Through-the-wall air conditioners (T-W) are self-contained cooling appliances installed permanently in a building’s exterior wall. They are designed to span from the inside wall surface to the outside, maximizing efficiency. BreezeBlockers are custom-sized and specifically designed for “Sleeve Type” through-the-wall air conditioners, with five standard exterior sizes that fit most common brands of sleeve manufacturers.
A through-the-wall AC is mounted inside a sleeve that has been installed in a space cut into the wall. It is not suitable for listed or restricted properties, as all thru-wall ACs must be vented outside. To ensure proper installation, double-check both the unit and sleeve dimensions before starting.
The Through-Wall A/C Cover is an attractive, cream-colored, insulated design that provides a high R-5 rating and is made from recycled materials. It also protects against damage and stops leaves and other debris from entering through the top of the unit and settling inside the air conditioner.
Full air conditioner covers prevent dirt and dust from getting inside the AC unit, leading to dirty air. The Through-Wall A/C Cover is made from recycled materials and is recyclable. It is suitable for any type of air conditioner and comes in 19 different colors.
In locations with permanently installed window or through-wall air conditioners, a plastic hard cover should be installed on the interior of the unit. Both through-the-wall and PTAC units come with a five-year guarantee and can be installed in listed or restricted properties.
📹 Decorative Air Conditioner Cover for Wall Mounted Unit
This decorative air conditioner cover is designed to completely hide the ac unit in the winter months when it is not being used.
Do I need a sleeve for a through the wall air conditioner?
In order to prevent deformation of the wall, additional weight must be supported by the installation of a sleeve. This is a necessary precaution when installing through-the-wall air conditioning units. The majority of air conditioning units are equipped with a sleeve or slide-out chassis. These units typically have a standard size of 26″ by 16″, which differs from the dimensions of other types.
Should you cover an outside air conditioner unit?
During winter, it’s not necessary to cover your air conditioner, but it’s important to remove any icicles above it to prevent them from falling into the unit. If these can’t be removed, a sturdy top cover or piece of wood can be used. Mesh coverings can still be used, but they won’t protect against falling ice. To cover the air conditioner, only the top should be covered. Full-sized AC covers can damage the unit, so you can make your own or purchase one from Amazon or Home Depot. However, only buy the top covers, not the full unit, as covering the full unit can lead to rust and mold. The standard size AC cover is 32″ x 32″, which will fit most units.
Why are through-the-wall air conditioners more expensive?
Wall-mounted air conditioners are installed directly into an exterior wall, while window units are attached to the window frame. Wall units are more expensive but more durable and effective at cooling large spaces. Window air conditioners are less expensive and easier to install but may be less effective and more vulnerable to theft. When choosing a unit, consider your budget, space size, and security needs.
Most window AC units can be installed on or through a wall, but wall air conditioners cannot be installed in windows. Some models come with installation kits or may require a separate wall-mounting kit.
Do outdoor AC units need to be covered?
Outdoor air conditioning units (AC units) are resilient equipment that can withstand various weather conditions, but improper ventilation can lead to moisture buildup and equipment breakdown. Covering your AC unit can also provide shelter for animals during colder weather. Therefore, it is not recommended to cover your unit, as it invites further problems and does not protect the unit that already does well.
Routine maintenance is the best way to protect your AC unit and keep it running efficiently. This includes tightening, lubricating, and blowout, which prevent parts from corroding and breaking down. Without these maintenance, your HVAC system is vulnerable to potential issues, especially when working harder, such as on the hottest days of the year. By implementing routine preventive maintenance, you can ensure your AC unit remains safe and efficient for as long as possible.
Do outdoor air conditioners need to be covered in winter?
Air conditioners are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions for extended periods, negating the necessity for protective covering. The units are constructed with durable, long-lasting finishes that can withstand precipitation, including rain, snow, and hail, as well as other weather conditions, even when situated outdoors. Furthermore, the internal components are constructed in a manner that allows them to withstand extreme climatic conditions, thereby negating the necessity for the unit to be covered.
Should you shade your outside AC unit?
A two-year energy study by Danny Parker from the Florida Solar Energy Center found that shading a condenser unit only provides “minuscule results at best” with an efficiency increase of less than half a percent. The Kuwait Center for Scientific Research’s research shows that shading devices too close to the condenser can cause restricted airflow and hot exhaust air to be recycled back through the system, reducing efficiency.
