Looking for a through-the-wall air conditioner?
You have come to the right place.
A through-the-wall air conditioner is great option for people who don’t like the look of an AC panel blocking a bedroom or living room window. For some people, after all, there’s only one window to give.
Through-the-wall air conditioners are surprisingly easy to install.
In addition, they are generally quieter, more cost-effective, and more energy-efficient than most window and central AC units.
Our Top 3 Picks
- The cooling power of 10000 BTU ASHRAE.
- No condensate bucket.
- The AC is suitable for small-medium rooms.
- Cooling, dehumidifying, or fan-only modes.
- Remote control and air filter included.
- Energy Star rated.
- Remote thermostat eliminates hotspots
- Dehumidify and cool.
- Sleep modes and energy savers
What’s in This Buying Guide
Table of Contents
This buying guide reviews and compares the top 10 wall air conditioners – also known as ‘wall air conditioners’.
We also discuss how through-the-wall air conditioners work and their benefits over other types of AC units.
Finally, we walk through the features and capabilities to look for when shopping for one for your room.
So let’s dive in!
What Is a Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner?
You have many different room-cooling solutions to select from today.
If you’re on a tight budget and need something that you can easily move around from one room to the next, a portable AC is a great option.
Mini-split AC units are quiet and efficient. They heat a room well, too.
And if you need quiet and extra-powerful cooling, a window AC is probably the best choice.
That said, a through-the-wall air conditioner is another great option.
The function and performance of a wall AC unit is very similar to that of a window AC.
However, instead of being plopped into a window, it is installed through an exterior wall.
An AC wall unit has vents on its sides and/or its back panel that allow fresh air to enter the unit from outside.
Refrigerant-cooled coils cool the air, and a fan distributes the cool air into your room.
Wall air conditioners are usually mounted in a sleeve that runs through your wall to make sure the opening can carry the weight.
Similar to a window or portable AC, wall air conditioners can only cool or heat one room.
And because it is not portable, you’ll need to buy a wall AC for each room if you want to cool multiple spaces.
Advantages of Through the Wall Air Conditioners
If you need to cool your room, there’s no need to sacrifice a window or lose your view.
A through-the-wall air conditioner also offers several important advantages over a window unit, including:
Energy-efficient
A wall installation provides better insulation than a window which is precisely why a wall AC is much more energy-efficient than a window AC. Because it cools only the area being used, it uses less energy than central AC.
High Output
You can find many wall AC units with 18,000 BTUs of cooling power or more.
Quiet operation
Unlike portable AC units, through the wall air conditioners are much quieter because the noisiest components – the fan, compressor, and coils – are housed inside the wall and outside.
Less Expensive Than Central AC
No ducting or central control panels are required to install a through-the-wall AC in your room.
Disadvantages of Through the Wall Air Conditioners
Of course, through the wall ACs also have their disadvantages.
The most important is how they are installed.
A through-the-wall AC is more difficult to install than a portable AC that is placed on a floor – or a window unit that fits inside a sliding window.
In contrast, a through-the-wall AC requires creating a large hole in your wall.
This is not DIY stuff.
Professional installation is normally recommended unless you are skilled in electrical work and minor construction. And even then, we strongly recommend using a professional installer because you risk damaging your structure, wiring, and plumbing if you don’t install it correctly.
Renters should purchase a window unit or a portable AC instead, because your landlord might object to you putting a large hole in their wall. And you can forget taking the AC with you when you move.
For homeowners, however, a through-the-wall air conditioner is a cost-effective and efficient way to maintain a comfortable temperature in a room or large space of any size.
Top 10 Wall Air Conditioners
Short on time?
Below is our list of the top through-the-wall air conditioners sold today.
We’ve spent dozens of hours researching the most proven, top-rated, and most-loved units sold in the US to arrive at this list.
Most of these units can be purchased online, but you’ll still need an installer to help you install them.
For more information about each product, read our reviews following this list.
