Knowledge Builders

what is the difference between window and through the wall air conditioner

by Rudy Morar Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The main difference is that while window air conditioners are designed to sit inside your window frame, through the wall ACs are intended to sit in an opening made in your building's wall. While window ACs tend to obstruct your view from the window, through the wall ACs free up your window space.

Full Answer

Can you use a wall air conditioner in a window?

Some window air conditioners can be installed through a wall, but wall units cannot be installed in a window.If your window air conditioner is the right size for an opening in your wall, you can use it for that purpose but must purchase appropriate supporting brackets to reduce stress on the wall.

How do you install a wall air conditioner?

How to Install a Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner

  1. Choosing a Space on a Wall. Using a stud finder, locate a space on one of your walls where you will cut an opening for your unit.
  2. Draw Lines of Your Opening. Use your level to draw a line for the top edge of the opening. ...
  3. Cut out Your Drywall Opening. ...
  4. Cut out Your Exterior Siding Opening. ...
  5. Frame Your Opening. ...
  6. Insert Your Air Conditioner. ...

How high to install a wall air conditioner?

Ultimately, between one and four feet off the level of the floor is best. Perhaps more important than the exact height that the air conditioner should be installed are details like power supply and creating bigger projects for yourself. The power cord is only so long.

How to install a through the wall air conditioner sleeve?

Part 3 Part 3 of 3: Installing the Wall Sleeve and AC

  1. Build a frame to hold your sleeve and AC in place. Measure both the length and height of your wall opening.
  2. Insert the sleeve into your wall. If you have a disassembled sleeve, put it together by connecting all 4 sides and following the directions on the packaging.
  3. Slide the air conditioner into the sleeve. ...

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Can thru the wall AC be used in a window?

No! Air conditioners designed to be installed in a window opening cannot be used interchangeably with units designed to be built in or installed through a wall. A standard window mounted air conditioner cannot be installed in a window opening of window sleeve intended for a through the wall style air conditioner unit.

Are through wall air conditioners any good?

Wall air conditioners tend to have better cooling capacity than their window counterparts. With more BTUs and better fans, wall units can often cool a room faster. With internal thermostats, they also have the ability to shut off when the room reaches a certain temperature, saving you money in utility costs.

Which AC is best window or wall?

The capacity of an AC, or its cooling ability, is based on its tonnage. However, split ACs are mounted high and designed for cooling larger spaces, whereas window ACs are better for air circulation in smaller rooms. Further, it is possible to get split ACs of a high tonnage, of above 2 tons.

What is a through the wall air conditioner?

Through-the-wall air conditioners are designed to install through a wall, instead of through a window. They're a great option as a primary source of cooling and heating or can be used to supplement central A/C in other applications. Available for spaces between 300 - 700 sq. ft. (8,000 - 16,000 BTU).

Do through the wall air conditioners need a sleeve?

Do through the wall air conditioners need a sleeve? Yes! If you attempt to install a through the wall air conditioner without a sleeve, you'll find that the wall is incapable of supporting the additional weight. You'll end up deforming the wall.

How much does it cost to install a through the wall air conditioner?

Wall-Mounted AC Unit Cost Wall-mounted air conditioning units cost between $850 and $3,000. A wall-mounted system is the most common and generally the least expensive. The indoor air handler is installed in the wall, usually below the ceiling, while tubes connect it to the outdoor handler, which operates the system.

How long does a wall AC unit last?

Modern air conditioners can last between 15-20 years, and older air conditioners last around 10-12 years. The health and efficiency of your A/C depends on a number of factors, including whether or not you properly maintained the unit throughout its lifetime.

Which type of AC consumes less electricity?

5-star ACs perform much better than 3-star ACs and functions optimally as it reduces energy consumption. It is also environmentally friendly and cools the room faster than a 3-star AC.

Which type of AC is best for home?

As compared to a normal air conditioner, an inverter AC offers better, more consistent cooling. This type is also more energy efficient and quieter too.

Do wall air conditioners use a lot of energy?

Power Cost For example, a 900-watt air conditioner running for eight hours would consume 7.2 kWh (900 watts * 8 hours, divided by 1000). If you pay 22.8 cents per kWh, running such an air conditioner will add about $1.64 per night to your power bill, plus taxes and fees.

Are wall mounted AC units worth it?

Energy savings: According to ENERGY STAR, wall-mounted AC units can save up to 30% in cooling costs compared to window air conditioner units, meaning you'll save energy and money. Skip ductwork: Another benefit to wall cooling is saving the cost of adding ductwork, which can cost $6.50 to $20 per linear foot.

How do through the wall air conditioners drain?

