How to Install an Inwall Air Conditioner

Co-authored by Victor Belavus

Last Updated: August 26, 2021 References

Looking to cool a room without a clunky A/C unit sticking out of a window? Well, look no further than an inwall air conditioner! Also known as through-the-wall or wall units, inwall air conditioners are installed directly into your wall to provide cool air without being as noticeable as a window unit. They’re also relatively easy to install on your own if you have the right tools and some experience with home renovations. To make your job easier, we’ve answered some of the most common questions that folks have about what it takes to install an inwall air conditioner.

Question 1

Question 1 of 6:
How do you install an inwall air conditioner sleeve?

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Choose a wall and mark the studs and opening size for the sleeve. Wall sleeves are generally about 15 inches (38 cm) tall, 26 inches (66 cm) wide, and 16 inches (41 cm) deep. Select an exterior wall that doesn’t have any plumbing or electrical wiring, and choose a spot near an electrical outlet you can plug the unit into.^{[1]
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Research source} Use a stud finder to find your wall studs and mark them with a pencil. Then, use a ruler or tape measure to measure and mark a rectangle on your wall that matches the size of your sleeve about 1–5 feet (0.30–1.52 m) above the floor.^{[2]
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- Your sleeve should have size measurements on the packaging. If it doesn’t, measure the sleeve itself with a ruler or tape measure.
- Installing the unit about 1–5 feet (0.30–1.52 m) above the floor will help minimize the dust that the air filter collects and prevent condensation.^{[3]
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Cut a space through the wall with a reciprocating saw. Cut along the lines you marked as cleanly and evenly as possible. Cut all the way through the inside and outside of the wall to create an opening that will hold your sleeve. If there are any wall studs in the space, you’ll need to cut through them as well.^{[4]
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- You can also sand the edges of the wall if you want to smooth them out.
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3
Slide the sleeve into your wall and caulk the sides to seal it. If you have a disassembled sleeve, put it together by connecting all 4 sides and following the directions on the packaging. Slide the sleeve into the opening so the edges are flush against the inside of your wall. Then, apply a silicone-based caulk along the edges and in any holes or gaps and allow it to fully dry to create a tight seal.^{[5]
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- Check the package of the caulk for specific drying times and wait until the caulk has fully dried and hardened before you install your air conditioning unit.
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Question 2

Question 2 of 6:
How do you fit an inwall air conditioner into the sleeve?

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Slide the air conditioner into the sleeve. Lift the air conditioner and place the end into the wall sleeve. Push on the front of the unit to slide it into the sleeve. If it’s a tight fit, wiggle the unit as you push to help slide it into place.^{[6]
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- Inwall air conditioning units can be heavy. If you’re having trouble, try asking a friend to help you lift it.
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Put foam into the gap around the unit and install your frame. If there’s a gap between your air conditioning unit and the sleeve, it can affect how well your unit functions. Take strips of foam insulation and stuff them into the space to help seal it. Your inwall air conditioner unit also includes a frame that covers the front. Put together the frame of your air conditioner by connecting both sides together and then attach it to the front of the unit.^{[7]
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- Once your unit is installed, you can plug it in and turn it on to test it out!
- You can find strips of foam at your local hardware or home improvement store.
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Question 3

Question 3 of 6:
Are window and inwall air conditioners the same?

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No, they are slightly different. The main difference is their location: window units are designed to be placed on a windowsill and inwall units are meant to be installed in an exterior wall. They’re both designed to provide cool air to a room, but window air conditioners can be less efficient and they take up window space. Inwall air conditioners can take more time to install, but they’ll also last longer and look less conspicuous than a window unit.^{[8]
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- Additionally, both types cost around $250 USD but an inwall may cost more because of the installation process.^{[9]
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Question 4

Question 4 of 6:
Can you install a window air conditioner through a wall?

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Yes, some units are designed to be installed in both. Some air conditioning units are designed specifically for window or wall use, and they’ll be labeled in their product description. Inwall units fit inside of a pre-installed sleeve, and if you have an air conditioning unit that’s designed for both inwall and window use, you can install it in your wall.^{[10]
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Question 5

Question 5 of 6:
Do inwall air conditioners need a sleeve?

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Yes, the sleeve is an essential part of the installation process. The sleeve, also known as a bracket, is a metal shell that fits into your wall to hold the unit and support its weight. Without a sleeve, there’s nothing to stabilize the air conditioner. The wall sleeve is also what allows you to install your unit into any type of wall. Additionally, the sleeve has vents that allow your unit to breathe and prevent overheating.^{[11]
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- It’s really important that the vents of the air conditioner aren’t blocked so it functions properly.

Question 6

Question 6 of 6:
How much does it cost to install an air conditioner in the wall?

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It costs between $175-$250 USD for the installation. For the highest quality installation, hire a professional to do the job. They’ll be able to cut out your wall and seal any gaps so your unit is running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Costs can vary depending on how long it takes to get the job done, but generally, costs are below $300.^{[12]
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Expert Q&A
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Question

Do through-the-wall air conditioners need a sleeve?

Victor Belavus
Air Conditioning Specialist
Victor Belavus is an Air Conditioning Specialist and the Owner of 212 HVAC, an air condition repair and installation company based in Brooklyn, New York. In addition to HVAC and air conditioning units, Victor also specializes in furnace repair and air duct cleaning. He has over 10 years of experience working with HVAC systems.

Victor Belavus

Air Conditioning Specialist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Yes, for a safe and proper installation, all through-the-wall air conditioners need a sleeve. It also protects the inside of your walls from condensation and makes it easier to insulate gaps.