In Florida, the difference in efficiency improvement due to shading is smaller due to higher ambient temperatures. The actual efficiency improvement due to shading is not expected to exceed one. To avoid blocking fan blades or airflow, keep the area clean of debris like leaves, twigs, and clippings.
How to protect an AC outdoor unit from sunlight?
Plant trees to protect your air conditioner unit by providing shade and a low-lying canopy. Choose slow-growing trees like pines, magnolias, cherry, or dogwood, and avoid planting them within a 10-foot radius to allow air to escape through vents. Install a trellis to block the sun and add privacy to your outdoor space, choosing a material that fits your home’s décor and budget. Design a latticework wall to shade your outdoor AC unit, as it’s simple to create and benefits from natural shade. For a more artistic touch, use latticework as a design element to enhance the overall aesthetic of your yard.
What is the purpose of AC sleeve?
A sleeve is a metallic apparatus that secures the air conditioning apparatus within the wall.
Can you enclose an outdoor AC unit?
Hide your HVAC unit from view but don’t build a box around it. Free airflow is essential for refrigerant to get cold. AC systems draw air across condensing coils, using the temperature to cool the fluid and then shoot hot exhaust air away. Blocking airflow can cause the fan to work harder, leading to higher energy bills and an increased likelihood of unit repair sooner. Instead, consider using a cover to protect your unit from the elements and ensure it’s properly insulated.
Should you cover a through the wall air conditioner in winter?
During winter, it is not necessary to cover your air conditioner as part of the winterization process. Air conditioners are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as snow, sleet, hail, and rain, and their inner components like coils can withstand these conditions. Manufacturers do not recommend covering air conditioners in winter, but some homeowners still believe it offers benefits such as protection from debris, efficient operation, and preventing wear and tear caused by debris and moisture buildup.
Additionally, a cover prevents water from directly touching the coils, lowering the chances of electrical faults like short circuits. Therefore, it is not necessary to cover your air conditioner during the winter season.
How do you cover an outside AC unit?
It is recommended that high-quality boxes be selected for the concealment of the AC unit, and that plants exhibiting tolerance to the elevated temperatures in the vicinity of the unit be chosen. Ornamental trees and shrubs should be planted directly into the ground around the unit, with sufficient space allocated for their growth without impeding airflow. It is important to select plants that are able to withstand the elevated temperatures and to plant them in a manner that does not necessitate the use of large planter boxes.
📹 How to Install a Mr Cool 18,000 BTU AC in Just 1 Day!
How to install your own CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING in 1 day! See my REAL INSTALL at my house second floor using an …
My old central air conditioner broke down right when covid hit and it was the best gift that ever happened. I ended up getting ny entire house with Mitsubishi split units with hyper heat and AC. Ordered right before supply shortages. Best thing I’ve ever done in my life. Got 6 splits. Every room is now the exact temperature I want it and humidity in the summer is always perfect. Below 74 degrees feels ice cold because the house is never humid.
I have had the 36k unit for three years in our very open concept house and it heats/cools the entire 1,800sq ft very well. Super easy install. My father-in-law who is a contractor was skeptical and thought I should pay someone to install a mini-split but after I did this he realized just how easy it was. I did everything myself except mount the indoor unit. He helped with that. Otherwise it’s an easy one person job. Saves big on the electric bill in the winter vs the baseboard we had before.
wonderful. i got a 24k window shaker that i will cut a hole in the side of the brick house and hope for the best as the duct work for the “heat pump” (energy gulper with broken duct work in the 18″ crawl space) just does a fine fine job of heating/cooling the crawl space and outside wasting $$$$$$$$$$$$$.
2 things on this install, having done a few of these: 1) You need to check for leaks at both connection points i.e. at the condenser and where you joined the lines on the outside of the 2nd story (you may have done this off camera) 2) You need to coil the excess lineset horizontally as detailed by MrCool to avoid oil gathering in the linesets.
Nice installation and article; I’ve been researching my own installation this year, probably using a multiposition air handler. I’m a professional HVAC engineer myself, and this is as clean an installation as I’d expect from one of my professional HVAC contractors. Maybe you did this after filming, but I’d recommend bolting the condenser to the base and covering the last remaining feet of the precharged lines. I don’t believe those white lines are UV stable and I’d expect the exposed areas to degrade in a few years exposed to the sun. The lazy fix is to coat them with exterior latex house paint, but there are sleeves that are designed to cover refrigerant lines, something like the one you have on the wall, only a flexible sleeve.
