Best Through-The-Wall Air Conditioners with Heat; Reviews and Buying Guide

Product Reviews

If you’re short on time and therefore unable to do extensive comparison-shopping, the following are some of the best through-the-wall air conditioners with inbuilt heaters to consider.

Emerson Quiet Kool 230V 14K BTU Through-the-Wall Heater and Cool ComboPros

• It’s an AC/heater combo
• Ideal for up to 700 square feet
• Built-in 24-hour timer
• 2-year parts 5-year compressor warranty

Cons

• Requires 230V outlet wiring

Designed for rooms up to 700 square feet, the Emerson Quiet Kool is a 4-in-1 air conditioner that provides 14,000 BTU of cooling power as well as 10,600 BTU of supplemental heating. Additionally, it also works as a fan to boost air circulation and a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from your home.

It’s fairly quiet at 57 dB and features two exhaust vents (most ACs have one) that combine with the three fan speeds to give you 8-way indoor comfort options. Other features of the Quiet Cool include a programmable timer, Wi-Fi control, Sleep Mode, and remote control.

The unit requires a 230V/20amp outlet and fits sleeves between 24.5 inches to 27 inches. It’s backed by a 1/2/5-year (labor, parts, and compressor) warranty.

1. Friedrich EP18G33B Window Air Conditioner (Chill Series)

Pros

• 24-hour programmable timer
• Swing louvers for continuous airflow
• Antimicrobial filter
• Power cord flexibility (runs left or right)

Cons

• Most expensive on this list
• Only one-year parts warranty

Chill Series ACs from Friedrich come with multiple ultra-premium features, but without the premium cost. For one, quality and durability are standard. Additionally, the units are easy to install, featuring slide-out chassis and equipped with power cords that can run out of either the left or right side of the unit.

Better still, the EP18 is a powerful 18,000 BTU AC that also works as a supplemental heater (the heater is rated at 12,000 BTU/hour). These values make it ideal for large spaces, up to 1,000 square feet. Other features of the AC include 4-way air-flow, auto-restart, washable filters, and ultra-quiet operation.

The AC comes with standard installation hardware included and is backed by a 1/1/4 year (parts, labor, and refrigeration system) warranty.

1. PerfectAire 10,000 BTU Through-the-wall Heat/Cool Air Conditioner

Pros

• Split-filtration system ensures healthy indoor air
• Remote control increases convenience
• Fits all standard wall sleeves
• One-year full replacement warranty

Cons

• Not very powerful at 10,000 BTU
• Requires 230V/20A wiring
• Best for under 450 square feet

This PerfectAire (Model 3PATWH10002) isn’t as powerful as the first two products on this list. At 10,000 BTU and recommended for spaces up to 450 square feet, it’s smaller both in physical size and cooling capacity.

However, you’ll quickly notice that the Model 3TATWH10002 is also the least expensive product on this list while offering some high-end features. For instance, it’s a dual AC/heater unit with a 10,200 BTU heating capacity. It’s also a split-filtration system with a “Check Filter” light that ensures your indoor air is safe and healthy. Above all, it’s a remote-controlled model with a follow-me thermostat.

The unit fits all standard and aftermarket sleeves but requires a 230-Volt outlet. It comes with a one-year full replacement warranty.

1. Frigidaire FFRH122R2 12,000 BTU 230-Volt Compact Slide-Out AC/Heater

Pros

• 8-way comfort control
• Low-power startup
• Energy Saver mode conserves energy
• Washable mesh filter

Cons

• Ideal for smaller rooms (up to 550 Sq. Ft.)
• Only a 1/1/4 year (labor/parts/compressor) warranty

Frigidaire is a well-known manufacturer of residential AC systems and, in the FFRH22R2, they’ve got another very respectable unit. The FFRH22R2 is a three-way AC/Heater/Dehumidifier. It cools at 12,000 BTU/hour, heats at 11,000BTU/hour, and dehumidifies at up to two pints per hour.

Some of the features that stand out about the unit include 8-way comfort control, three cooling speeds, three fan speeds, and three heat speeds. It also features a 24-hour on/off timer that you can use to program your air control.

The unit uses a slide-out chassis that allows for either window or wall installation. A window mounting kit is included.

1. Pioneer Air Conditioner WYS012A-19 Ductless Inverter+ Mini Split Pump

Pros

• Lightweight at just 19 pounds
• ETL Certified & UL Listed
• 2-year parts warranty
• Uses standard 110/120V outlet

Cons

• Best suited for small to medium-sized rooms

The 19-SEER WYS012A-19 from Pioneer also works as an AC during the warm weather and as a supplemental heat source during the winter. Additionally, it’s a dehumidifier as well as a ventilator. All these functions can be controlled separately.