- 1. Best 10,000 BTU Unit: Impecca 10,000 BTU Electronic Through The Wall Air Conditioner
- 2. Quietest Unit: Friedrich CP08G10B 8,000 BTU Air Conditioner
- 3. Best for People with Allergies: Perfect Aire 4PATW10002 10,000/9,800 BTU Thru-the-Wall Air Conditioner
- 4. Best For Cooling plus Heating: Koldfront WTC12001W 208/230V
- 5. Best Remote Thermostat: Keystone KSTAT08-1C 8000 BTU Through the Wall Air Conditioner
- 6. Best for Spaces Up to 700 sq. ft.: Koldfront WTC14012WCO
- 7. Best For Extra-Large Spaces up to 1400 sq. ft.: Friedrich EP24G33B AC with Electric Heater, 23,000 BTU
- 8. Best Budget: MIDEA MAT08R1ZWT Air Conditioner
- 9. Best for Smaller Rooms: Friedrich Kühl Series SQ06N10C Room Air Conditioner
- 10. Best Commercial-Grade: Friedrich EL36N35B 36,000 BTU Room Air Conditioner
Impecca 10,000 BTU
Best 10,000 BTU Unit
10,000 BTU
450 sf.
9.8
Cool,Fan & Dehumidify
2 year limited warranty.
Friedrich CP08G10B
Quietest
8,000 BTU
350 sf.
12.1
Cool, fan & dry
1yr parts & labor, 5yrs compressor
Perfect Aire
Best for people with allergies
10,000 BTU
400-450 sf.
10.6
Cool, fan & dry
1 year
Koldfront WTC12001W
Best For Cooling plus Heating
12,000 BTU
450-550 sf.
9.5
Dry, dehumidifying & cool
No
Keystone KSTAT08-1C
Best with remote thermostat
8,000 BTU
350 sf.
10.6
Fan, Dry, and Cool
1yr parts & labor, 5yrs compressor
Koldfront WTC14012WCO230V
Best for Spaces Up to 700 sq. ft.
14,000 BTU
550-700 sf.
9.4
Cool,Dry & Dehumidify
one year warranty
Friedrich EP24G33B
Best for extra-large spaces
23,000 BTU
1,400 sf.
Not specified
Cool, heat, fan & dry
1yr parts & labor, 5yrs compressor
MIDEA MAT08R1ZWT
Best budget
8,000 BTU
350 sf.
10.6
Cool, fan & dry
2yrs parts & labor, 5yrs compressor
Friedrich Kühl Series SQ06N10C
Best for Smaller Rooms
5,800 BTU
250 sf.
–
Cool, fan & heat
–
Friedrich EL36N35B
Best Commercial-Grade
36,000 BTU
2,700 sf.
9.0
Cool & Electric Heat
–
The Impecca 10,000 BTU Electronic wall air conditioner’s capacity is perfect for most homes since it can efficiently cool large spaces while also being efficient enough to cool smaller ones.
The Impecca 10,000BTU wall air conditioner cools up to 450 square feet.
PROS
- Ideal for most homes.
- Excellent value for money.
- Multiple modes, including energy saver and sleep mode.
- 4-way airflow ensures even distribution
CONS
- Not the best choice for large spaces.
Our Review
Impecca recommends the 10,000-BTU wall AC for rooms between 350 and 450 square feet, which describes the typical master bedroom + bathroom in most US homes.
The four-way air direction flow evenly cools the room leaving no hot spots.
The Impecca AC also reduces the humidity of your room by turning on dry mode. Or, if you want gentle air circulation, there is a fan-only option.
To reduce power consumption, select the energy saver function. You can also set the temperature to the ideal level to sleep.
You can adjust the fan speed and set an auto-off timer using the remote control.
Bottom Line
The Impecca 10,000 BTU through-the-wall air conditioner is the best choice for most bedrooms and living rooms. It is quiet, has all the options you’d want and is very affordable.
The Friedrich CP08G10B is a quiet air conditioner that makes an excellent choice for bedrooms, offices, or anyone who finds fan noise distracting. It can be installed through the wall or in your window.
PROS
- Quiet operation.
- Cooling, dehumidifying, or fan-only modes.
- Remote control and air filter included.
- Energy Star rated.
CONS
- Poor installation instructions.
Our Review
Friedrich does not list decibel ratings for CP08G10B.
But one customer measured the noise level for this 8,000-BTU unit and found it emitted approximately 47dB on the highest fan speed, and 41dB on the lowest speed.
This means the CP08G10B AC likely produces less noise than your refrigerator.
The CP08G10B works well in rooms of 350 square feet or less, and you can install it in a window or through a wall.
Wall installation dimensions are 18” W x 14” H, making it a really compact unit.
The CP08G10B AC includes a slide-out sleeve, so you don’t need to buy anything extra to install it.
To ensure clean, fresh air, the AC includes a washable antimicrobial air filter.
It is really easy to adjust fan speed, temperature, timer, and select a comfort mode using the included remote control.
There is a choice of four comfort modes. The fan-only mode circulates room air without cooling it, the normal cooling mode does what you think it does ;-), and the money saver mode automatically switches between fan and cool mode to reduce power consumption.
The Friedrich CP08G10B has an Energy Star rating of 12.2 and an EER rating score of 12.2. This is an excellent energy efficiency rating.
Complaints and Issues
Some owners complain about the installation instructions, which can be difficult to understand.
Bottom Line
The Friedrich CP08G10B wall/window air conditioner is an excellent choice if you are looking for a through the wall AC that is exceptionally quiet (less than 50 decibels).
Perfect for the master bedroom or a living room.
#3
Best for People with Allergies
If you have allergies or asthma, you want to keep your indoor air allergen-free.
The Perfect Aire 4PATW10002 includes two air filters that remove pollen, dust, and other allergens from the room, making it the best choice for a sensitive nose.
PROS
- Double filters keep indoor air clean.
- Remote thermostat eliminates hotspots
- Dehumidify and cool.
- Sleep modes and energy savers
CONS
- A bit noisy on high.
- Poor installation instructions.
- Sleeves sold separately
Our Review
The majority of wall-mounted air conditioners only have one filter to remove allergens and dust from the air.
For people suffering from asthma or allergies, we recommend the Perfect Aire 4PATW10002AC due to its use of two air filters to trap more allergens, including pollen and fine dust.
The ‘check filter indicator’ on the control panel lets you know when it is time to clean the filters.
The Perfect Aire 4PATW10002 is a fantastic cooling solution for small to medium-sized rooms of 450 square feet.
It has cooling and dehumidification, as well as a fan-only mode.
This wall AC comes with a remote control that connects to a thermostat mounted on the unit. The thermostat provides precise temperature control and eliminates hot spots.
Other noteworthy features include an energy-saver mode, 24-hour timer, and sleep mode.
Complaints and Issues
The installation instructions are difficult to read and IMO poorly written. To ensure this unit is installed correctly, we recommend hiring a professional.
The Perfect Aire 4PATW10002 also does not come with a wall sleeve, so you need to purchase the sleeves separately.
Bottom Line
The Perfect Aire 4PATW10002 is an excellent choice for people who are sensitive to allergens.
NOTE: the Perfect Aire 4PATW10002 is not meant to replace an actual air purifier, however. If you are especially sensitive to dust and allergens, we recommend that you have a separate HEPA filter air purifier if your home is prone to dust, smoke, and other airborne pollutants.
We recommend the Koldfront WTC12001W through the wall AC for anyone who wants a single appliance to keep the room comfortable in all season, because it combines a powerful space heater and an air conditioner into one unit.
PROS
- Heats and cools.
- It is also a dehumidifier.
- This is the ideal solution for large rooms.
- Comfort control is made easier by auto mode.
- 4-way louvers distribute air evenly.
CONS
- Wall sleeves sold separately
- It’s a little loud.
