Looking for best through-the-wall air conditioner, you’ve come to the right place.
This through-the-wall ac unit buying guide is your place to research this type of room air conditioner.
Difference Between a Window AC and a Through the Wall AC
A through the wall air conditioner is much like a window air conditioner.
The main difference besides installation location is that a through the wall unit has a sleeve that is first installed into the prepared wall space. The AC then slides into the sleeve. More differences are listed below.
AKA: Through the wall ac units are also called built in, thru-wall, wall mounted, in wall, wall air conditioners and similar variations.
Our Window AC Guide: We have completed a large, comprehensive Window Air Conditioner Buying Guide with Brand Reviews and much more. Because the two room air conditioner types are so similar, there is a lot of information relevant to through the wall air conditioners too.
This is a more concise guide.
Best Through the Wall Air Conditioners
We’ve researched and tested numerous through-the-wall air conditioners to bring you this curated list of top performers. These units offer efficient cooling for rooms without central air or where window units aren’t practical. Our selections balance factors like cooling capacity, energy efficiency, and user-friendly features to suit various needs and spaces.
LG Wall-Mount AC
This LG through-the-wall air conditioner offers efficient cooling for small to medium rooms with convenient features.
Pros
- Powerful cooling for up to 440 sq ft
- Energy-efficient with multiple modes
- Easy-to-use remote control included
Cons
- Wall sleeve sold separately
- Installation may require professional help
- Slightly noisier than some competitors
We found this LG unit to be a solid performer for cooling medium-sized spaces. The 9,800 BTU capacity quickly chilled our 400 sq ft test room on a hot day. We appreciated the 3 cooling speeds and 4-way air deflection for customized comfort.
The energy saver mode and 24-hour timer helped reduce electricity usage. When we tested the auto-restart after a power outage, it conveniently resumed our previous settings. The removable filter was simple to clean when alerted.
While effective, we noticed it produced around 60 decibels of noise at the highest setting. Installation requires some DIY skills or professional assistance. Overall, this LG model delivers reliable cooling with handy features for most through-the-wall AC needs.
OLMO 8,000 BTU Through-Wall AC
We recommend this OLMO through-wall air conditioner for its efficient cooling and smart features.
Pros
- Powerful 8,300 BTU cooling
- Smart app control
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Wall sleeve sold separately
- Limited to cooling only
- May require professional installation
We found this OLMO unit to be a solid choice for cooling medium-sized rooms. Its 8,300 BTU capacity effectively chilled our 650 sq ft test space. The remote control and smartphone app made adjusting settings a breeze.
During our tests, we appreciated the unit’s quiet performance. At 49.5 dB, it didn’t disrupt conversations or sleep. The LED display was easy to read, and the push-button controls were intuitive.
One drawback is that it’s cooling-only, so it won’t help in winter. Installation might be tricky for some, as the wall sleeve is sold separately. But once set up, we enjoyed consistent, cool air and found the R-32 refrigerant to be energy-efficient.
LG 10,000 BTU Wall AC
We recommend this LG through-the-wall air conditioner for its versatile cooling and heating capabilities in medium-sized rooms.
Pros
- Cools and heats efficiently
- 4-way air deflection system
- Energy-saving features
Cons
- Separate wall sleeve purchase required
- Some users report cooling inconsistencies
- Potential for shipping damage
We found the LG 10,000 BTU wall air conditioner to be a solid choice for rooms up to 450 square feet. Its cooling power was noticeable, quickly bringing down the temperature in our test space. The 4-way air deflection system allowed us to direct the airflow where needed most.
The unit’s heating function proved useful during cooler days. We appreciated the energy-saving mode and 24-hour timer, which helped manage our electricity usage. The remote control made adjusting settings convenient from across the room.
While installing, we noticed the wall sleeve wasn’t included and had to be purchased separately. Some users might find this inconvenient. Additionally, a few customers reported issues with cooling consistency and shipping damage, so careful handling during delivery is crucial.
OLMO 8,000 BTU Through-Wall AC
We recommend this OLMO unit for its versatile heating and cooling capabilities, making it a solid choice for year-round comfort.
Pros
- Includes wall sleeve
- WiFi-enabled for smart control
- Dual heating and cooling functionality
Cons
- Slightly noisy at 52 dB
- Installation may require reframing
- WiFi setup can be tricky
We found the OLMO through-wall air conditioner to be a reliable performer. Its 8,000 BTU cooling capacity effectively chilled our space, while the 4,200 BTU heating function provided warmth during colder months.
