How to Debate Buying a Through the Wall Air Conditioner

Through the wall air conditioners are typically used to cool one room or small spaces. They remove heat and moisture from the area with the help of a blower that carries warm air through a filter to the outside. If you don't intend to cool a whole house, buying a wall unit can be a more affordable option when compared with the expense of installing central air conditioning.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Make sure you understand the installation process. Through the wall air conditioners require that a metal sleeve be installed to support the weight of the unit. If a hole already has been cut where a unit will be replaced, it must be carefully measured to make sure the right size unit is chosen.

2. Take note of the size of the sleeve and its manufacturer. Even though manufacturers have standard sleeve sizes, it's best to buy the through the wall air conditioner from the same company that made the sleeve to ensure a proper fit.

3. Consider the British thermal units, or BTUs, needed for efficient cooling of the area where the air conditioner will be used. The BTU is an energy measurement used to describe the power of cooling systems. When suppliers calculate the BTUs needed for effective cooling, the square footage of the room, the amount of sunlight it gets and the typical number of occupants are considered.

4. Determine whether you want a unit that also creates heat to warm up a room. Some through the wall air conditioners also include electric heating units and others include heat pumps.

5. Save energy by buying an Energy Star model. Energy Star is a program backed by the U.S. government in support of energy-efficient air conditioners and other products. Products that display the Energy Star logo have met certain requirements for energy efficiency outlined by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.