Wall Air Conditioners you need to get right now

The Installation Process of a Wall Air Conditioner

Air conditioners attached to a wall perform the same function as window air conditioners; they are self-contained, single units that expel humidity and heat from the room to the outdoors. Louvers (located on either the sides or the back of the unit) work by bringing in the fresh air. The coils act as a passage to the air, which is transformed into a cool air by the compressor with the use of the refrigerant, and then the fan helps ensure the circulation of the cool air around the room. They pass through the hole of an exterior wall and are used for the cooling of a single room. In addition, a sleeve is attached to the wall to aid the support of the weight of the unit.

How do I choose a through-the-wall air conditioner?

When it comes to purchasing the best wall AC, you could have so many thoughts; no one wants to buy a cooling unit that breaks down in a short time or does not cover the space you need it for. In choosing the best wall AC, the three most important things to consider are BTUs, wall measurements, and plug type(voltage).

BTUs (British Thermal Units)

BTUs are simply units of power. You need more BTUs for a larger area. This implies that the larger the area you want to cool, the increase in the number of BTUs needed. To get the exact number of BTUs you need, we will advise you make use of a BTU calculator. It will be of huge benefit to you if you find the right size, however, it is not advisable to opt for a higher BTU air conditioner than the amount required by your room size. Not only will this action be a waste of money, it will also lead to having power you cannot and should not use. The preferable choice is to opt for the correct size air conditioner and to allow it run for the proper removal of humidity from the room.

Wall Measurement

The exterior wall must be used due to the fact that the air conditioning unit installed on it needs to vent to the outside surroundings. Another thing to consider is the thickness of your wall to help determine the type of wall air conditioner to opt for.

Plug Type

For plug type, two things are involved: voltage and amperage. Most rooms run on a circuit rated for a maximum of 15 amps of electricity, and many units are designed with 125V/15A plugs that can be used in the majority of homes. If you are looking to install a higher unit with features like 15 amps capacity or more and (125 volts and more) then you need to hire an electrician to replace your circuitry with an advanced model. If you want to replace an already existing unit, select a wall cooling unit with similar plug size features to determine correctly the exact amount of voltage and amperage.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a through-the-wall conditioner?

This air conditioning unit is a good alternative to the window A.C especially if the room doesn’t have a window or you don’t wish to give it up. They have numerous ranges of capabilities and are reasonably energy efficient. However, if the wall doesn’t have an existing hole – which can be a disadvantage to some -, then you might require the services of an expert to help install it. 

Maintenance of a wall air conditioner

Keeping your through the wall air-conditioner maintained is of utmost importance, we will not want you to purchase one of the sweet models we have reviewed and end up not enjoying it due to lack of maintenance. Doing this will not only save money on energy, it will also extend the lifespan of your cooling unit therefore, saving money on costly early replacement. For perfect use, follow the tips below.

Check for insect/animal nests

If you forgot to cover the wall air conditioner over a long period, you have to check for bees’ nests and wasps inside the unit. They love to stay there. 

Clean the air filter

To clean the air filter, all that is required of you is to remove the front panel of the unit. Remove the filter and clean it with white vinegar or a combination of dish soap and warm water. Ensure that the filter is well-dried before the reinstallation. Endeavor to perform this task once per month during the season you use it less or don’t use it all. If you have allergies or pets consider cleaning it at regular intervals and replace the filter when damaged. If your unit is designed with a foam filter, you can opt for replacement electrostatic filter material. 

Clean the condenser coils

Due to frequent use, there will be the build-up of dust and dirt inside the air conditioner’s condenser coils. This build-up will increase the work rate of your AC causing it to utilize more energy which will cost more money in the long run. During any season that you wouldn’t use it often, endeavor to clean the coils. You will need to completely remove the air conditioner cabinet in order to get through to the coils. They can be cleaned by using a spray bottle of household cleaner or a soft bristle brush to wipe off the dirt. You can also blow compressed air in them. It is also vital to remove the lint or dirt buildup at the base of the air conditioner so as to allow the proper circulation of the condensate water by the condensing fan blade.

Clean the water pan

To prevent the buildup of musty odor or mold in the air, use a combination of dish detergent or white vinegar, and warm water to clean the pan at the bottom of the unit at least once every cooling season. 