Our Review
Koldfront WTC12001W can cool a room up to 550 sq. feet and heat one up to 450 sq. feet, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for year-round comfort in their bedroom, home office, or media room.
Note: the heating power is slightly lower at 10,600 BTUs, hence the smaller heating area than the cooling area.
The Koldfront WTC12001W is capable of heating and cooling indoors as well as dehumidifying the space.
When the room is comfortable, you can select the fan-only mode from the included remote control to keep the air circulating and filtered.
Our favorite mode is Auto, which maintains a comfortable temperature automatically. Just set the desired temperature, and the unit will automatically switches between cooling, heating, fan modes to maintain that temperature all day long.
Auto mode not only saves time but conserves energy.
The energy saver mode cycles between fan-only and cool mode to reduce power consumption.
For installation, the Koldfront WTC12001W measures 14.5” H x 24.2” W x 20.3” D., But this is without the sleeve, which is sold separately.
Complaints and Issues
Koldfront WTC12001W does not come with a wall sleeve, essential for installation.
Noise is another issue. The Koldfront WTC12001W air conditioner is not the quietest unit. While you can reduce the fan speed to reduce noise, it will impact cooling performance.
Bottom Line
The Koldfront WTC12001W is an excellent choice if you are looking for a through the wall air conditioner that keeps you comfortable through all four seasons.
The most expensive wall ACs are equipped with a thermostat to regulate room temperature by comparing the temperature near the unit with the temperature of air flowing through it.
A thermostat helps to prevent warm spots from developing and ensures optimal energy use.
The Keystone KSTAT08-1C wall AC intelligently embeds its thermostat embedded into the remote control, so its temperature reference stays focused on you. Really smart!
PROS
- Remote thermostat keeps the temperature where you want it
- Dehumidifies and cools
- Easy-to-remove front-access filter
- Includes energy saver and auto mode.
CONS
- Doesn’t come with a wall sleeve.
Our Review
Keystone calls their remote thermostat feature “Follow Me.”
It helps the AC to follow your movements around the room and maintain the best temperature – for you.
The Keystone KSTAT08-1C cooling unit has a cooling power of 8,000 BTUs. It is suitable for rooms between 350 and 350 square feet.
You can choose from the standard cooling, fan-only, and dry dehumidification modes.
In addition, you can set a 24-hour automatic timer, activate sleep mode for a better night’s sleep, adjust fan speed and choose an energy-saving mode.
Complaints and Issues
The Keystone KSTAT08-1C AC conditioner does not come with a wall sleeve, so you need to purchase it separately. It does, however, include foam seals to ensure the new AC seals perfectly.
Bottom Line
Keystone KSTAT08-1C wall air conditioner provides fast, quiet, and efficient cooling to small and medium-sized rooms.
It’s a great solution for anyone who is particular about keeping the temperature just right.
Need to cool a larger room like a living room or game room? The Koldfront WTC14012WCO 14,000 BTU wall air conditioner is a great choice. It is designed to cool rooms of 500 to 700 square feet.
PROS
- Great for larger rooms.
- Save-energy mode
- Auto mode eliminates tweaking controls.
- Includes a dehumidifier mode.
- Timer and sleep mode
CONS
- Wall sleeve sold separately
- A bit noisy.
Our Review
The KoldfrontWTC14012WCO AC offers powerful cooling in rooms up to 700 sq. feet, making it ideal for large living spaces, spacious bedrooms, sunrooms, basements, and open-plan areas.
It comes with remote control that lets you select modes.
The default setting is an auto mode that lets you set a desired temperature for the room, and the AC will adjust between fan-only and cooling modes to keep it there.
If you want more gentle cooling, then fan-only operation is available.
Energy-saver mode reduces power consumption by turning on the compressor only when it reaches the set temperature. Otherwise, it operates in fan-only mode.
In sleep mode, the AC maintains a comfortable sleep temperature throughout the night.
