7 Best Through-The-Wall Air Conditioners & What to Look for When Buying a Wall AC Unit

When the mercury rises, coupled with high humidity, the home environment becomes unbearable. However, a good air conditioner can be a lifesaver. You may have central air conditioning, but cooling an entire home costs a lot when you are only using one room. On some days, you may also need an extra cooling source in addition to your whole house air conditioner. Or maybe you are looking for a cooling option for your windowless room. 

In any case, a through-the-wall air conditioner can be a perfect solution for you! It works similar to a window air conditioner but is installed into a hole in the wall, helping you preserve the window space for fresh air and the outside view. 

However, deciding the best through-the-wall air conditioners that perfectly suit your requirements can be tough. In this blog, we’ve rounded up the best through-the-wall air conditioners and important factors to consider when purchasing a new one. 

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner?

When buying a new air conditioner for your room, the following factors are important to consider: 

1. Air Conditioner & Room Size

Having the right air conditioner size is highly important to find the best through-the-wall air conditioners for the room. A larger than required unit would turn on/off frequently, resulting in quick cooling while failing to remove the moisture adequately. A smaller unit, on the other hand, would struggle to achieve your preferred thermostat settings.

The best way to find the right AC size is to determine your room size in square footage and match it with your AC’s cooling capacity measured in BTUs. Most wall-mounted air conditioners range between 8,000 and 18,000 BTUs. An 8000 BTU unit can cool a 350 sq. ft area while an 18000 BTU can cool a 1000 sq. ft room.

This air conditioner sizing chart will help you determine the best size for your room.

2. Smart AC Controls

If you want to automate your room climate, you should look for smart features when purchasing a wall AC unit. You can also go for a budget-friendly unit with fewer features and then pair it with a smart AC controller to give it smart capabilities without breaking the bank.

With a smart AC controller such as Cielo Breez, you can control all your AC settings from your phone and make changes on the go. With daily or weekly scheduling, you can set schedules in advance, so you don’t have to micromanage your home climate. Other features, like geofencing, Comfy Mode, and voice commands, also help with hands-off climate control. In addition to comfort, smart AC controllers also help cut down on unnecessary energy usage and reduce AC costs.

3. Installation Location

Wall air conditioners make a perfect cooling solution for areas that lack ductwork, such as a garage or a backyard shed.

When choosing the installation location, make sure there is plenty of space around the exterior side. To draw in air into the compressor, the wall AC unit needs proper ventilation around the outdoor part.

Related: Air-Conditioned Shed: Make Your Shed a Backyard Haven

4. Energy Efficiency

The energy efficiency ratio (EER) determines how much cooling/heating a unit provides for a particular amount of electrical energy. The higher the EER, the more efficient a unit is. Through-the-wall air conditioners mostly have a rating between 9 and 11.

Always check the EER ratings before purchasing a through-the-wall AC unit for your room. You will find them on the Energy Guide Label, which provides all the energy-related information.

In addition to EER ratings, also look out for the Energy Star label. It is the trusted, government-backed label for energy efficiency. They cost more, but the energy savings, in the long run, make up for the initial high cost. Energy Star room ACs use 9% less energy as compared to other models and cost on average $70 to operate per year.

5. Thickness of Your Wall

All through-the-wall air conditioners come with metal sleeves that hold the units in place. The thickness of the wall should be equal to or greater than the depth of the sleeve for proper installation. Most sleeves can fit walls that are 8 inches thick or less.

6. Types of Sleeves

A wall unit can either have a slide-out chassis sleeve or a fixed sleeve that comes with the AC. Removable sleeves make it easier to service or replace the unit.

When replacing your unit, you can use your existing removable sleeve, but be sure to buy one that fits the old sleeve perfectly.

7. Electrical Requirements

Most through-the-wall air conditioners use a standard 115V outlet. However, some high-output models need 230V connections requiring special wiring in your home.

8. AC’s Noise Level

As all the components are packed together in one box, they tend to be slightly noisy compared to mini-splits or central ACs with separate outdoor units.

They produce about 50 decibels of sound, which is comparable to moderate rain or light traffic. Some units have a quiet mode which can drop the decibels to 30. If you want to use your AC in a nursery or a home office, go for the unit offering the lowest dB value.