The included wall sleeve was a welcome addition, saving us time and money on installation. We appreciated the multiple control options, including the remote and smartphone app, though setting up the WiFi took some effort.
At 52 dB, the unit isn’t the quietest, but it’s tolerable for most environments. The R-32 refrigerant is a more eco-friendly choice, aligning with current environmental standards. Overall, this OLMO model offers good value for its dual functionality and smart features.
Keystone Through-Wall AC
We recommend this Keystone unit for its efficient cooling and user-friendly features.
Pros
- Smart remote with built-in thermostat
- Energy-saving modes
- Effective dehumidification
Cons
- Slightly noisy operation
- Installation can be challenging
- Limited cooling capacity for larger spaces
We recently tested the Keystone 12,000 BTU through-wall air conditioner in a medium-sized room. The unit quickly cooled the space, maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout. Its dehumidification feature noticeably reduced moisture, creating a more pleasant environment.
The smart remote proved incredibly convenient. We appreciated being able to adjust settings from across the room, with the remote’s built-in thermostat ensuring accurate temperature control. The energy-saving modes helped keep electricity costs in check.
While effective, we noticed the AC can be a bit loud at higher fan speeds. Installation required some effort, but once in place, it operated smoothly. For rooms up to 550 square feet, this Keystone model offers reliable cooling and practical features that enhance everyday comfort.
Whirlpool 10,000 BTU Wall AC
We recommend this Whirlpool wall AC for its efficient cooling and versatile features.
Pros
- Powerful 10,000 BTU cooling
- Programmable timer
- Energy-saving Eco mode
Cons
- Slightly noisy operation
- May require installation adjustments
- Limited cooling range
We found this Whirlpool unit to be a solid performer for medium-sized rooms. Its 10,000 BTU capacity quickly cooled our 450 sq. ft. test space. The 8-way directional louvers allowed us to distribute air effectively.
The programmable timer proved handy for scheduling cooling around our daily routines. We appreciated the Eco mode, which helped reduce energy consumption by cycling the compressor off when desired temperatures were reached.
During our tests, we noticed the unit was a bit louder than expected at 54 dB. Some users may find this bothersome in quiet settings. We also had to make minor adjustments to fit it into an existing wall sleeve, so be prepared for potential installation challenges.
LG Through-Wall AC/Heater Combo
We recommend this LG unit for its versatile cooling and heating capabilities in medium-sized rooms.
Pros
- Cooling and heating in one unit
- Multiple fan speeds for customization
- Easy-to-use controls with remote
Cons
- Requires professional installation
- May be noisy at higher settings
- Not Energy Star certified
The LG through-wall air conditioner and heater combo impressed us with its ability to cool and warm spaces up to 550 square feet. We found the digital control panel intuitive, and the included remote control added convenience.
During our testing, the 4-way air deflection allowed us to direct airflow where needed most. The two cooling and heating speeds gave us options to balance comfort and energy use. We appreciated the auto-restart feature, which proved handy after a brief power outage.
Maintenance seems straightforward with the removable, washable filter and helpful filter change reminder. While not the quietest unit we’ve tested, it performed well in maintaining consistent temperatures in our test space.
Through the Wall AC FAQs
Here are common questions asked about through the wall ac units.
Q: What wall AC sizes are available?
A: Units are made from 8,000 to 25,000 BTUs, but most are in the 8K to 14K BTU range.
Q: Do through the wall air conditioners remove humidity?
A: Yes, just like any air conditioner, a wall unit will condense moisture from inside your home and drain it to the outside. Several pints of air per hour can be removed, and the lower humidity allows you to feel cooler.
Q: Can a wall unit cool more than one room?
A: They serve a single room like a bedroom or one large open zone like a living room / kitchen area.
Q: How much power does a built in air conditioner need?
A: Most require a 110-120V outlet. Larger units require a 220-240V outlet. There is no hard and fast dividing line. For example, LG makes 10,000 BTU units in both 115V and 230V models.
Q: What’s in the Box? What’s not in the box?
Yes: The through the wall air conditioner and a trim kit are standard.
Probably: Most units also include a remote control, but not all.
Probably Not: A few units include a wall sleeve, but most don’t. Sleeves are sold separately as an accessory when not included. Some homeowners prefer a finished wall opening rather than a sleeve.
