HVAC
Through-Wall AC Unit Cost Breakdown 2026 — Sleeve, Unit, Install
A through-wall AC unit is the underdog of residential cooling. It costs more than a window AC, less than a mini-split, takes zero window real estate, and lasts 12-15 years — twice as long as a portable. The 2026 total-installed cost ranges $1,250 to $3,400 depending on three line items most homeowners never think about until they get the bid.
Through-wall AC total cost (2026 national averages)
| Cost component | Low | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through-wall AC unit (8-14K BTU) | $420 | $1,100 | Frigidaire, LG, Soleus, Koldfront |
| Wall sleeve (steel, insulated) | $95 | $220 | Universal sleeves fit most brands |
| Wall opening cut — wood frame | $350 | $650 | Includes header reinforcement |
| Wall opening cut — masonry (brick, block) | $650 | $1,400 | Lintel + saw rental required |
| Electrical (dedicated 240V circuit for 12K+ BTU) | $280 | $650 | 120V circuits work for ≤10K BTU |
| Exterior trim + interior finish | $120 | $320 | Paint, caulk, drywall patch |
| Permit (where required) | $0 | $320 | Required in CA, NY, MA, WA, OR; waived in many municipalities |
| Total installed — wood-frame wall | $1,265 | $2,940 | |
| Total installed — masonry wall | $1,565 | $3,690 |
BTU-by-BTU through-wall AC equipment pricing
Through-wall AC units come in fewer BTU sizes than window ACs because the wall sleeve constrains physical dimensions. Most universal sleeves accommodate 8K-14K BTU units. For larger rooms, you size up by selecting a higher-efficiency unit rather than a physically bigger one:
- 8,000 BTU (rooms ≤350 sq ft) — $420-$640. Runs on standard 120V/15A circuit.
- 10,000 BTU (rooms 350-450 sq ft) — $520-$780. 120V/15A acceptable but tight.
- 12,000 BTU (rooms 450-550 sq ft) — $620-$920. Dedicated 120V/20A circuit required.
- 14,000 BTU (rooms 550-650 sq ft) — $780-$1,100. Often 240V; check spec sheet.
Above 14K BTU, you're into PTAC (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner) territory — $850-$1,800 equipment-only, often used in hotel-style applications. PTAC adds heat-pump capability and qualifies for federal 25C tax credit at 30% of cost up to $2,000.
The wall-cut decision: where it actually goes
Wood-frame walls (most homes built post-1950) are the cheaper cut. A licensed handyman with a reciprocating saw can rough-in the opening in 2-3 hours. The major cost driver is the header — through-wall units typically span 1.5 stud bays (24"), which means cutting one wall stud and installing a load-bearing header above the opening. That's $150-$400 in framing labor.
Masonry walls (brick, block, stucco-over-block) require a concrete saw, a steel or precast lintel, and 1-2 days of work. The wall cut alone often costs more than the AC unit. Two factors balloon the price:
- Lintel sizing. Single-wythe brick walls need a 1/4" x 3.5" steel angle. Double-wythe walls and load-bearing walls need precast concrete lintels.
- Dust containment. Indoor masonry cutting requires plastic containment + a HEPA vacuum to comply with EPA RRP rules in pre-1978 homes. Adds $200-$500.
Through-wall AC vs. window AC vs. mini-split
Through-wall sits in a specific niche between the other two cooling options:
| Factor | Window AC | Through-wall AC | Mini-split |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total installed cost | $220-$520 | $1,250-$3,400 | $3,500-$5,500 |
| Lifespan | 8-12 years | 12-15 years | 18-22 years |
| Window usable? | No (blocks window) | Yes | Yes |
| Permanent install | No | Yes | Yes |
| Heat-pump capable | No | PTAC only ($+) | Yes |
| SEER2 efficiency | 11-14 | 10-13 | 20-26 |
| Resale value impact | None | Slightly negative (visible exterior sleeve) | Positive (especially in cooling-heavy states) |
When through-wall AC is the right pick
- You can't lose window real estate — basement, condo, or any room with a single window you need to keep functional.
- You want a permanent install but don't want to fund a $4,500 mini-split — through-wall is the middle path.
- The room is < 600 sq ft and used only seasonally — full mini-split is overkill for a 350 sq ft guest room used 8 weeks/year.
- You're in an HOA that prohibits exterior mini-split condensers — through-wall is usually allowed since the “condenser” sits flush with the wall.
- You're replacing an existing through-wall unit — the sleeve is already there; replacement just slots the new unit in for $420-$800 total.
Through-wall AC FAQs
Is “through-wall” the same as PTAC? Not quite. Through-wall AC is a residential category — 8-14K BTU, cooling-only, often single-hose configuration. PTAC (Packaged Terminal AC) is a heavier-duty cousin — 7-15K BTU, heat-pump capability, used in hotels, dorms, and some condos. PTAC costs ~40% more equipment-only but qualifies for federal tax credits a through-wall AC doesn't.
Can I use a window AC in a through-wall sleeve? No — window ACs vent hot air out the sides and rear. A sleeve blocks the side vents, causing the unit to overheat and trip its thermal cutoff within hours. Only units marketed as “through-wall compatible” (vents only out the rear) work in sleeves.
Do I need a permit? Required in California, New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Oregon, and Rhode Island. Often waived elsewhere if you're replacing an existing unit in an existing sleeve. New cuts almost always require a permit if a structural header is involved.
How do I keep it from leaking air around the sleeve? Use closed-cell spray foam (1-component cans) around the sleeve perimeter from inside. Then caulk the exterior with polyurethane sealant. Most installer-related callbacks in year 2-3 are air-leakage failures that could have been prevented at install with $25 in materials.
Compare against alternatives. Read our portable AC vs. mini-split cost comparison or run the HVAC cost calculator for a state-adjusted estimate in your area.