Installing Wall Mounted Air Conditioners

A wall-mounted air conditioner is similar to a window-mounted air conditioner and is an option when central air is not available. A wall-mounted air conditioner is convenient because it will not block the view from a window and it does not need to be removed or stored during the winter months.

Things You'll Need

• Stud finder
• Hacksaw blade or reciprocating saw
• Saber saw
• Straightedge
• Drill

Instructions

1. Locate a place on the wall where the air conditioner can be installed. Locate the studs in the wall (use a stud finder). Mark the wall where each stud is located. Measure the dimensions for the opening.

2. Make an outline on the wall for the opening. Use a reciprocating saw, such as a Sawzall or a hacksaw blade, to cut the drywall. Remove the piece of drywall and cut out any insulation that is present. Cut the insulation at the top of the opening and at the bottom. Save the cut pieces of insulation to use later.

3. Create a hole through the exterior siding for a saw blade. Drill a small hole in each corner of the opening. Make sure the drill penetrates through the siding on the exterior of the house. Draw a line from each hole and cut the siding on the exterior of the house using a saber saw. Insert the blade of the saw into the holes drilled earlier as a starting point. Remove the siding to expose the wall opening.

4. Cut out a stud if it is necessary to create a large enough opening for the air conditioner. The width between each stud in a wall is 16 inches, which isn't usually wide enough for a wall-mounted air conditioner. Cut the stud at the top and bottom of the opening (use a Sawzall).

5. Frame the opening to create a support for the unit. Measure the width of the opening and create a box using 2x4 pieces of wood. Insert the box into the opening and secure it to the studs with a hammer and nails or use screws. A metal sleeve to bear the weight of the wall-mounted air conditioner can also be used. A sleeve can be purchased from a home improvement store, such as Lowe's or Home Depot. Use a hammer and nails to secure the sleeve to the studs in the wall.

6. Insert the air conditioner into the opening and secure it to the wall. Refer to the instructions that came with the air conditioning unit to properly secure it to the wall. Insulate around the opening using the pieces of insulation saved earlier. Replace drywall around the opening to finish the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure there are no wires or pipes present in the wall when cutting the drywall. A sleeve needs to be the right size and may be available from the manufacturer of the air conditioner. Run a bead of caulk around the air conditioner to seal the seams between the unit and the siding on the exterior of the house.

• Wear a long-sleeved shirt and gloves when working with insulation found in a wall.