room gets more  natural sunlight, then you need to consider an AC with higher BTUs. This will allow better cooling around the space.

Ceiling Height

For rooms with a ceiling height more than 8 feet tall, you will need a more powerful unit.

Voltage

Mos newer models require 115 volts, but some larger and older ones require 208/230. An HVAC professional or electrician may be able to add the kind of plug and line you need.

Heat and Other Alternative Modes

Through-the-wall AC units can sometimes provide additional features. The most popular one is the heat mode. Unlike a heater that uses electric heating, these AC units use a heat pump to warm the room during the Winter.

Wall Sleeve

While installing a through-the-wall AC, you also need to pay attention to the type of wall sleeve that goes with it. 

A wall sleeve is a metal stand that is installed to hold the outside portion of the air conditioner. There are two types of sleeves – the slide-out chassis and the through-the-wall sleeve.

Slide-out chassis sleeves allow venting from the back and the sides of the unit. They can be used both with both through-the-wall and window units. Often, they are first used with a window unit that’s replaced by a through-the-wall unit.

A through-the-wall sleeve is usually the better option for through-the-wall AC units. These vent out through the rear side only and work best for thicker walls, even beyond 8 inches.

Sleeves are normally sold separately from the unit. So if you’re going out to buy a sleeve, make sure you know the brand and unit dimensions of your AC!

Reviews of the Best Through the Wall Air Conditioners

To make your purchase decision simple, we have brought together a list of TTW AC units from different brands. Note that each one comes with a different cooling capacity.

If you elect to make your purchase of any of these products through Amazon, you can opt for installation for an additional fee right from the product page.

Through-the-Wall vs Window AC Units

Through-the-wall and window air conditioners are very similar. But, they have some differences that make people choose one over the other.

Window units are, of course, installed in the windows. But typically, air conditioners are not built to fit any particular window. Further customizations have to added to avoid seepage after installation. Window air conditioners typically vent out the heat from the sides and the back. Through-the-wall units only vent from the back, helping to lower the amount of warm air that makes its way back into your room.

Window units are preferred by those who like to be able to put the unit away when not in use. These units are kept in action during summers and stored in winters. But, for those who do not want to meddle with the AC unit and prefer a permanent solution, it’s a good choice to install a through-the-wall AC unit.

Installation Advantage

If you choose to purchase a window air-conditioner, then you need to be sure that the window measurement complements the AC unit. When you install a through-the-wall unit, you can just have the hole cut to your needs.

While a through-the-wall unit can be slid out, it may not always be necessary. So you have a hole in the wall but you don’t have to move the AC annually.

Window units are easier to install and uninstall and don’t leave a lasting mark on your house. But here, it’s an issue of a one-time installation versus an annual process of setting up and removing a window unit.

Space Consumption and Cooling Capacity

Both types of unit stay pretty much out of the way. Through-the-wall units also allow you to keep your windows as it is. They can pretty much be placed anywhere on the wall.

If you need to cool a small room, then you can do away with window units in less than $200. Both types of air conditioners come in much larger capacities, too, of course.

Price and Energy Efficiency

A notable difference is that through-the-wall units are more energy-efficient than window units. Window air conditioners are cheaper than through-the-wall ACs. So you’re looking at the difference between up-front savings and long-term savings. That will make through-the-wall units more effective in the long term – as long as you have the initial budget to pay for it.

• Check the power source and make sure you match it with the outlet. Make sure the voltage required for the AC unit is available at home. Through-wall ACs use standard 110-120-volt plugs, but some larger or older units may also use 220 volts.

If your house does not support the voltage, consult an electrician to install special electrical wiring.

Be sure the power cord that comes with the unit is long enough. It’s never a good idea to use extension cords or splice cords to make it longer.

How Hard Is It to Install?

Installing a through-the-wall AC unit is a clean affair provided the right professional works on it. This is because apart from electrical work, you actually need to have a hole put in the wall. Some of the points to keep in mind before trying it yourself are:

• Check carefully that you’re not going to be interfering with existing pipes or wiring.
  
  
• Check the unit and sleeve dimensions before digging the hole.
  
  
• Take into consideration the wall thickness.
  
  
• Be sure that you are choosing the right wall in the room. For that, you probably want an HVAC professional, not just a carpenter.
  
  
• These ACs need to be vented so be certain it’s an exterior wall.
  
  
• Once the wall to be used for installation is chosen, work towards the electrical details.

What Size Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner Do I Need? 

Choosing the right size for your through-the-wall air conditioner is much like picking any unit. The most critical number to know here is the area you intend to cool. Measure the length and width of the room.

Once you have the number, there are a few options to find the cooling power of the unit you need in BTU:

• Use the BTU formula
• Find a BTU vs. cooling area table
• Use a BTU calculator to consider more factors

Using the first two options is an approximation. Getting the calculator to do the thinking for you is the better option. It asks a few additional questions to determine the exact size. Here are some of them:

• Is the room getting a lot of sunlight?
• Are there any large appliances in the room that emit heat?
• How many people occupy the space on a typical day?