9. Heat Function

In addition to cooling, most through-the-wall units also provide heating options. In heat mode, these units take in heat from the outside and expel warm air indoors. This eliminates the need for two separate heating and cooling units. You can use it as a stand-alone heating system or operate it as a supplement heat source alongside a central unit.

10. Extra Features

When looking for the best in-wall AC unit, check if you require features such as sleep mode, fan-only mode, touch and voice controls, and remote control.

• Fan Only Mode – It circulates air in the room without using the compressor, helping to save on bills.
• Sleep Mode – This feature is designed for a comfortable sleep and increases the temperature throughout the night to cater to the natural decline in your body temperature.  It also reduces compressor sound to avoid disturbing your sleep.
• Dehumidifier Mode – It runs the fan at a low speed and turns on the compressor in intervals to remove humidity from your room.
• Timer Function – It allows you to set your AC to turn on/off after a certain time. Most units offer a 24-hour timer mode.
• Antibacterial Air Filters – They help inhibit the growth of indoor air pollutants such as fungus, bacteria, mildew, and other contaminants.
• Digital Control – This allows you to change the temperature settings on the LED display.
• Adjustable Louvers – They allow you to change the air direction, such as up and down and side to side.  Some models have automatic swing louvers that continuously move the cold air around the room.

11. Room Aesthetics

Wall air conditioners tend to be bulky units that easily get noticed. If you are concerned that your wall unit doesn’t sit well with your room décor, you can try various methods to hide the AC unit. For example, you can try enclosing them in a cabinet or a decorative box when not in use or putting a colorful folding screen on the front side.

7 Best Through-The-Wall Air Conditioners for Your Home

We have compiled a list of the 7 best wall-mounted air conditioners you can purchase from Amazon. You can check their various features and decide which best suits your requirements.

1. Keystone 25,000 BTU 230V Wall Air Conditioner

This Keystone Energy Star wall AC is a highly efficient Energy Star unit with a 12.1 EER rating. It has a staggering 25000 BTU cooling capacity and can cool up to 1,500 sq. ft, making it one of the best wall-mounted air conditioners. In addition, it has a built-in thermostat to maintain a pleasant environment. Keystone’s wall unit also comes with a follow-me mode to eliminate hot and cold spots in your room. Other notable features include a 24-hour timer, sleep mode, and auto restart.

It comes with a remote control allowing you to control the air conditioner settings across the room. However, if you want to equip your AC with next-gen features and control it using your phone, a smart AC controller like Cielo Breez Plus is a preferable option.

When purchasing this unit, do take into account that it requires a 230V/20-amp electrical outlet and will not work with a standard 115V outlet. You can use an existing compatible wall sleeve or purchase a new one when installing this unit. 

Pros	Cons
High EER rating	Does not work with a 115V outlet
Follow me mode
24-hour timer
Timer and sleep mode
Can also be installed in window

2. Koldfront WTC8001W 8,000 BTU Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner with Heat

With its 8,000 BTU output, this through-the-wall air conditioner from Koldfront is ideal for a small bedroom, office, or backyard shed. This unit also offers 4200 BTU of electric heating and is one of the best wall air conditioners with heat.

This through-the-wall unit has a dehumidification capacity of removing 45 pints a day. In addition, it provides multiple fan speeds and offers additional features such as auto-shutoff and energy-saving mode. It also has a sleep mode that will adjust the temperature periodically throughout the night.

Pros	Cons
Comes with a remote control	Not effective for large rooms
Provides heating function
Sleep & energy-saving mode
Energy Star Unit

3. Frigidaire FFTA123WA1 Energy Star Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner with 12000 BTU

This Frigidaire Energy Star model, combined with SEER ratings of 11, ensures effective cooling in your room. With its 12000 BTU capacity, you can use it in an area of up to 500 sq. feet.

It includes other features such as a programmable timer, multiple fan speeds, and sleep mode. This Frigidaire unit also has an external thermostat in a remote, making it easy to change the temperature from across the room. With its programmable timer, you can set a schedule to turn on the unit before your arrival. However, you can only turn your wall unit on/off using this feature; it doesn’t allow you to set the temperature or use other settings. You will have to use a smart AC controller for advanced controls.

