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!
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!
Can I ask what model AC you chose for your bedroom?
I have a similar project.
Mike C
mpcmpc@yahoo.com
its on the top floor of the building – 4th floor.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
it is an expensive project.
Please consider resale value of the property before you make a decision