How To Insulate In Wall Air Conditioner

Insulating your wall air conditioner should not be daunting when you have all the information you need to do it, which is why you're in the right place. We've conducted hours of research to figure out how you can insulate your wall air conditioner and found some amazing discoveries.

The best way to insulate your wall air conditioner is by first making sure the hole you cut is precise, and you are using the right sleeve for the air conditioning unit.

Next, you can get right to the insulation part by inserting insulation foam along the edges of the unit. This part is crucial as you have to carefully insert the sheets to make sure there are no gaps for heat or cold air to pass through.

With that in mind, there are a few more things you can do and take note of to make the process seamless. This includes having the right tools next to you and being knowledgeable about your air conditioner's specifications. So, without further ado, let's get right into it. Keep reading below to find out.

air conditioning fixed to a wall. - How To Insulate In Wall Air Conditioner

Things You Need to Insulate a Wall Air Conditioner

Air conditioning system installation embedded on wall of building.

When it comes to insulating your wall air conditioner, there are a few things you need to have on hand—but don't worry! Those items are very easy to find, and some of them may already be available at home.

Steel Tape Measure

As mentioned before, it is vital to ensure that there are no gaps between the hole in the wall and the air conditioning unit. You should make sure that everything fits snugly. To do that, you have to measure the unit's size, which is where a steel tape measure comes in.

Check out this 100-foot steel tape measure on Amazon.

Foam Panels

Foam panel

Sometimes called foam boards, foam panels help prevent excess heat and cold air from passing through and offer a decent amount of soundproofing to reduce vibrations.

Furthermore, they also prevent dust and draft from entering the room. Some panels come with self-sticking adhesives at the back.

Check out this set of foam panels on Amazon.

Foam Tape

Insulation foam for AC units come in five different types: closed cell insulation, polyurethane (PU) insulation, fiberglass insulation, polyethylene (PE) insulation, and rockwool insulation.

However, you don't need to go down the complicated route for wall system air conditioners. You can simply opt to get foam seal tape to make your job easier.

Purchase this insulation foam tape on Amazon.

Wall Sleeves

A wall sleeve is made of metal, helps to support the weight of your AC unit, and is essential to the installation process. Sleeves come with a slide-out chassis sleeve or a through-the-wall sleeve.

A slide-out chassis type is more common and is usually already attached to the AC unit and is better for thinner walls, while a through-the-wall sleeve needs to be purchased separately and is the best fit for thick walls.

However, most units available today already come with sleeves out of the box, so you can skip this part unless you're in need of a replacement.

Get your air conditioner sleeve on Amazon through this link.

Utility Knives

This tool is optional, as you can use whatever sharp knife you have around or a pair of scissors, but it would be nice to keep one on hand. Utility knives are designed to provide precise cuts and are perfect for achieving the right cuts you need for the foam panels.

They also come in designs that are comfortable to hold even after long hours of use, regardless of the size of your hand. You can also use them for other home projects.

Check out this fine-pointed precision knife on Amazon.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Insulating Your Wall Air Conditioner

Wall mounted air conditioning unit on the wall of the house stock photo

  • Prep the materials next to you for better efficiency with the installation process.
  • Measure the width, length, and height of your air conditioner unit and the framed hole for cutting the foam pieces. Make your markings using a pencil or a felt-tip marker.
  • Once you're done, you may begin cutting the foam panels according to the sizes you measured. If you purchased pre-cut panels, you should still measure them to see if they're a great fit for your unit.
  • If you took your measurements and fell short by a few inches, don't worry! You can simply fill in the gaps with foam tape or foam spray.
  • Install the air conditioning unit using the necessary tools.
  • This is an optional step, but you can also cover your unit from the outside for added assurance.

Do air conditioners need to be covered in winter?

Horizontal shot of an air conditioning unit on the patio behind a condo.

Covering air conditioners during the winter is unnecessary and counter-productive. In fact, you might need to remove the covers you have by the time winter comes because it can trap moisture and create molds.

The best time to cover your air conditioner is during the fall to prevent dust, leaves, and pollen from entering the system. Too much dirt and debris could cause blockage and damage your air conditioner.

Furthermore, modern air conditioning units are well built to withstand aggressive weather changes. The best you can do is to conduct regular clean-up and maintenance checks, such as getting rid of dirt, leaves, and other elements that could build up within the system.

Check out this air conditioner cover on Amazon.

Can I use spray foam around my air conditioner?

You can. If you don't want the hassle of covers, you may opt to use spray foam to reseal any gaps that may occur along the way.

However, be cautious in using spray foam, as it sets almost instantly, and it cannot be used on areas that are close to electrical boxes and narrow areas. Plus, spray foam can be dangerous to use around people with respiratory problems.

Silicone caulk is available as a safer alternative, but do not expect maximum performance, as it is only meant to seal gaps and cracks.

View this versatile silicone caulk on Amazon.

How do I stop my air conditioning unit from leaking?

Water leaking from the air conditioner drips from the cooler.

If you notice leakages in your air conditioning unit, don't worry because there are a few steps you can take.

  • Check your filters and drain pipes for any possible blockages. If there are, have them thoroughly cleaned with a vacuum and rinse with water.
  • Check for any faulty parts such as the coils, fan, pump, and such to perform basic troubleshooting measures such as cleaning and replacing of the parts.
  • Make sure that the air conditioning unit has been installed properly. The front part of the unit should be cooler than the back.If this is not the case, it's best to consult a professional.

These steps are just preventive measures and aren't meant to completely rid your unit of the issues. If you've taken any of these measures and the problem persists, don't hesitate to call up your trusted technician to have the unit inspected.

Also, make sure to do any of these steps with your AC turned off for your safety.

You might also want to check out our article regarding air conditioner leaks.

Is there a difference between a window air conditioner and a wall air conditioner?

The difference between the two is that window ACs are installed within your window frame, while wall air conditioners (or through-the-wall air conditioners, as some call them) go through an opening within the exterior walls.

As such, window installations are best for renters, while wall installations are better suited for those with permanent addresses.

However, window installations make it easy for unwanted gaps to appear, which could be a bummer if you don't want the hassle of resealing gaps.

In Conclusion

It can be a little confusing when you're trying to insulate a wall air conditioner but trust us—it's not as hard as it sounds. With the right resources at your disposal, you can do it yourself in no time.

However, when you're unsure of something, it's always best to consult a trusted air conditioner technician so you can prevent stirring up further damage.

Insulation helps ensure your air conditioner is always performing at its best, so make sure that the process goes on smoothly and without any hiccups. And since we know prevention is better than the cure, do maintenance check-ups on your unit and be sure to clean it regularly.

Found this post helpful? Check out some of these related articles before you go.

How To Cover The Space Above A Window Air Conditioner

Can You Install A Ductless Air Conditioner On An Inside Wall?

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