Answering these questions can give you a better understanding of the unit’s capacity.

Top Brands in the Through-the-Wall AC Space

Although through-the-wall air conditioners aren’t as popular as window units or mini-splits because of more tricky installation and maintenance, top brands still innovate in this area. Let’s note the top brands in the market.

Midea

Midea Group is a Chinese home appliances manufacturing company with more than 260 logistic centers and 21 production facilities in 195 countries. It employs 150,000 people worldwide and has an annual global revenue of $40,5 billion.

With research, development, and tireless innovation, Midea has managed to create super-friendly house appliances. It produces everything from dishwashers to air conditioners. Their through-the-wall units are sold under their Arctic King AC line.

The units are affordable and start at 8,000 BTU, going up to 14,000. The product line makes it a straightforward choice for customers. Just choose the size and decide if you want a unit with a heater. Easy.

Friedrich

Refrigeration history enthusiasts would know that this brand has been in the market for around 130 years since Ed Friedrich founded his business.

It used to be a furniture manufacturing endeavor before becoming one of the most significant commercial refrigerator productions in North America.

In the early 1950s, the company started expanding into room cooling and produced their first window AC units. With its different product lines like Kühl, WallMaster, and Chill, the brand keeps innovation at its forefront.

They introduced the Variable Refrigerant Packaged Heat Pump system in 2017, and the Friedrich FreshAire system launched in 2018. This company’s products give customers top-quality solutions for commercial and residential facilities.

Their through-the-wall ACs have adapted over time and include smart capabilities as well.

Who Should Not Buy a Wall Mounted AC?

Although through-the-wall air conditioners are out of the way and can be highly efficient compared to the window and portable units, there’s a reason why they aren’t that popular. This section explains some disadvantages of these air conditioners.

Need to Cool More Than One Room

Although you can say the same about most AC types, including mini splits and window units, through-the-wall ACs are also pricey to install.

We believe this combination of cutting out walls to install the appliance and having it only in one room can be why people don’t pick these units all too often.

Building Constraints

In many cities, building codes or zoning laws won’t let you attach a large permanent AC on the facade. While installing a window unit might be easier and not pose an issue in some places, through-the-wall systems are challenging to accommodate.

Maintenance and Cleaning Restrictions

Although these units might not need too much maintenance on the customer’s side (only vacuuming or washing the filter), the outdoor section can be tricky to clean during the seasonal checkup.

This statement might not be accurate for houses, but those living in residential buildings might feel the restrictions.

No Permanence Needed

The through-the-wall unit’s permanence is what might throw people off sometimes. If you own the house, this won’t be an issue. Still, if you’re renting, you might not want to install an expensive system just to leave it to the landlord while moving.

In these cases, most tenants opt for a window or portable AC. 

Pros and Cons of Through-The-Wall Air Conditioners

Similar to the various units out there, through-the-wall air conditioners have both good and bad aspects. Knowing about them in-depth will help you decide if these units are right for you.

Pros

Following are some reasons why you should consider these products:

Energy-Efficient

Wall A/C units are not only aesthetically pleasing; they also help to keep the room cool and comfortable. They are installed in a pre-set wall sleeve, which offers additional support to the AC unit. Moreover, the tight fit creates an airtight seal around the AC unit, thus preventing unwanted drafts from entering the room, thus increasing the efficiency of these units.  

Enjoy the View From Your Window

Through-the-wall air conditioners are installed in the wall, thus ensuring that the view from your window is not obstructed. A window unit, on the other hand, would block the view from your window, which can be quite annoying. 

Less Noisy

Wall A/C units are much quieter as compared to window air conditioners. Although they might make some noise as they are in constant contact with the wall, however, it is much less than the noise produced by window air conditioners.

Cooling Capacity

As compared to window air conditioners, wall units have a much better cooling capacity. With better fans and more BTUs, wall air conditioners can cool a room much faster.

They are designed with internal thermostats that shut down when the room reaches a certain temperature, thus saving huge sums in utility bills. 

Cons

Following is the primary disadvantage of this type of product:

Requires Maintenance

The lifespan of a wall unit is greatly determined by the maintenance executed on it. Proper maintenance will ensure that your unit may last for as long as ten years.

However, if you do not pay any attention to its maintenance and run it year after year without changing the air filter or examining the hoses, you might find yourself replacing the unit within a few years.

Conclusion

Through-the-wall air conditioning units are most popular among those who want to save up the window space and keep this as a permanent cooling system.

However, keep in mind that this involves installation and requires professionals to work on it. On the whole, this would be great value for money considering the energy efficiency that you will enjoy.

People Also Ask

Through-the-wall air conditioners are a great option for buildings and homes that do not have a central air conditioning system. They are economical and come with many great features. However, before buying a unit, it is best to have complete information about it. The following questions will provide additional information, thus making it easier to choose a unit best suited to your needs: