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June 18, 2008
Thru the Wall AC Installation
We're attempting to install a thru-the-wall AC unit in our bedroom and need to find a contractor to do this minor job. Does anyone have a recommendation?
Thanks!
Comments
If it's a brick wall, it might not be so small a job.
Posted by: SenatorStreet at June 18, 2008 11:26 AM
saw a post from someone putting in these fujistu slim a/c's i think this is what you are talking about.
cost them 15k but they were in another state and did the whole house.
dunno how much it would be for 1 room through brick, would like to know this as well because i may do it for a room or two. Hate those floor standing ones because the huge duct in the back of it
Posted by: reno911 at June 18, 2008 11:37 AM
LG has some really cool slim and built into the wall units.
I am looking at a similar project. You probably need someone qualified to look at the project, may need permits, and may need an architect.
If you are in a co-op you will need a lot of patience and money.
Posted by: guest at June 18, 2008 11:41 AM
this is a brick wall, but my father's an architect and he seems to think its a simple job - he's drawing up the plans to submit to our condo board. as for the type of unit, we are thinking of a split system in our living room, but for our bedroom, we're just going with a regular ac unit - probably just an LG thru the wall unit. So the work is really to cut the hole and install the lintels...
Posted by: washingtonandatlantic at June 18, 2008 11:44 AM
Might not a sidewalk bridge be required (falling debris, pedestrians and their incompatibility)?
Posted by: johnife at June 18, 2008 12:16 PM
it is an expensive project.
Please consider resale value of the property before you make a decision
Posted by: Ysabelle at June 18, 2008 12:22 PM
Its on a lot line of a neighboring property which is currently a construction site, not over the sidewalk, so I don't think a sidewalk bridge will be required. As for resale value, there is no a/c in our bedroom and a ceiling fan just didn't cut it last week. It won't be visible to anyone except our new neighbors once the building next door gets finished, so I don't think there's anything but a plus in terms of resale value.
Posted by: washingtonandatlantic at June 18, 2008 12:46 PM
I don't have a specific recommendation for you, but any capable contractor should be able to do it. It's not that huge of a job - I had two installed - but it will cost something - my guess is about $1.5K. They do have the advantage of not taking up your windows and being far less expensive than a ductless/Mr. Slim type configuration. And unless its just ridiculously out of place - like those jobbies some people have between the first floor windows of a town house - I don't see why it would reduce the reseale value.
Posted by: slopenick at June 18, 2008 1:09 PM
W&A, I had a quote a few years back from Design Tech to do it for $500, through a brick wall, but it was pretty easy because it was on the ground level into my backyard. On the other hand, it was directly below a major supporting beame which is why I chose not to do it.
You say it's on the lot line of a neighboring property. Do you need to consider whether you need an easement? Is your building flush to the lot line? Will you AC be flush with the building? I'm asking because I've often considered adding ACs to the side of my building which extends about 20 feet past my neighborhor's building which is attached to mine.
Posted by: Brooklynnative at June 18, 2008 2:50 PM
no, our window is actually a few feet off the lot line and the neighboring building is at least 20' from the wall at that point, so i don't think an easement will be an issue. thanks for the rec though, and i welcome more contractor names!
Posted by: washingtonandatlantic at June 18, 2008 3:06 PM
It's not a tough job for a mason or even an experienced waterproofer but it depends on what floor you're on and how much outside work will need to be done. The mortar is chiseled out between two courses of brick and a steel lintel is installed, probably on both sides. Then a hole is knocked out. The salvaged bricks are cut into half bricks and mortared back in. Then the A/C sleeve is installed.
If you're on a low floor they may even use a masonry saw to make the vertical cuts. Make sure your neighbors have their windows closed. It creates an incredible amount of very abrasive dust.
Posted by: Steve at June 18, 2008 8:36 PM
Masonry saw = bad idea.
It is not advisable to cut the bricks with a masonry saw as that would expose the un-tempered (un fired) part of the brick to the elements. Cut brick absorbs water differently than the fired face of the brick (too much to get into here). Bricks should always be chopped and turned around to leave the fired side exposed. If the incision is made below a window the opening will not be load bearing.
Posted by: guest at June 18, 2008 9:42 PM
its on the top floor of the building - 4th floor.
Posted by: washingtonandatlantic at June 19, 2008 9:10 AM
Can I ask what model AC you chose for your bedroom?
I have a similar project.
Mike C
mpcmpc@yahoo.com
Posted by: mpcmpc at June 26, 2008 11:22 AM
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