Inspect cooling coils for frost or ice buildup

If the outdoor temperature where the air conditioner is installed becomes cool (around 15 degrees Celsius or lower or 60 degrees Fahrenheit), check the coils positioned at the front of the conditioning unit for icing. If the coils have iced up, turn off the unit until the temperature drops to the normal level (60 degrees Fahrenheit or 15 degrees Celsius). 

Check the remote control

You need to replace the batteries of the remote control on an occasional basis. If the remote control fails to function after replacing the batteries, endeavor to check reputable stores or enter your unit’s model number at certified online stores.  

Air conditioner sleeve –  what are the functions and do I need to get one?

A sleeve is described as the metal device that supports the air conditioner in the wall. You need to acquire one if you are attaching the unit to a wall because the wall cannot provide all the support needed to hold the weight of the air conditioner. An air conditioner installed through the wall can have a through-the-wall sleeve or a slide-out chassis sleeve. Slide-out chassis air conditioners are designed as one unit (the chassis and the sleeve) and pass through the back and sides of the unit. They can be attached to a window or wall, and are a good choice for a wall of about 8 inches thick or less. Through-the-wall sleeves are a more durable application; these air conditioners are the ideal choice for thicker walls and have rear vents. However, you must note that sleeves come as a single unit and are not designed with through-the-wall air conditioners; you have to buy the sleeve as a single unit. Most sleeves are designed with an exterior grille, but for some models, you can select different grille settings for a different look.

Wall air conditioners vs. Window air conditioners

We have been mentioning similarities and differences between having these two units from the beginning of this article, it is therefore important to address it. The main distinguishing factor between the both of them is the mode of installation. While the wall air conditioner is installed through an opening or hole in a wall, the window air conditioner is installed via the window. Although both share numerous factors, such as pricing, coverage area, and efficiency. Both conditioning units are cheaper and affordable when compared to central air conditioning. Let us look at the major differences between these two cooling units.

Firstly, most wall ACs require a hole in an exterior wall, others can easily be mounted, though we only have few of them. After the installation, the unit is permanently sealed to heat or warmth, preventing any leakage of air to and from the room. Due to this feature, they may become more economical in the long run. However, as highlighted above, the installation involves the creation of an opening in the wall, making the installation a complex task that requires the assistance of an expert.

In addition, this operation may not be allowed in rental buildings. You also have to consider the construction costs and the installation fees. You must also support the weight of the unit with sleeves or supporting brackets. A major benefit of this process is that you don’t have to give up your window for installation, which means that fresh air can flow in whenever you are not using the unit. On the long run, they will also prove economical

For window air conditioning units, they are more popular because they offer high energy efficiency at an affordable rate. Also, you don’t need professional help for installation thereby reducing the costs of installation. In addition, the unit can fit into any kind of window irrespective of its configuration. They are not installed permanently but it must be removed and adequately protected to prevent damage especially during the winter period. This can lead to inconveniences if you reside in a small rental building without storage space. However, it is a good long-term investment especially if you are changing location. The downside of this unit is that you have to give up one of your windows, thereby reducing sunlight and natural ventilation in the room.

Wall air conditioners vs. Portable air conditioners

The portable air conditioners can be moved from one place to another but that is not applicable to wall air conditioners because they are permanently fixed to the wall. This is a huge advantage to those residing in rental buildings because they can easily carry the conditioning unit with them. Also, they are cheaper and more affordable and it doesn’t come with any installation cost. Some portable air conditioners can be used for different operations like humidifying, heating and cooling. You can opt for any operation of your choice just by pressing a button on the remote control

When looking at the rate of energy efficiency, the wall air conditioners come out on top. It will also give you a cooler air when compared to the portable A.C. Due to its efficiency, the wall A.C is cheaper to run. In the long run, these costs may cover the loss incurred in the installation. Another upside is that the wall conditioning unit produces less sound. Well, if you are undecided about the conditioning unit to opt for, you are advised to consider these factors; the size of the rooms, budget, and whether you are residing in a rental – that is if your landlord doesn’t agree with it – or permanent home. 

The Best Wall Air Conditioners

So far, we have considered the installation process of a wall air conditioner, factors to consider before opting for one, the maintenance of this product and we have compared the product with other varieties. We will now talk about the best wall air conditioners available in the marketplace.

Our Reviews

GE AJCQ12ACH Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with 12000 Cooling BTU and 3 Cooling Speeds