Water collects in the front of the unit and then travels to the back where the slinger ring will toss it against the coils in the back and then the water evaporates. If the unit does not have the proper slope from front to back, then the water will leak out the front.

Do wall air conditioners use a lot of energy?

Power Cost For example, a 900-watt air conditioner running for eight hours would consume 7.2 kWh (900 watts * 8 hours, divided by 1000). If you pay 22.8 cents per kWh, running such an air conditioner will add about $1.64 per night to your power bill, plus taxes and fees.

How long do wall mounted AC last?

15 to 20 yearsWhile every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.

What is the best wall mounted air conditioner?

5 Best Through-The-Wall Air Conditioners for Your HomeKeystone 25,000 BTU 230V Wall Air Conditioner. ... Koldfront WTC8001W 8,000 BTU Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner with Heat. ... Frigidaire FFTA123WA1 Energy Star Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner with 12000 BTU. ... LG LT0816CER 8,000 BTU Wall Air Conditioner.More items...•

What is the most energy efficient wall air conditioner?

Koldfront WTC8001W has one of the highest energy-efficiency ratings among the top in-wall air conditioners. With an EER rating of 10.9, it's more efficient than almost all portable AC units, and it's the #2 most efficient wall air conditioner.

What makes window air conditioners different?

Not only the surfaces that make them different. Costs, the abilities to DIY the units, and other unique traits that they possess – these are the other things that make window and wall air conditioners different.

What is window air conditioner?

Window air conditioners are the aircon types that can take up to the whole window space in a room. Their lightweight nature and economical prices make these air conditioners the best friends for anyone who doesn’t want to DIY their AC units.

How much does a window AC cost?

We recommend choosing window ACs if you are short of budget or feel too lazy to decorate your AC units. The window ACs alone have an average cost of US$300, much cheaper than wall ACs’ US$860 average costs.

Where do AC vents vent?

The only places that wall ACs usually vent warm air are through the back of the units. That ventilation setting alone is incompatible with window AC units’ nature to vent from the units’ sides and back parts.

Is a window air conditioner the same as a wall air conditioner?

No, they are not the same. Even though window and wall air conditioners are for cooling down our bodies, their BTU and coverage ranges are different.

Do window ACs work?

Windows and access to power sources alone are enough to make your window AC works. In addition, window ACs are great if you don’t mind noises from your AC units.

Do wall AC units take up window space?

Yet, they are efficient. Another advantage that the wall AC units have is that they will never take your window spaces. When you have the AC’s sleeves, you’ll have an easier time replacing your wall AC units.

Are Wall and Window Air Conditioners the Same?

Wall and window air conditioners serve the same basic purpose: to keep your home cool during the year’s hottest months. However, there are some significant differences between these two types of units.

Can I Use a Window Air Conditioner for Wall Installations?

Most window AC units can be installed on or through a wall, but remember that wall air conditioners cannot be installed in windows. Some models come with a kit that includes brackets and instructions for installation. Others may require the purchase of a separate wall-mounting kit.

Which is Better, Window AC or Wall AC?

Although central air conditioning is the most popular choice, but it can be expensive to install and maintain. For small spaces or those on a tight budget, window and wall air conditioners are a more affordable option. But which is better?

Can You Use Wall Air Conditioners Without a Window?

Wall air conditioners are a great way to cool your home without wasting valuable window space. Some people worry that they won’t be able to use a wall air conditioner without a window to vent warm air coming from the unit.

Are Window and Wall Air Conditioners Energy Efficient?

One of the most undervalued questions about air conditioners is whether or not they are energy efficient. The answer to this question depends on some factors, including the type of air conditioner, the size of the unit, and the climate. Window and wall air conditioners are generally less energy efficient than central air conditioners.

Need Help Deciding on an Air Conditioner?

As the summer heat intensifies, the thought of a cool, comfortable home becomes more and more appealing. Unfortunately, not all homes are equipped with air conditioning, and even those that are may not have powerful enough units to keep the entire house cool.

How long do through the wall air conditioners last?

On average, a through-the-wall air conditioner will last for about 15 years. However, this number can vary depending on how often the unit is used and how well it is maintained.

How much does it cost to install a wall mounted air conditioner?

The cost to install a wall mounted air conditioner will depend on the size of the unit, the type of unit, the complexity of the installation, and the hourly rate of the installer. Expect to pay between $300 and $1,200 for the installation.

Are window AC outdated?

Window AC units are not outdated, but they are becoming less common as newer, more efficient models are released. Many people are moving to central air conditioning or ductless mini-splits, which are more expensive but provide better cooling and air circulation.

What is the wall mounted air conditioner?

A wall mounted air conditioner is an air conditioner that is mounted on the wall.

Can you put a window unit in the wall?

You can put a window unit in the wall, but it will not be as effective as a wall unit.