The Koldfront WTC14012WCO AC measures 14.5” H x 24.2” W x 20.3” D.
Complaints and Issues
Similar to the Koldfront WTC12001W, the WTC14012WCO doesn’t come with a sleeve.
The Koldfront WTC14012WCO is also a bit noisy, which is to be expected from a 14,000-BTU AC.
But you lowering the fan speed will cure this problem when you sleep, watching TV, or working.
Bottom Line
Koldfront WTC14012WCO effectively cools and dehumidify large areas for an excellent price.
#7
Best for Extra-Large Spaces (up to 1400 sqft)
Do you have a super-large room or small apartment that needs to be heated or cooled?
The Friedrich EP24G33B through-the-wall air conditioner is the most powerful consumer-grade through-the-wall air conditioner we know of.
PROS
- Super powerful, for large spaces only
- Heats and cools
- Oscillating louvers distribute air evenly.
- Includes a washable antimicrobial filter.
- Includes a unique money-saving mode.
CONS
- A bit noisy.
- Not cheap.
Our Review
The Friedrich EP24G33B is an excellent wall-mounted air conditioning unit providing 23,000 BTUs of cooling power, making it ideal for cooling extra-large spaces, such as an open basement, loft, or sunroom. It can also be used to cool an entire studio apartment.
The heating power is approximately half (12,000 BTU) of the cooling power, so it does not heat as fast as it cools. Keep this in mind if you live in a colder climate.
The Friedrich EP24G33B is easy to install in a window or in a wall, and all the necessary tools and parts for installation are included, including the wall sleeves.
This wall/window AC unit comes with remote control to adjust the temperature, select fan speed, set a timer, or activate the money saver setting.
The AC switches between fan-only and cool modes in the money-saver setting to cut down on energy consumption.
The Friedrich EP24G33B comes with an air filter that filters allergens and small particles from the air that passes through it. The filter is antimicrobial, so it also inhibits mold and bacteria.
Complaints and Issues
The Friedrich EP24G33B AC is fairly expensive, not surprising considering the power rating. So if you are looking for a budget wall AC, this is not it.
This unit also produces a lot more noise than other units in this guide, also not surprising. The Friedrich EP24G33B is not rattle-the-floor-and-walls noisy, but the fan can get pretty loud when spinning at the highest speed.
It is best to install this unit away from sleeping areas if you can.
Bottom Line
If you don’t mind the higher price tag and , the Friedrich EP24G33B air conditioner is the best consumer-grade through-the-wall AC sold for cooling and heating extra-large rooms and studio apartments.
Are you shopping on a tight budget?
Then the MIDEA MAT08R1ZWT air conditioner is our recommendation. It can be used to keep small to medium-sized rooms cool – up to 350 square feet in size.
PROS
- Budget price.
- Dehumidify and cool functions
- Includes a washable filter.
- Auto-swing louvers.
- Remote thermostat allows for more precise climate control.
CONS
- Doesn’t include a wall sleeve.
Our Review
The MIDEA MI08R1ZWT is a truly affordable option for small and medium-sized rooms. It delivers up to 8,000 BTU of cooling and efficiently removes up to 2.1 pints per hour in dry mode.
For the times you want gentle air circulation, there is a fan-only mode.
The remote control features an energy saver mode, sleep mode, fan speed selector, and a timer.
The remote control also has a button called ‘follow me’. This activates the remote’s thermostat. The remote control has a sensor that measures the temperature at your exact location and sends it back to the AC. This tells the AC exactly how comfortable you are.
The MIDEA AC measures 14.5 inches H x 24.2 W x 20.3 D without wall sleeves.
Complaints and Issues
The MIDEA Mat08R1ZWT does not come with a wall sleeve.
Bottom Line
Although it is less expensive than other smaller wall ACs, MIDEA’s MAT08R1ZWT has no weak points to speak of.
The unit effectively cools a small to mid-sized room quickly and is covered by a uniquely long warranty of two years for parts and labor and five for the refrigerant. And the price is tough to beat.
