7 Best Through Wall Air Conditioners (Review) In 2020

Through the wall air conditioners will typically last anywhere between 10 and 15 years, so while it may seem like a significant cost when looking at it, you will get plenty of value for money after buying one. The quality of the AC unit will also come into play, so this is something to consider when searching for the perfect wall air conditioner.

You can extend the life of you through the wall air conditioner by taking excellent care of it. To get the most from your air conditioner through the wall unit, make sure to:

• Scheduling maintenance and servicing at the right time

Annual tune-ups should take place in the spring prior to the temperature rising. You can contact an HVAC expert to carry out this servicing, as they will be able to spot issues that you may not realize. They will also be able to carry out essential maintenance that you are not trained for, including tightening connections, lubricating the fans, and cleaning out the system. Furthermore, they will check the coolant level and spot any leaks that could cause your unit not to perform below par.

• Changing the air filter

The air filter is an essential part of your AC unit so you need to keep it as clean as possible. Over time, it will capture particles and dust, which will affect how well the unit performs as it blocks the airflow, hindering energy efficiency and cooling capacity. By cleaning out, or even replacing the filter, you can keep it operating at the highest level and enjoy the cool air inside the house.

• Clean the return air ducts

The air return ducts are another component that keeps your air conditioning unit working to its best ability. Like the filter, these can become clogged with dirt and dust, which will affect how efficiently it works. When cleaning the filter, take care to check the air ducts, too. Even if you don’t think they need cleaning right now, it’s always worth doing so to ensure your wall AC unit works properly.

• Check the pipe insulation

The pipe insulation is what prevents the water from freezing during the winter, and damaged or torn insulation can affect the cooling power. When carrying out your yearly maintenance, check the condition of the insulation, and replace if necessary. They are easy enough to remove if you need to, and replacement insulation foam is cheap to source.

• Keep an eye on ductwork

Even if you live in a new build home, the ductwork could still be grimy and dirty because of dust from the construction. You could even find leftovers from any infestations. This can cause a drop in air quality, as the air filters through, bringing microscopic particles with it. When the air returns to the wall unit, it can further hinder the quality performance.

You may also find the ductwork is leaking or has loosened joints. This is especially common in older homes, and it causes air to escape, which means the through-the-wall air conditioners need to work even harder to sufficiently cool your home. Use aluminum foil or other insulation materials to patch and cover these areas.

• Inspect wiring

Checking the wiring is another way to extend the lifespan of your air conditioner. Problems will arise and persist if there are faulty or worn-away parts of the wires from overheating. As the wires carry an electrical current, it’s crucial to remember to switch the entire unit off before making any repairs. If the wires are frayed or scorched, then it’s best to hire a professional if you are not one already.

• Clean the exterior compressor

One aspect that first-time owners of through-the-wall air conditioners don’t always realize is the compressor and condenser, but these components are arguably two of the most crucial factors in what makes your wall unit as efficient as possible. Typically, though, this is included as part of the tune-up, so you may not always need to worry about it. That being said, it’s still useful to know how to clean the coils, and it is as simple as using a garden hose, but you must make sure not to get any of the electrical components wet. As these parts are delicate, you must be careful with them to ensure they do not break.

You can also clear out grass, dirt, leaves, and twigs that may have accumulated around the back of the unit, as this will make massive improvements on the overall air conditioning quality.

• Don’t overwork it

Like with any electrical device, it’s essential that you do not overwork the wall AC unit, especially when it is not needed. If possible, open the windows before resorting to switching it on, and monitor any leaks or gaps around the house that could affect energy efficiency. You can also consider switching to smart meters that allow you to control the room air temperature wherever you are, which will ensure you don’t waste energy by leaving the AC unit running when you are not at home.

The most obvious difference between through the wall and window air conditioners is the placement. You don’t need to be an expert on air conditioning to realize that one fits in one part of the home, and the other fits elsewhere.

Window air conditioners are installed at the window and fit on the windowsill to keep them balanced. Most of the time, they are secure enough to fit into standard windows, although this will vary depending on the size of your unit and the size of your window. You may need to renovate the window if your AC unit is too large, or even too small, to fit comfortably and securely.