Do window AC units need to be screwed?

Some window AC units come with screws and some don’t. If yours doesn’t, you’ll need to purchase some separately.

Do window AC units use a lot of electricity?

window AC units do use a fair amount of electricity. Depending on the size and power of the unit, it can use as little as 500 watts or as much as 1500 watts.

What is the difference between a window AC and a through the wall AC?

The primary difference lies in the location of installation. Unlike window AC installation, through-the-wall AC units require an HVAC professional to do the job.

What is window air conditioning?

A window air-conditioning unit works more or less similar to a wall air-conditioning system; however, it’s placed on a windowsill, unlike through-the-wall ACs. Meaning it goes through a window rather than on a wall.

Which has more BTU ratings: window or through-the-wall?

Window air conditioners have greater BTU ratings than through-the-wall air conditioners. This means they have more power and can cool bigger rooms quite easily.

Why do AC units cool bigger?

Wattages for wattages, through the wall ACs, can cool a larger space than window ACs. This is primarily due to how the AC units are placed.

How many sq ft can an AC unit cool?

Even smaller window air conditioners can sufficiently cool down 100-250 sq ft space. On the other hand, larger AC units can cool rooms up to 600 sq. ft.

How much does it cost to install an air conditioner?

Still, the average cost to install a wall air conditioner is $730 if you do it with an HVAC professional. But if you are DIY-ing it, it will cost you around $540.

How many people do you need to install a window mounted unit?

It takes one person to install window-mounted ones, and they don’t even require you to drill a hole or cut the wall. It is also important to get the angle correct for the long-term functioning of the unit.

Window Air Conditioners

Window air conditioners are generally placed on window sills or in windows. In comparison, through-the-wall units can be placed inside walls or crawl spaces. These units tend to cost less than central ACs because they don’t require ductwork and tend to be smaller in size.

Through-The-Wall Air Conditioners

Through-the-wall ACs are also much smaller than central ACs, although they are more extensive than window units. These units are mounted inside walls or crawl spaces and connected to ductwork leading to the house’s rest. These units tend to be installed by professional contractors, but you can opt for DIY installation if you experience this work.

Differences

Window ACs and through-the-wall ACs both operate by circulating the room’s air. The difference between them is in how they distribute the air. Window units use fans to do this, while through-the-wall air conditioners use motors.

Is a Wall Air Conditioner the Same as a Ptac?

Yes, it is. Even though air conditioners are similar, they come in different types. PTACs (Pipe-and-Tube Air Conditioners) is much larger than wall air conditioners and can be found in homes in other areas of the world.

Do Wall Air Conditioners Heat Too?

Yes, they do; that’s why you should choose a wall air conditioner that has a heat and cool feature. You can toggle between heating and cooling modes, depending on what your needs are.

Are Window Air Conditioners Cheaper Than Wall Air Conditioners?

Window ACs are cheaper than wall ACs; however, both ACs vary based on brand and features. Generally speaking, window units cost less than through-the-wall units.

What is the difference between a window air conditioner and a wall air conditioner?

Therefore, window air conditioner requires to be placed on a windowsill, while the wall air conditioner is placed on the exterior wall.

What Is Wall Air Conditioner?

Wall or through the wall air conditioners function similarly as window units, which means that they are retrieving air, running it through coils and refrigerators and send it back into the room in current state so that you can enjoy in summertime with ease.

How much BTU does a window air conditioner have?

Have in mind that most window air conditioners feature BTU range that goes between 5 thousand and 36 thousand, ...

What are the most common types of air conditioners?

The most common types of air conditioners are the wall and window solution when it comes to other brands. These air conditioners are used to cool spaces and single rooms as well.

How many square feet does a window air conditioner cover?

Have in mind that most window air conditioners feature BTU range that goes between 5 thousand and 36 thousand, which means that it can easily cover the area between 100 and 1650 square feet based on the model that you decide to purchase.

Why are wall ACs more efficient than window ACs?

Both units are efficient because they will help you cool down a specific section of home or room, and you can quickly turn them on and off based on your preferences. However, wall ACs are more efficient because they will not leak the air out through the window, which means that you will be able to use them without any additional problem.

How many square feet can a BTU cover?

Have in mind that these units’ features between 7 thousand and 15 thousand BTU range, which means that you can cover between 200 and 800 square feet based on the model that you decide to consider.

What is the difference between a window air conditioner and a wall air conditioner?

What is the difference between a through the wall and window air conditioner? Wall and window air conditioners work on the same principle – they retrieve air and pass it through refrigerators and coils, creating a continuous flow of cool air. While these types of air conditioners work in a similar way, there are some key differences ...

How does a through wall air conditioner work?