You’ll be sorry like everybody else this company deserves a class action lawsuit for building absolute junk. It’s garbage ask me how I know for three years. We’ve had a 4 ton system and all it does is freeze crash and burn up blower motors. I’m fed up. don’t buy their junk. Do yourself a favor buy something else.
A local HVAC company wanted $6,300 for a Fujitsu system install. lol. We said no thanks. He immediately tried started bashing Mr Cool and said we will regret it and claimed he stands behind his work with a 3 yrs warranty and we can buy an extra warranty to 5 yrs. We laughed. We bought a 18K Mr Cool system and did it ourselves over a weekend. The unit was $1,500 plus another $150 in misc materials and tools. Mr Cool warranty is 5 yrs, and 7 yrs on compressor. Mr Cool is pissing off alot of HVAC companies b/c they can’t screw customers over anymore
what ever the average snow fall for the area is, the unit should be at an elevation above the highest possible amount so air flow is not blocked, which will result in no heat. the lineset should never be coiled in a vertical manner trapping oil. always layed down! many have said no problem,,,, i say yet! the compressor will not last as long without proper oil return, and mr cool will not warranty after they check it
I have seen your other install articles. I would be interested to see another article that would explain more about how these systems would be incorporated into a large two story home. Can one outside unit power more than one inside unit? I really dread the window air conditioners we have to use everywhere but this is also a substantial expense and it seems likely one outside unit would be needed for each room. Maybe you have some insight?
Very smart, no vacuum needed in that everything even the lines are pre vacuumed. All seals thoroughly when you put lines together so the vacuum is not lost, very smart. Again no vacuum needed, all is vacummed already for the ones complaining about vacuuming the lines. Mr. Cool is an excellent product in that they thought of everything.
Lo siento, hay un pequeño gran error en la instalacion del mini split y disculpe que no se lo diga en ingles, pero al momento de instalar y conectar las lineas del refrigerante, debe hacer un vacio y usar una vaccum void, bomba de vacio, por otro lado si no cuenta con una, puede primero abrir un poco la valvula del tubo mas pequeño de los dos, luego presionar el embolo que viene en el tubo mas grande, para que asi, el mismo gas R410A pueda hacer un barrido del oxigeno y la humedad, con la finalidad de que dure mas el compresor del sistema, ya que al haber airea y humedad acorta la vida util del minisplit, TODO lo demas estuvo bien explicado y muy bien hecho.
If for a diy’er just wants to do it for fun, this is a good system for that. Price wise, Mr cool is sky high for what is provided. Mirage (of USA) brand is readily available nationwide now, and has discontinued this nearly identical genre of equipment (Ventus) as the one in this Mr cool install, for a higher seer and better air handler new genre (called Ventus X). I can install two equivalent units for the price of one of the Mr cools and still have change left. Warehouses in LA, San Diego, Phoenix, Dallas and Florida soon. I’ve worked with them over 5yrs now, installed 125+ plus units of theirs, and all the pro hvacr guys are now discovering the real value, no hype.
I plan on getting one if these 18k units for our sunroom. Even though the square footage is more in line with the 12k unit, we’re going with the bigger unit because there are 9 windows and a glass door and a vaulted ceiling on the sunny south side of the house. Plus the 12k is only 110 volts and the 18k is 220 and more efficient.
This 18,000 BTU model is perfect for our home. We have a three story Victorian home built in 1888. We have central air for the first and second floor, but the third floor is cooled by a window unit that’s limited in size because of the old smaller windows. It’s heated with a wall mounted gas heater. This 18,000 model would effortlessly heat and cool the third floor that used to be servants quarters and a nursery. Previous owners removed the walls, and it’s just one big rec-room for the kids. I always had issues with those lines running down your home. I didn’t know the decorative line casing can be painted to match the home. My wife and I always felt this type of unit would be an eyesore on the house.
The included condensate lines that come with all the various mini split units are garbage. You are better off using a better quality hose or make your own pvc drain line. Don’t forget you need to clean them out once a year or so. Definitely a great way to get AC without going broke paying an AC company for over price equipment and service.
