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Why can't I put a window A/C unit through the wall ?
I already have a sleeve in the wall with a busted A/C, these things are frigging expensive, but the window units are cheaper.... why ????
Remember doing this many years ago when I was growing up. It's probably easier with a larger unit where the guts can slide out of the metal box. (Do they still make them like that sometimes?) Then instead of trying to perfect the install with the whole heavy thing, you can level and trim just that casing and slide the heavy mechanism back inside. I remember how we even replaced it once with a similar unit, I believe leaving the same exterior piece in place. Just slid the old one out, slid the new one in.
I've seen through the wall installs of small units too though. It can be done. Why not? Seems like it would be just a matter of getting a hole the right size and getting it to sit in there securely at the right angle (sloped a little downward towards the outside). And sealing it up against any rain leakage or bugs getting through or whatever.
Window units are cheaper because of mass production and competition.
Of course you can put one in a hole in a wall. Just what is the definition of "window" anyway.
As pointed out, the angle, sealing for bugs, are two things to be careful of. A third one these days is security. Metal thieves like to take ACs. A cage on the outside wall would be prudent. That would also prevent someone from pushing in the unit to gain entrance to the home. With a cage, you might even be able to add a little roof over the top.
Don't forget to put a header in the opening you make in the wall.
By header you mean like the frame on the inside of the house ? If thats what you meant then its already there, hopefully I can get a smaller one than that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by accufitgolf
Be sure on the voltage. Many installed in the wall were 220V and most window units are 120V.
Excellent point, the old one was a 120V one and looking to get the same.
My wall installed window unit overheats and burns out the compressor because it vents on the sides where there is no air ventilation. In a window installation, there would be air access to the side vents. I have just
burned out my second unit.
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