The device must be installed through an exterior wall so that one end faces outside (retrieving air) and the other faces inside (passing out cool air). These are usually placed beneath a window frame as this is typically ...

What are the disadvantages of wall air conditioners?

Disadvantages – Due to the relatively small BTU range, wall air conditioners typically aren’t suited to larger rooms. The installation process also requires some substantial work so it might not be ideal if you need an AC unit immediately.

What is the BTU of a wall air conditioner?

Wall air conditioners typically come with a BTU range between 7,000 to 15,000, making it ideal for rooms of 300 to 800 sq. ft. Advantages – Of course the main advantage of the through wall air conditioner is that it saves space as it simply replaces a section of the wall.

What are the advantages of window AC?

Advantages – It goes without saying that the quick and easy installation is a huge advantage of the window AC unit. This makes it ideal for renters who don’t have permission to permanently change a wall or for property owners who want the option of moving the device.

Is it a good idea to invest in an air conditioner?

As each summer seems to be hotter than the last, it’s a good idea to invest in a quality air conditioner to keep you cool in the warmer weather. But choosing the right air conditioner can be a confusing and difficult decision if you’ve never done it before. With so many models and types to choose from, you wouldn’t be alone in simply putting off the decision for as long as you can.

Is a mini split AC better than a wall AC?

If you’re looking for something that cools multiple rooms, all at individual temperatures, then a mini-split air conditioner may be a better choice for you . Ultimately, choosing an AC unit depends on your needs and preferences. Now you know some of the many features and differences between AC units so you can make an informed and confident choice.

What is the difference between a window air conditioner and a through the wall air conditioner?

A major difference between through the wall air conditioners and window air conditioners is the location to install both the air conditioners. Through the wall air conditioners are installed into an exterior wall. They require a permanent opening in a wall and thus are not suitable if you’re renting a place.

What Is a Through the Wall Air Conditioner?

You may be familiar with window ACs or heat pumps. They are almost everywhere, from small apartments to condos. Through the wall air conditioners are very much similar to window ACs or heat pumps. The main difference is that while window air conditioners are designed to sit inside your window frame, through the wall ACs are intended to sit in an opening made in your building’s wall.

Why does my air conditioner sweat?

Improper installation and unsuitable location can cause your air conditioner to work inefficiently, leaving you all sweaty during high temperatures!

What is the purpose of an air conditioner?

The purpose of both air conditioners is to cool one room or two smaller rooms at a time. They are designed for smaller spaces. Moreover, through the wall and window air conditioners have built-in thermostats that regulate the temperature.

What happens when an air conditioner goes out of power?

In case of a power outage, auto restart mode automatically restarts the motor. When the power restores, the air conditioner operates in the last programmed setting.

What happens if you don't insulate your house?

Another thing to keep in mind is proper insulation. If the hole isn’t insulated, your room will be exposed to drafts along with insects. Through the wall air conditioners are a comfortable solution for your home. They are designed for situations where a lower noise level is essential.

How much does it cost to install an air conditioner?

The total cost for installing a wall air conditioner starts from $1,300 but can go up depending on several factors. A large chunk of this cost is taken up by the air conditioner and can vary depending on the air conditioner size or BTUs.

What is the Difference Between Through the Wall & Window Air Conditioner?

A window air conditioner is often the same as a through-the-wall air conditioner. The significant difference is how you vent the air conditioner and ultimately install it.

How Do You Install a Window Air Conditioner Through The Wall?

Installing a window air conditioner into a wall is possible but can be difficult. The most important thing to remember for your safety and the safety of the AC itself is to change the venting system from the sides of the unit to the back only.

Can You Put a Window Air Conditioner in a Room Without a Window?

There are ways to install a window air conditioner in a room without a window. It might sound counter-intuitive, but there are ways to do this. It works similarly to how a portable air conditioner does.

Do You Need a Sleeve for a Wall Air Conditioner?

If you install your window air conditioner into a wall, a wall sleeve is essential to its proper operation. A sleeve supports the heavy air conditioner that drywall and siding alone aren’t strong enough to hold.

How to Install a Window Air Conditioner

Window air conditioners are much easier to install than wall-mounted ones. Choose the window you want the air conditioner to sit in, open it, and set the AC out through it. Set it up so your air conditioner is tilted downward to direct the condensation outward.

Choosing the Best Air Conditioner For You

When deciding what kind of air conditioner is right for you, you should keep several things in mind. Window air conditioners aren’t permanent; you can remove them each winter or when you’re not using them.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, deciding to install a window air conditioner in a window or through a wall is entirely up to you. A room doesn’t have a window in certain instances, leaving you with the wall as your only option. Most times, however, you will have the chance, depending on what you prefer.

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