You’ll love the large LCD backlit display, attractive front panel, and multi-function wireless infrared remote control function. What’s better, the AC comes with every needed component in the box, including a copper piping kit (16 foot).

Other features of the WYS012A include a 10 HSPF efficiency, ultra-quiet operation, and the permanent washable filters. The unit comes with a 2/5-year (parts/compressor) warranty.

Buying Guide

What is a through-the-wall air conditioner?

Also known as wall-mounted air conditioners, wall sleeve ACs, or just wall ACs, a through-the-wall air conditioner is an air conditioner that installs into the exterior wall of a building such that the front of the AC is fully exposed to the indoors and the back of the unit exposed to the outdoors.

Aside from the variation in installation method, through-the-wall air conditioners work exactly like any other AC. The units use some form of fuel (usually electricity) to pump heat out of the home. This can be especially useful in the warmer (summer) months when the indoors get a tad too warm.

Through-the-wall vs. window air conditioners

Through-the-wall air conditioners are often compared (or contrasted) with window ACs. The two are more or less similar both in appearance and concept. Indeed, some products can work in either setting –as a window or through-the-wall ACs.

Nevertheless, you must understand the few differences between the two. These differences include;

• Exhaust mechanism: Through-the-wall ACs vent exhaust gases strictly through the back whereas most window models exhaust through the walls and sides. It means that if you install a window AC through the wall, the sides would be blocked, which would also block a few vents.
• Storage options: As you’d imagine, through-the-wall ACs must stay in place at all times, otherwise you’d have a hole in your walls. You can’t take the units out for storage. Window ACs, however, can be uninstalled and stored during the winters without much trouble.
• Installation process: Window ACs are generally easier to install compared to their through-the-wall counterparts. They also don’t leave a permanent mark (hole) on your wall. Through-the-wall models, by comparison, require a little more effort to install.
• Efficiency: Through-the-wall air conditioners are generally more efficient than window ACs. The exhaust (heat) is completely ferried outside the house. Window ACs, meanwhile, tend to vent a small percentage of the exhaust back into the room.

Factors to consider when buying a wall AC

Through-the-wall ACs come in a wide range of styles and designs. The following considerations should help you pick the right one for your needs.

1. Room size (in Sq. Ft.)

The very first thing you want to consider is how much space you’re looking to air condition. What’s the size of the room in square feet? Since most rooms are either rectangular or square, the easiest way to determine the area is to multiply the length by width.

One more thing to remember here is that wall ACs only serve one room. The unit you install in the kitchen won’t help much in the adjacent dining area. You’ll need a separate wall AC for those other rooms.

1. The AC rating

Once you know the size of the area you’re looking to air condition, identify ACs rated in that range. There are two things to remember here. First, most manufacturers usually provide an estimated cooling area for each product. You’ll likely find the ideal cooling area for the AC displayed on the product label.

Secondly, the Consumer Reports suggest 20 BTU of cooling per square foot plus 600 BTU for every additional occupant. Therefore, for a 600-Sq. Ft. room, you’d need 600 x 20 = 12,000 BTU if only one person uses the room and 12,000 + (3 x 600) = 13,800 BTU if four people typically use the room at any given time.

1. Quietness (noise level)

Unfortunately, air conditioners always make noise to a degree. However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try to find a less noisy model.

Ideally, you want to shop in the 50dB to 60dB range. But, if you can find an even quieter model, then wonderful. The only time you should consider a louder option is if it has some important features that you feel are a must-have.

1. Energy efficiency (EER)

Air conditioners don’t use up a lot of energy. But, you want to know what you’re getting anyway. So, always check the product’s Energy Efficiency Rating (EER). The EER value is the cooling capacity per hour in BTU divided by the energy consumed per hour in kilowatts.

The lower the EER value, the better the unit as it means that the AC uses very little energy per hour. The more efficient models are typically pricier. But, it’ll save you hundreds (if not more) in running costs yearly.

1. Size of the AC (dimensions)

The reason the dimensions of the AC become important is that you’ll be boring a hole in your wall. The larger the AC, the bigger the required hole.

Most units are in the 15 inches (high) x 25 inches (wide) x 20 inches (deep i.e. distance between the front and the back) range. Make sure to pick a size that leaves sufficient area for ventilation. Also, pick one that matches the thickness of your wall.

1. Wall-sleeve considerations

The wall sleeve is a thin piece of metal installed to hold the outside portion of the air conditioner. There are two main options to pick from – slide-out chassis and through-the-wall sleeves.

A slide-out sleeve allows for venting via the back as well as the sides. They can be used with either window or through-the-wall ACs. Indeed, they are most often used where a window AC is being replaced by a through-the-wall AC.

