window AC in a thru-wall AC sleave
I live in building built in the 60’s and there are a couple thru-wall AC sleeves in the rooms, but no AC units currently in them. Can I put a small window AC in them instead? The sleeve has dimensions that don’t quite fit the thru-wall ACs I’ve seen online. I only need an 8,000…
I live in building built in the 60’s and there are a couple thru-wall AC sleeves in the rooms, but no AC units currently in them. Can I put a small window AC in them instead? The sleeve has dimensions that don’t quite fit the thru-wall ACs I’ve seen online. I only need an 8,000 BTU AC to cool a 300 sqft room. From the dimensions, there would be about 4 inches of free space on the two sides, the top, and the back. I’m just not sure if it would vent and drain properly. thanks.
I Have the same problem. Does it matter that a window AC drips water differently than a Thru wall ac?
OP here — Thanks for all your advice. I have one window AC unit that I’m going to use in the meantime. I’m also going to try going to some local stores and give them the dimensions of the sleeve and hopefully they will have some list of thru-wall ACs that will fit and install. In the meantime, my dog can sit in front of that one window AC unit.
I take it you have a window AC already and don’t want to buy a real through the wall one, but if that’s an option at all, I would recommend it. Putting your window AC in a wall sleeve will never work as well as a reall through-the-wall AC unit will. I just bought a 7,000 BTU through the wall unit by Fedders from Harry’s Appliance in Bay Ridge – cost me $390 I think. They pump out a lot of air…..
It’s very important to make sure the air intakes on the cover of window units (louvers on tops/side) are unrestricted, so typically a window unit cannot work *efficiently* in a thru-wall sleeve, tho’ they may seem to. Thru wall a/c has no louvers and draw air from the back (which is why they are not as efficient.) If your window unit has 3-4″ on each side (and/or top) it will be ok. Or if the louvers stick outside the sleeve.
Just build a plywood form to fill up the space on the sides and top. Try to install the AC so you have a quarter bubble (using bubble level) slope away from building.
Depending on the set up you might need two forms- one to secure the unit in the sleeve and one to provide a nice finished look on the interior of the room.
FWIW my late mother-in-law lived in a ’60s building with relatively small AC sleeves. When she needed replacement units only window ACs would fit into the sleeves. They worked OK.