In addition to cooling, the Frigidaire wall AC also has a heating function to keep you warm in winter.

Pros	Cons
12000 BTU can cool 500 sq. ft	Noisy operation
Programmable timer
Heating function
Multiple fan speeds

4. LG LT0816CER 8,000 BTU Wall Air Conditioner

The LG 8,000 BTU through-the-wall air conditioner is perfect for cooling rooms up to 330 sq. feet. It can also heat a room sufficiently with its 8000 BTU capacity, making it one of the best wall-mounted air conditioner heater combo.

This wall unit comes with an LED display and a simple control panel for easy temperature and fan speed adjustments. You can also use a remote control to change the settings without leaving your bed, workspace, or couch. In addition, it has the ability to remove 2.1 pints/hour.

To make the wall unit last longer, it has a patented gold fin anti-corrosion coating that acts as a protective shield.

Pros	Cons
LED display	Not suitable for large areas
Remote control
Anti-corrosion coating
8000 BTU supplemental heating

5. Keystone 12,000 BTU 115V Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner

This unit by Keystone is Amazon’s bestseller in wall air conditioners. With 10.5 EER, it provides 12000 BTU of cooling capacity and is one of the best wall air conditioners for large rooms.

It has electronic controls with an LED display and a temperature-sensing remote control that allows changing settings across the room.  

This through-the-wall air conditioner offers 3 cooling and fan speeds, energy saver mode, and an auto cool function. This wall unit also has a quiet operation that won’t interfere with your sleep. 

Pros	Cons
Temperature sensing remote control	Plastic casing isn’t durable
Multiple fan speed feature
Quiet operation

6. LG LT1037HNR Through-The-Wall With Heat

This LG wall unit provides a 10000 BTU cooling capacity with 11,200 BTU supplemental heat. As its heating output is quite high, you can use it all year round.

It comes with an LED display and a simple control panel, providing temperature adjustments and fan speed selection. You can also make changes using a remote control. However, if you want to make your through-the-wall air conditioner smart and want to control it from anywhere using your phone, it’s best to pair the unit with a smart AC controller.

Pros	Cons
All-year-round wall heat pump	Lack of sleep and eco mode
LED display

7. Midea MAT10R1ZWT Air Conditioner

The Midea 10000 BTU through-the-wall air conditioner is ideal for small areas up to 450 sq. feet. It is relatively new in the market but has created waves with its low price without cutting down on features. It has multiple 3-fan sleep and 4-way air direction control. Plus, you will also get sleep and eco mode. You can also adjust all the AC settings using the LCD remote. Not only has this unit a low initial price, but it can also help with energy savings as it’s an Energy Star unit with 10.6 EER ratings.

If you are looking for a high-performing, budget-friendly room unit, you should definitely check out this Midea through-the-wall air conditioner.

Pros	Cons
Relatively inexpensive	No heating function
Good EER rating

Top Benefits of Wall AC Units 

Here are some of the top advantages of installing a through-the-wall air conditioner in your room. 

1. Easy Installation

Most through-the-wall units come with a standard installation kit that includes all necessary hardware and instructions. You don’t need any special tools or expertise to install them. The only challenging part is drilling the hole to the exact measurements.

2. Less Obtrusive 

Through-the-wall air conditioners sit flush against the wall, so they don’t take up any extra space in your room. Moreover, you can enjoy the fresh air and view from your window.

3. Energy Efficient

Due to installation differences, wall units are more energy-efficient than window ACs and can help you save up to 30% on your bills. Through-the-wall AC units don’t let the cold air escape your room because of their even placement inside the wall. 

The Takeaway

Wall AC units are increasingly becoming popular and can be a great way to cool your house in the summer season. When buying the best through-the-wall air conditioner for your room, measure the space where you plan to install it and select an appropriately sized model. You’ll also want to think about your climate; if you live in a hot or humid area, be sure to choose a unit with a high cooling capacity. If you want to automate your home climate, pairing your wall AC with a smart AC controller is the best option. Other factors to consider include noise level, energy efficiency, and price. By taking all of these things into account, you can be sure to find the best through-the-wall air conditioner for your home.