How to Install a Through the Wall Air Conditioner
If your house doesn't have central air conditioning, you may want to consider installing a through the wall air conditioner. If your living space is fairly small, a through the wall unit can be very cost efficient. The project does take carpentry skills so don't attempt it if you're not sure of your abilities.
- Difficulty:
- Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Air conditioner
- Tape measure
- Utility knife or drywall saw
- Pry bar
- 2x4 or 2x6 lumber
- Drill and drill bits
- Saber saw or circular saw
- Drywall tape
- Paint
- Silicone caulk
- Caulking gun
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1
Decide where you want to place the air conditioner. Under a window is usually best because the header necessary to hang a window is usually sufficient to support a through the wall air conditioner. Make sure the appropriate voltage electrical outlet is within reaching distance of the air conditioner's cord. Also make sure there are no utilities, such as gas or electric lines, in the wall under the window.
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2
Measure the hole in the dimension needed according to the air conditioner's installation directions. Mark the dimensions on the wall. Carefully cut away the drywall under the window. Use the pry bar to carefully remove the drywall. Set it aside.
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3
Build the frame for the air conditioner unit under the window. Make sure the measurements are correct for the unit you are installing. Use 2x4 or 2x6 lumber according to the width of your house's exterior wall.
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4
Open the exterior wall. Drill a hole on the inside corner of the frame from the interior of the house out. These four holes mark where to cut on the exterior wall. Draw four straight lines on the outside of the house to mark where to cut. Use your saber saw or circular saw to cut away the exterior section.
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5
Slide the air conditioner chassis into place. Make sure the air conditioner has a slight tilt so the condensation runs outside. Attach to the walls according to the manufacturer's directions. Slide the air conditioner into place and secure it.
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6
Replace insulation around the air conditioner unit. Use the drywall that you took out earlier to cover any portions of the wall that may be exposed. Seal the seams with drywall tape. Repaint the patch.
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7
Caulk around the outside of the air conditioner unit. Silicone is a good choice because it is flexible in all kinds of weather and can withstand the vibrations of the air conditioner.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Be sure to read and follow all directions that come with the air conditioner.
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Comments
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pupkinator
Jun 17, 2008
This article is fairly useless as it doesn't mention proper methods of measurements, stud considerations, outside siding considerations, creating a header across cut studs, and other very important issues. A saber or circular saw is the wrong tool for cutting the external wall (a sawzall is needed). You should consult a better resource than this article before even considering doing this job. -
pupkinator
Jun 17, 2008
This article is fairly useless as it doesn't mention proper methods of measurements, stud considerations, outside siding considerations, creating a header across cut studs, and other very important issues. A saber or circular saw is the wrong tool for cutting the external wall (a sawzall is needed). You should consult a better resource than this article before even considering doing this job.