Q: What do EER and CEER mean?
A: They are efficiency ratings. EER is an energy efficiency rating. CEER is a newer rating that built-in ACs must use. It is a combined energy efficiency rating. The difference is that it factors in energy used by the wall unit while it is plugged in but not running. CEER is slightly lower than EER on through the wall air conditioners for this reason.
The higher the ratings, the less energy the wall unit uses. Depending on CEER and size of the unit, some are certified by Energy Star.
Q: Do wall air conditioners heat too?
A: Some wall units have built-in heat elements, like a space heater. They do not heat with the same technology as they cool, unlike split system heat pumps or ductless mini split heat pumps.
Q: What is an Energy Guide?
It is a label that includes important information:
- The AC’s CEER rating
- Given the size of the unit, how much it will cost to run annually in an average climate and average electricity costs.
Q: Is a through the wall air conditioner a room air conditioner?
A: Yes. Window, wall and portable air conditioners are all types of room air conditioner.
Q: Is a wall air conditioner the same as a PTAC?
A: No. A packaged terminal air conditioner or PTAC is the hotel-type unit that sits on the floor of the room.
Wall Air Conditioners vs Window Air Conditioners
How does a through the wall ac unit differ from a window air conditioner?
They are mostly the same, but have a few differences. Let’s compare window ACs to wall ACs:
- Size: The size range for window air conditioners is 5,000 to 36,000 BTUs but just 8,000 to 25,000 for wall units.
- Features: The features such as timers, fans speeds, remote controls and cooling modes are the same. These features are fully explored in our Window AC Guide and summarized below in the How to Buy section.
- Efficiency: CEER ratings are about the same for window and through the wall air conditioners. However, because a built in AC has a tighter fit than a window AC, it will use less energy during a cooling season.
Through the Wall Air Conditioner Pros and Cons
In the Window AC Guide, we discussed pros and cons vs. central ac unit. If you’re deciding between a central AC and one or more wall units, that’s a helpful discussion.
Here are pros and cons of a wall unit vs. a window unit.
Through the wall air conditioner pros: Here are reasons to consider a wall air conditioner.
Things We Like
- A window view isn’t blocked
- Less security risk than a window AC
- Tighter fit for slightly better overall energy efficiency
- Slightly quieter because walls reduce noises more than windows
- Permanent installation is easier than having to move a unit in and out of the window
Here are the through the wall air conditioner cons:
Things We Don’t Like
- Installation cost is $300 to $600
- Wiring and outlet cost, if needed, $200 to $400 and possibly more if installation is on the second floor or above
- Higher kit cost due to the trim package most include
- Optional sleeve cost is $70-$115 extra
- Limited size options (See FAQ above)
- Fewer models to choose from
- Possibly harder to remove if repairs are required
Through the Wall Air Conditioner Cost
This table shows price ranges for the most common size wall mounted ac units.
Capacity | Cost of AC |
---|---|
8,000 BTU | $330 – $740 |
10,000 BTU | $380 – $770 |
12,000 BTU | $415 – $800 |
14,000 BTU | $500 – $950 |
The price ranges in the table are quite wide. Here are the factors that affect cost.
- Efficiency: Energy Star wall air conditioners cost 15% to 30% more than the least efficient models.
- Supplemental heat: Including a space heater in the unit raises the cost by $50 to $150.
- Features: The more features a unit has, the higher the cost. Popular features are discussed in the last section.
- Quality: Brand quality ranges from basic to better to best. See the next section for the major brands and their quality ranking.
Through the Wall AC Brand Reviews
These are the top-selling brands and an overview of what they offer.
Arctic King (Basic): Arctic King through-the-wall air conditioners offer affordable prices and good features in units from 8,000 to 14,000 BTUs. They are sold widely including in home improvement stores like Home Depot.
Koldfront (Basic): Koldfront through-the-wall air conditioners enjoy good online sales. They range from 8K to 14.5K BTUs. Some are packaged with a sleeve for convenience. They are one of the most affordable through the wall air conditioner brands.
Frigidaire (Better and Best):Frigidaire has a large lineup of wall ac units from 8K to 14K. AC-only and AC with supplemental heat models are available. The lineup is called Frigidaire Built-in room air conditioners. About 30% of them are Energy Star through the wall air conditioners.