Through-the-wall sleeves, meanwhile, only vent through the rear side, therefore can only work with through-the-wall ACs. They’re ideal for thicker walls.

1. Heating output

Since we’re interested in models with heating capability, it’s also crucial to consider the quantity and quality of heat that you’ll be getting. What’s the amount of heat in BTU? Would it be a sufficient amount for the room during the cold weather or would you need a supplementary heat source?

Just so you know, ACs with a heating function warm the home by working in the reverse. Instead of drawing warm air from your room and dumping it outside, during the winter months, they draw warm air from the outdoors are dump it inside your home.

1. Other factors

There are many other factors to consider, including voltage, dehumidification, and convenience features. For voltage, most wall ACs are rated at 115V (anything between 114V to 126V is considered standard). However, some heavy-duty models require 220-240 volts which may necessitate special wiring.

When it comes to dehumidification, all ACs dehumidify – to a small extent. If humidity is a major problem for you during the warmer months, consider models with “Dry Mode” as this mode allows more water vapor to condense.

Finally, convenience features include things like sleep mode, remote control, smartphone control, and energy saver mode.

Dealing with Wall AC Noise

As already mentioned, through-the-wall ACs make a bit of noise. This noise can sometimes become irritating or even impact the quality of life inside the house.

The following are a few tips to deal with the noise;

• Buy a relatively quiet AC: This is the first step to reducing AC noise in your home. A quieter model will generate less noise, thus give you the peace of mind you crave. And, don’t just look at the dB rating; read the noise reviews too.
• Choose the right size AC: While the larger ACs (BTU-wise) are great, one that’s too big for the room will be triggered on an off a lot, resulting in loud noises. Choosing the right size AC prevents the on-off operation.
• Ensure proper installation: A through-the-wall AC that isn’t installed properly will likely make noises. For instance, if some of the screws are not fitted properly, or not fitted at all, you’ll hear lots of rattling sounds. The same applies if the sleeve isn’t installed properly.
• Keep the AC clean: Very often, the noises from the AC are caused by a blockage. Perhaps it’s dirt in the grills or obstructions caused by debris somewhere within the unit. When this happens, the heater has to run more forcefully. Weekly checks can help prevent this issue.
• Take advantage of quieter modes and convenience features: Sleep Mode (where available), for instance, runs more smoothly, making very little noise. Using the timer to start the AC perhaps 30 minutes before you get home can also save you from the blasting sounds made when the unit is starting.

Through-the-Wall AC FAQs

Even after reading the reviews and buying tips, you may still a few questions. The following are answers to wall AC FAQs;

1. How much does a wall AC cost?

It depends. The majority of through-the-wall ACs are priced between $300 and $1,000. These prices vary based on several factors including AC size (in BTU), efficiency, build quality, brand, features, and whether it works as a supplemental heater.

1. What wall AC sizes are available?

There are many sizes. The majority, however, are sized between 8,000 BTU and 25,000 BTU, with models in the 8,000 BTU to 14,000 BTU being especially common.

1. What’s EER vs. CEER?

Both of these are values used to rate the efficiency of an air conditioner. EER is short for Energy Efficiency Rating while SEER is Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio. EER is the older rating while CEER is a newer way to rate ACs. The main difference is that unlike EER, CEER also takes into consideration the energy consumed while the unit is plugged in but not running. CEER values are typically lower than EER values.

1. Can I DIY-install a wall AC?

Yes, you can, as long as you have the necessary skills and tools. Also, DIY is much easier if you already have a hole through your wall and a sleeve ready for installation. If those two aren’t ready or if you need to adjust either the hole or sleeve, then it’s advisable to seek professional help.

1. How can I seal my wall AC?

If you call in an expert for the installation, they’ll know what to do. However, if you’re installing the unit on your own, you’ll need foam inserts. Fortunately, nearly all wall ACs come with enough foam inserts for the job. However, you can also purchase the inserts at the nearest hardware store. For finer sealing, consider caulking around the unit.

1. How can I clean my wall AC?

Cleaning a wall AC isn’t difficult. Begin by taking off the grill. In most cases, you won’t need to unscrew anything. Just flip the grill up/down gently and it’ll come off. Once that’s done, flip out the filter and clean it (or change it if necessary). You can clean it by wiping or washing with freshwater and soap. Finally, brush off the dust/dirt using a soft brush or vacuum clean it with a not-so-powerful vacuum cleaner.

Summary

Through-the-wall air conditioners provide an excellent way to remove excess heat from your home. They don’t consume a lot of power (electricity) and are extremely efficient compared to other AC options such as window ACs. As long as you get the sizing right and install the unit properly, you’ll enjoy much improved indoor air quality during the warm months.