Conversely, Through the wall air conditioners are fitted into the wall, and it’s no surprise where the name came from. Engineers will install them in an exterior wall (not between your living room and dining room wall, for example) and they use coils to bring in and generate air from outside, transferring it to cold air to cool your house.

Window air conditioners are less efficient compared to their wall alternatives. However, they are more affordable, easier to install, and also flexible. Wall air conditioners are a little trickier to set up, and they will require a sleeve to help support them without damaging the wall, as these units are heavier than other options. They also may not provide as wide of a total coverage area compared to other options, especially centralized air conditioner systems.

Despite this, through wall air conditioners are efficient and save space in the room, while the durability means they are arguably the best bet for anyone who wants to enjoy a cool and comfortable home throughout the hottest months of the year.

Wall AC units may not need recharging in the modern sense, which is hooking them up to a plug socket and relying on the battery until it runs down, as you can plug them into the mains. However, they may require a different type of recharging.

This recharging relates to the refrigerant, which is what transforms the outside air into cool air to make your home more comfortable to sit in on a summery day. If your air conditioner starts generating air that doesn’t feel as cool as it should, especially on the lowest setting, then it could be a sign that you need to recharge it.

However, it’s essential that you don’t recharge the refrigerant without first checking whether the unit needs cleaning. In many cases, the filter may be clogged up with dust, debris, and even mold if it has been a while since you last serviced it. Clean out the filter before anything else and then test the unit. Most of the time, it will start to perform as normal, but if it doesn’t, then it is a sign that you need to recharge it.

Recharging your AC unit is not something that you should do yourself, however. Because of the pollutants found in the refrigerant formula, this is something that only a certified HVAC engineer is qualified to do, so get in touch with your local service to see what they can do for you.

Through wall air conditioners can be complicated to install the first time, so if you’re not completely confident, it’s best to hire an engineer to do the work for you. If this is not possible, then we’ve put together a short and informative guide to help guide you through the installation process.

First, you need to identify the best place to install the unit. This isn’t just about which room you choose, but also the part of the wall. Finding the best place to install your through wall air conditioner will ensure that you get the most consistent and broad air coverage for the room size, rather than causing some parts of the room to be too warm or too cold. You also need to think about how it will look at both the outside of the house and the inside, too. While the center of the living room may provide the best circulation, it won’t look good if you can see the unit from the driveway of the street.

Most people will install the AC unit in the room that can provide the best overall coverage to the entire house, but this must be a room that has an easy-to-access exterior wall. Typically, this is the living room, but it could also be the dining room if that is more convenient.

When installing your AC unit, you must also be careful with interior wires, pipes, or electrical fittings. If you cut away a part of the wall where these are present, it could cause substantial damage to the house, which will be costly to repair. It also goes without saying that you should wear gloves and other protective equipment, as well as have a First Aid kit nearby in case you suffer an injury.

Once you have decided on an appropriate location, you will need to measure the dimensions of the unit and mark these dimensions on the wall. To ensure that you get the measurements spot on, check the length several times. If you don’t trust yourself to do this, then it is always worth hiring a contractor to do the work for you. Their professional expertise will guarantee a consistent and reliable job.

Your wall unit should always be in a frame or sleeve to help support the weight while also protecting it from moisture and the passage of the current, which could damage the house. However, you can also install the sleeve prior to fitting the unit. This method could be easier if you are doing the installation yourself and also minimizes the risk of damaging any parts.

Following fitting the sleeve and unit, you must fill in any gaps or holes with sealant. Not only will this ensure moisture protection, but it will also ensure the wall unit works to its best ability, with no wasted air or energy.

It’s vital that you do not switch the main electrical circuit back on until you are sure that you have finished the installation entirely.

To ensure your unit runs at the best level possible, there are some precautionary measures that you need to take. Primarily, it’s vital that you keep the exterior part of the unit clear from dust, debris, moisture, grass, leaves, and more. Failing to do so could affect the overall performance, cause the air conditioner to overheat, and damage it beyond repair.