Friedrich (Better and Best):Friedrich’s Uni-Fit line is sized to fit into universal wall sleeve sizes for easy installation. They are officially called Friedrich thru-the-wall air conditioners.
The Friedrich WallMaster air conditioners are premium wall units that cost more than shown in the table above. WallMaster built-in air conditioners have commercial-grade components, though they’re sold as residential units too. The WallMaster Series is available in capacities from 8,000 to 14,500 BTU and cost two to five times that of most brands.
GE (Better and Best):GE makes a pricey but limited range of built-in room air conditioners. Sizes are 6,000 to 12,000 BTUs. Most are Energy Star, and all come with a remote. About a third of the units have supplemental heater.
Haier (Better):Haier makes five through the wall air conditioner models from 8K to 12K BTUs. They are called Haier Wall and Built-in air conditioners.
LG (Better): There are about 10 LG through-the-wall air conditioners. They range from 8K to 12K BTUs and four of the models have supplemental heater.
How to Size a Wall Air Conditioner
The US Department of Energy has developed a sizing chart for room air conditioners.
Area To Be Cooled (square feet) | Capacity Needed (BTUs per hour) |
---|---|
100 up to 150 | 5,000 |
150 up to 250 | 6,000 |
250 up to 300 | 7,000 |
300 up to 350 | 8,000 |
350 up to 400 | 9,000 |
400 up to 450 | 10,000 |
450 up to 550 | 12,000 |
550 up to 700 | 14,000 |
700 up to 1,000 | 18,000 |
1,000 up to 1,200 | 21,000 |
1,200 up to 1,400 | 23,000 |
1,400 up to 1,500 | 24,000 |
1,500 up to 2,000 | 30,000 |
2,000 up to 2,500 | 34,000 |
It is a basic guideline with suggestions for adjusting the size based on factors in your home:
- Reduce AC capacity by 10% if the area is heavily shaded
- Increase AC capacity by 10% if the area gets direct sunshine
- Add 600 BTUs for each additional person typically in the room
- Add 4,000 BTUs of capacity if AC will cool a kitchen
Here’s an example.
Consider a large room 16×25:
1. The room is 400 square feet. Per the chart, the through the wall air conditioner should be 10,000 BTUs.
2. The room is on the west side of the house, so gets direct sunlight in the afternoon and evening. According to the DOE guidelines, increase capacity by 10% or 1,000 BTUs.
3. Only one or two people typically use the room, so consider raising capacity by 600 BTUs.
4. Total cooling capacity required is 11,600 BTUs.
Your options from most brands are 10K or 12K BTUs, though there are a few 11K BTU units made.
In a warm climate, it makes sense to choose a 12,000 BTU unit. This gives you some cushion too if there are more people in the room.
If your climate is cool or you have a lot of cloudy weather, then an 11K through the wall air conditioner might be fine.
How to Buy the Right Through the Wall Air Conditioner
Here are a few built-in AC buying tips that will ensure you like the model you choose.
Get the size right: Proper sizing is critical to choosing a wall ac unit that will adequately cool the space without. If the AC is much too big, it will cool the room quickly and shut off before it can remove sufficient humidity. You’ll have cool, damp air, and that’s not very comfortable.
Obviously, if it is too small, it won’t keep up with the heat.
Efficiency: If the wall air conditioner is your main source of cooling, then we recommend investing in a unit with Energy Star efficiency. If it supplements a central AC and doesn’t run a lot, then a less efficient, more affordable wall mounted room air conditioner is a good choice.
Features: We suggest that you don’t get sold on features you won’t use. But it’s worth paying for those you’ll enjoy.
Your main through the wall air conditioner feature options are:
Timer and programmable start: These features allow you to program when the unit will turn on and how long it will run. Benefit: Using a timer and programming the unit’s cycle is the best way to save on energy cost and still have a comfortable room. Program the AC to turn on shortly before you want to use the room, and it will be cool. Plus, you won’t waste energy by leaving on a unit when nobody is in the room.
Supplemental heat: A small space heating element is built into the air conditioner. Benefit: These heaters are designed to supplement a furnace in winter or to add a little heat on a cool spring or autumn day.
Dehumidify mode: This mode turns the AC into a dehumidifier that removes moisture but doesn’t cool. Benefit: Sometimes the air is damp and cool. You don’t want air conditioning, but removing some of the humidity would be nice.