I have seen your mini split installations. Very detailed and helpful for diy ers. Only thing is please purge the lines with refrigerant. Vaccum is not really necessary but purging the lines will save you lots of mechanical problems down the line. 1. First open the schradder valve at the bottom of the Bigger sized line. That is the suction line. 2. Secondly now open the smaller valve ( discharge line) upto 25% and at the same time depress the schradder valve just like you would bleed the air our of your car tyre. Do it for 1-2 seconds for small length hoses, and 3-4 seconds for longer ones. once you see some oil splatter / refrigerant immediately close the schradder valve. 3. Now fully open the smaller valve followed by the bigger valve. 4. This method will possibly take 90% of any air or moisture present in the lines. As per manufacturers compressors dont like moisture or atmospheric air in the lines.
The vacuum is made so that there is no moisture in the system, moisture will deteriorate the efficiency of the device, it is also filled with nitrogen beforehand to check the tightness, in Europe self-assembly is illegal, it can only be performed by a person or company with the appropriate certificate.
Thanks for the article, I am interested in that MR Cool unit for our new 500 sq ft ADU… but our contractor has already installed the lines before he bailed on us…I have had a few AC guys look at it and they would use the current lines and then install their unit but the cost is HUGE for them to finish the job..doing it ourselves makes so much sense…do you have any thoughts or questions that I should think of before I purchase the unit…thanks so much! PS we are in the taping and texturing drywall at this time…
Theres false information in this vid : You claim Mr Cool is the only product on the market with prefilled AC Gas. Thats not true, i have installed three prefilled ACs which just work EXACTLY like MrCool already 5 Years ago. Even in 2017 there were like 6 brands on eBay which offered prefilled AC. Now its basically every company. Misubishi/Comfee/Midea etc.
Great article and looks like these work well. I am considering doing this for my garage but not sure I can get over how ugly the lineset looks outside of the house (even if painted). Maybe if I can figure out a way to run in a more hidden fashion. Either way, looks like a very doable DIY install after electrician runs the main connection.
I find Mr Cool’s assertion that it’s DIY aggravating. It’s not. The electrical component to it, for many households, requires serious electrical work. My disconnect can’t handle another system, so I’d need an electrician to come in and take care of that. This is ABSOLUTELY NOT DIY. Imagine if Ikea sold a table that you could put together except for one leg that you needed to woodwork yourself.
Hello, I bought Mr. cool unit from Home Depot. Just brought it home and opened the box and found one of the blue caps on the line set laying in the bottom of the box. Everything I’m seeing says those have to be capped until right before you put the lines together. Any idea if this can still be used or would I have to call an HVAC guy? Think I may just return the whole unit. Tks
Noo 😭, all mini splits are pre charged, the refregerant is in the outdoor unit & the indoor just has nitrogen for leak check at factory, the linesets are open to air, so after installation u must pull a vacuum to ensure all the moisture & other contamination is out, or at minimum open the liquid line first & let it fill the system, then close the valve & open the vapour line shreader to let the gas out till u see refregerant & thats why some systems come with 10% extra charge for field purging, then u close the shreader immediately & open the liquid line first then the vapour line
Can I bend the refrigerant line together with the condensation line higher than the heat pump? I want to put it on my wall where it will run through the garage first before it can connect to the outside unit. But I don’t want the refrigerant line and condensation line visible on my garage. I want to hide it above my garage ceiling. My concern is will the condensation line be ok if I run the first foot of the condensation line from the inside unit higher? Will it get clogged?
Hahahahahahaha. For starters, the 40-page instruction booklet is SO poorly written and so full of omissions that I spent the first two days reading it over and over just trying to make sense of it, and taking countless notes that require further clarification beyond what is stated. In fact, the instruction booklet is generic, meaning that it does not just apply to the model I purchased, so it pretends to offer generic, not specific, advice with countless warnings “may not apply to your model”. So my head is swimming with all the exceptions and unexplained complications. It is clearly written NOT for the typical homeowner or DIY’er, but for the professional who is so used to installing these things that he will not read it anyway. When I finally started working, so far I have spent several full working days just preparing my inside wall. The same will be required outside, at the very least. All these days of work, and I have not yet begun Step 1 of the mini-split installation!!! Also, having read through the booklet several times, now I am well aware of the many hundreds of dollars I will need to spend EXTRA for specialized tool required. I am a “tool guy” and have thousands of tools, and yet I do not have any of the specialized EXTRA tools needed to install this a/c system. I really could go on and on, but will cut this short and just keep on working. All I can say is “caveat emptor”. No matter what anyone says, installing a mini split is not for the casual homeowner to think it will not become a major hassle, with major additional expenses and problems.