We recommend the Friedrich Kuhl Series N10C air conditioner for rooms smaller than 250 square feet.
You can mount it in a wall or window, and it has a cooling power of 5,800 BTUs.
PROS
- Ideal for smaller bedrooms, kid’s room, home office, et al.
- High energy efficiency
- WiFi connectivity (adapter sold separately)
- Durable construction.
CONS
- A separate adapter required for wireless remote control.
- Fairly expensive, considering the cooling capacity.
Our Review
For small rooms up to 250 square feet, we recommend the Friedrich Kühl Series SQ06N10C room air conditioner.
It is a great choice for smaller bedrooms, apartment living rooms, and home offices.
It is a bit expensive, however, considering it produces only 5,800 BTUs.
There are a couple of unique reasons the price is so high, however.
- It’s very well-made. The unit’s heavy metal base supports its weight, while the steel inner walls and aluminum ends plates provide durability and prevent rusting.
- I’s one of very few through-the-wall air conditioners with wireless network connectivity, which makes it possible to monitor and control the AC from your phone or tablet – even when you are away.
The WiFi control feature is useful if you want to keep your pet comfortable while you’re away or want to cool the living room down before arriving home on a hot day.
To use the wireless remote control, you’ll need to purchase the FriedrichLink WiFi Adapter (sold separately).
A word of warning, however: the WiFi adapter doesn’t work all the time – the product has received a lot of negative reviews about this.
Despite the WiFi issue, the Friedrich Kühl Series SQ06N10C is highly rated with many customers saying it cools the room quickly and operates very quietly. We agree.
The remote control is easy to use, or you can use the control panel on the unit. The remote control has many options including temperature settings, fan speed levels, and a timer.
Friedrich Kuhl AC includes an integrated 7-day energy management program that is based on a 5-day working week. The program automatically adjusts the temperature to your ideal setting, whether you’re at home or away.
Without the sleeves, Friedrich Kuhl SQ06N10C AC measures 21.4Dx 19.8Wx 14.25H inches.
The AC comes with a wall sleeve, so you won’t need to purchase one separately.
Complaints and Issues
Although WiFi control sounds like a good idea, it’s often not worth the effort as the hardware (the dongle that you purchase separately) and the software are subpar.
Our recommendation: skip this feature, use the excellent dedicated remote and programmable settings to accomplish your goals instead.
Bottom Line
Despite the wireless issue, Kuhl’s SQ06N10C works great in small spaces and has enough programmable features to handle any use case we can think of. It’s also well-made, beautiful, and energy-efficient.
Do you need to cool a workshop, a garage, or an event venue?
The Friedrich EL36N35B 36,000 BTU wall AC is a great choice for any single enclosed (or enclosable) space up to 2,700 square feet in size.
PROS
- Cools spaces of up to 2,700 square feet.
- Heats and cools.
- Built-in 7-day schedule.
- Excellent build quality.
- Convenient weekly scheduling option.
CONS
- WiFi option is horrible - don’t bother.
- It’s expensive.
Our Review
The Friedrich EL36N35B AC is an excellent choice for large commercial spaces, open-plan offices, and other extra-large single contained rooms of up to 2700 sq ft. area.
Although it is technically a room AC, it can cool multiple rooms if you leave the doors open most of the time.
You can install this unit in a window or in a wall, whichever you prefer. For wall installation, a sleeve comes with the unit.
You’ll need to mount the unit in a wall that is at least 15.1 inches deep, however, due to its size and weight.
The Friedrich EL36N35B AC provides both heating and cooling. Therefore, you can enjoy year-round comfort with the Friedrich EL36N35B AC.
The remote control lets you to adjust the temperature and fan speed as well as program the 7-day schedule. You can preset up to 4 different temperatures, too – making it really easy to manage energy use in an office or work situation.
You can also use your local WiFi to control the Friedrich EL36N35B AC from your smartphone. However, you’ll need to purchase a separate dongle.
