Through the Wall AC Install

[adsinnott1]

Figured I would document my through the wall AC install.
Unit is a 24K BTU Friedrich Chill Premier. Has a pull out chassis made for window or through the wall installation.
Got the wall framed. Next is to cut the hole. Also need to finish the 240V 20A run from my sub panel. Will update as I progress. Unit is pretty big for a window/ wall unit.

 

[Terry D]

Looking good so far

 

[Milton Shaw]

Make sure you pull the unit out of the box and remove any packing materials left inside. Also check and make sure the compressor bolts are not tightened in to shipping mode. I have seen cardboard etc blocking the fan and big pieces of styrofoam left in them.

 

[adsinnott1]

Thanks for the warning. I did notice some "shipping" bolts in the top that I will remove. I will also check for any materials inside the unit.

 

[nh_yota]

I would fire it up and test it before you install it.

 

[SlotlessMan]

Are you going to use a sleeve?

 

[adsinnott1]

Are you going to use a sleeve?

This model has a slide out chassis which acts as a sleeve

 

[adsinnott1]

I would fire it up and test it before you install it.

Will do for sure. Nothing worse than having to pull it out after install to swap.

 

[510ebl]

I am curious to see how the outside is sided/flashed for this project. It seems to be a hot topic regarding the installation of thru-wall units like this one.

 

[adsinnott1]

I am curious to see how the outside is sided/flashed for this project. It seems to be a hot topic regarding the installation of thru-wall units like this one.

Will post a picture. Going to flash the opening with the stick on door and window flashing. Then once the box is installed I will flash the seam from the box to the wall with the same stuff. Then once the J channel is installed I will caulk the J channel to the box.

 

[Jim greengo]

That's a hell of a header you have there! Hahaha

 

[adsinnott1]

Have a bunch of left over 2x10s from a deck removal so why not reuse with the current price of lumber haha. Sturdy as hell

 

[adsinnott1]

240V outlet in

 

[39Tudor]

OP, I did what you are currently doing when I installed an 18K BTU unit in the wall of my garage.
Couple of tips I can offer……

Keep a copy of that photo so you remember how you constructed the opening just in case you have to upgrade your unit and the size changes on the replacement.

I made a picture frame from 4” wide smart trim that goes around the perimeter of the sleeve and is attached to the house. I caulked that joint with Big Stretch caulk and had no leaks. I used a standard zee flashing over the top of the picture frame and then j channel for the siding over the top of the flashing.

I attached a piece of 1“ angle iron to the wall above the unit. I also attached a similar angle to the bottom edge of the sleeve. I purchased a couple of threaded rods and made some strut rods to support the sleeve from above. That eliminated the small gussets that were provided to support the bottom of the sleeve. If this does not make sense, I‘ll see if I can find a photo of the final installation.

Good luck with your install. I look forward to your updates.

 

[Bert_]

I'm not really a fan of units mounted through the wall. Most rely completely on caulk to be weather tight. The caulk cracks and then you get water in the wall. One thing you have going for you is being up high on the wall and, I'm assuming, under an overhang. It shouldn't see much water in the first place.

 

[Bert_]

OP, I did what you are currently doing when I installed an 18K BTU unit in the wall of my garage.
Couple of tips I can offer……

Keep a copy of that photo so you remember how you constructed the opening just in case you have to upgrade your unit and the size changes on the replacement.

I made a picture frame from 4” wide smart trim that goes around the perimeter of the sleeve and is attached to the house. I caulked that joint with Big Stretch caulk and had no leaks. I used a standard zee flashing over the top of the picture frame and then j channel for the siding over the top of the flashing.

I attached a piece of 1“ angle iron to the wall above the unit. I also attached a similar angle to the bottom edge of the sleeve. I purchased a couple of threaded rods and made some strut rods to support the sleeve from above. That eliminated the small gussets that were provided to support the bottom of the sleeve. If this does not make sense, I‘ll see if I can find a photo of the final installation.

Good luck with your install. I look forward to your updates.

I wouldn't think you need any extra support with a unit in the wall? The issue is usually that the window isn't strong enough.

I hang an 18,000 btu in a vinyl window with no extra support other than a 2x4 across the window so it doesn't bend the sash where it closes on top of the air conditioner. A wood window usually has no problem. Used to hang a big old 24,000 with no extra support at all in a window at my parents old house.

 

[adsinnott1]

I'm not really a fan of units mounted through the wall. Most rely completely on caulk to be weather tight. The caulk cracks and then you get water in the wall. One thing you have going for you is being up high on the wall and, I'm assuming, under an overhang. It shouldn't see much water in the first place.

It will not be far from the eave once installed. Will also do as much flashing as possible in a addition to the caulk.

 

[adsinnott1]

I wouldn't think you need any extra support with a unit in the wall? The issue is usually that the window isn't strong enough.

I hang an 18,000 btu in a vinyl window with no extra support other than a 2x4 across the window so it doesn't bend the sash where it closes on top of the air conditioner. A wood window usually has no problem. Used to hang a big old 24,000 with no extra support at all in a window at my parents old house.

This unit is pretty large and weighs quite a bit. It came with 2 support brackets that I will attach to the wall to support from the back.

 

[adsinnott1]

All done!
65 degrees in here currently.

 

[samss]

Cool

 

[Terry D]

Looks great

 

[klassenl]

Does your place have any insulation.

 

[39Tudor]

Good looking installation.

 

[Bert_]

All done!
65 degrees in here currently.

Just make sure and keep an eye on that caulking. I've seen more than one let water in the wall when the caulk isn't maintained.

 

[adsinnott1]

Does your place have any insulation.

The ceiling is R-30. I have some radiant barrier/ foil insulation on the roll up door. I have started on the walls but have not finished yet.

 

[adsinnott1]

Just make sure and keep an eye on that caulking. I've seen more than one let water in the wall when the caulk isn't maintained.

I sure will. I used the expensive stuff that’s supposedly very flexible. Will keep a close eye. Also have 2 layers of the stick on window flashing. One even sits on the box and goes to to the wall. I am also glad I decided to go close to the eave.