hate to burst your bubble but you dont want it level. You want it at least 4 degree’s to the drain, or “plumber level” but its pretty much bang on for install. The only thin missing in the understanding behind it, so for everyone else ill throw in the disclaimer > this systems are only pre charged for a 20 foot line, anything more and you’ll need to add refrigerant and less you will actually have to remove refrigerant so it works correctly.
Ok, “How to install a MrCool AC in 1 Day” is like that oil change coupon for $19.99, where you go in and it’s for that 1 car of 75 made 20 years ago. In all seriousness, I did purchase this a couple months ago because I was quote $11K for a Mini Split install from the only person that showed up in the ridiculous COVID excuse laden era. Granted, you installed yours like most will on an exterior wall, but mine is on the 3rd floor (man cave floor) and running through an interior wall I just built, two attic spaces to get outside. I have a 9K and 18K air handler with the 27K condenser, to run 50′ and 75′ respectively. So, creating the pathways for me has not been fun, with the wall difficult as well as I am ensuring all have a good downward angle for drainage. I actually ran a 3 1/2″ PVC sleeve and separate 3/4″ PVC drain through the 2×6 wall. I eliminated the cheap flexible drain line they provide and replaced with PVC to ensure rodents won’t get into it, but also to force a consistent and perfect downward angle. I am also putting in a cement pad as with all of this, I want it perfect and to look like a pro installed it. So, I will spend in total about $5.5K or $6K when all is said and done, saving $5K over that price hiking HVAC company. This unit checked all the boxes, but the most important feature for me is that the lines were pre charged, so I did not need to purchase tons of equipment I don’t know how to use and likely would never use again. That template they provide was also key in helping me with that wall since I have a lot going on, including running the lines, a barn door, etc.
The refrigerant in most of those types of units is R32 and it has a Global Warming Potential of 675, compared to CO2 which is 1. There was no advice at all in the article regarding how to check for leaks, preventing leaks during installation, or warnings of the damage that can be done by leaking refrigerant etc. Professionals should check this when they install these systems (heat pumps) which is why in many countries these systems are regulated. Also Mr Cool is not the only brand that comes pre-charged with refrigerant. Most similar units are pre-charged.
Didn’t show pulling a vacuum which is required or you will have air and moisture in the system and it won’t work properly and could damage the unit. Also if you need to cut and flare these fittings requires a special flaring tool with the proper angle. I don’t recommend trying to install these it’s best to consult a licensed contractor who will already have the proper tools and experience to start up the unit. Just my opinion guys. And most of these manufacturers say in the instructions it will void the warranty.
As a service tech, I thought to myself, “gee, I wonder how they are going to put the system under a vacuum before releasing the refrigerant?” and then after perusal about half way through…THEY DON’T!!! For those who do not know, putting the system (or those refrigeration lines to be more specific) under a deep vacuum will protect the compressor and other functional parts from moisture and non-condensables. What happens if you don’t take out the air or moisture from those lines? Well, a lot of things, but usually the system won’t work well or the refrigeration will constantly be “hunting” (hvac term) and cause problems everywhere. Not sure what Mr Cool says about this, but I can’t see how they have solved the problem. Get ready to replace the thing in a few short years. Oh, and their warranty is probably garbage. Edit OH MY WORD!!! I almost forgot!!! 3 things 1. Depending what state you are in, (definitely here in WI) you will need an Hvac Contracting license to install any kind of hvac system (Yes, especially mini splits). it is illegal otherwise 2. To work with any kind of refrigerant you need you EPA certification to be able to legally work on refrigerant. If you are caught without your EPA (VERY unlikely that anyone will ever catch you, but still very illegal) it is a fine of $30,000. JUST AN FYI 3. You will also need a permit for the install AND PLEASE HIGHER AN ELECTRICAN!!!!!!! This article gives me a headache on so many levels it’s not even funny