The Friedrich EL36N35BAC AC has excellent build quality, as all Friedrich units do. It uses heavy gauge steel inner walls and enclosed fan motors to keep dirt out, and rubber motor mounts that reduce vibrations and noise.
The Friedrich EL36N35B AC is also surprisingly quiet considering its size.
Complaints and Issues
Don’t get too excited about the possibility of controlling your office thermostat fom your phonem, however. The WiFi remote control is great – if and when it works.
Unfortunately, most of the time this feature either doesn’t work at all or it isn’t reliable.
We recommend using the dedicated controls and leaning on the scheduling options to take care of energy management.
Bottom Line
The Friedrich EL36N35B will cost you, but it is worth the investment if you need to cool a large open space. This through-the-wall air conditioner cools large indoor spaces quickly, efficiently, and quietly.
Through the Wall vs. Window AC Units
In terms of performance and design, through the wall and window air conditioning units are very similar.
The primary difference between a window and a wall air conditioner is their placement, which can make a difference in terms of noise and capacity.
A window AC rests on your window sill while through-the-wall AC rests inside an exterior wall.
A window AC is therefore easier to install and easier to move from one room to another. You won’t be able to do that with a wall-mounted AC.
For this reason, through the wall ACs are best used only by homeowners, while window ACs are fine for renters.
Buying Guide: How To Select a Wall Air Conditioner
Here are some things to think about when selecting a through-the-wall air conditioner for your room.
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The number of BTUs determines an AC’s cooling power. The higher the BTU rating, the more heat the unit can remove from your room each hour.
These are the general BTU recommendations that can be used for various room sizes.
- Small rooms (250 sqft) 6,000 BTU
- Midsize rooms (250-350 sqft) 8,000 BTU
- Large rooms (350-500 sq. 10,000 BTU
- Extra-large rooms (500-700 sq. ft .) 12,000 BTU
- XXL spaces (700-1,000 sq. ft. ) 14,000 BTU+
- Garages, event venues, etc. 18,000 BTU+
EER
EER is the energy-efficient ratio, a measure of how energy efficient an AC is.
An air conditioner with a higher EER produces more cooling power per watt consumed.
The most energy efficient through-the-wall air conditioners have an EER of 12 or higher.
Do not buy a unit with an EER of less than 8.5, as it’ll be more expensive to operate.
Number Of Functions
The majority of wall air conditioners provide three basic functions:
- Cooling: maintain room temperature between 62-86 degrees.
- Dehumidification (often called dry mode):removes water from the air. Especially useful in humid climates.
- Fan-only: Provides gentle air circulation and cooling while saving energy.
A unit that also includes heating is a good option if you are looking for all-year comfort.
Installation Kit
You will need wall sleeves and other parts to install a wall AC.
If the AC does not include them, you can buy one at a local hardware store or online.
Noise Level
The wall ACs are generally quieter than the portable AC.
If you are sensitive to noise or find fan noise distracting, consider buying a quieter unit like the Friedrich CP08G10B (under 50 dB).
Remote Control
Finally, check which settings and features are available on the dedicated control panel and on the remote control.
These are the most important remote control features to have:
- Sleep mode: gently reduce temperature over time to guide you into a deep sleep.
- Energy Saver Mode: Reduces noise and energy consumption.
- Auto mode: automatically adjust fan speed and cooling to keep you comfortable.
- Timer: set the timer to turn off automatically after a certain period.
- Fan speed: adjust the fan speed and reduce or increase noise level.
Final Thoughts on Through-the-Wall Air Conditioners
Do you need a wall air conditioner? A lot of that depends on your view.
But for homeowners who want to cool larger rooms quietly, efficiently, and economically, we recommend considering one of the through-the-wall air conditioners we review above.
I’m a degreed ME (mechanical engineer) who is passionate about machines of all kinds. I created MachineWonders.com as a way to connect with others who love machines like me – or need help choosing one for their needs, application, or situation.
