Air Conditioning - Through-The-Wall Installation

Hi Everyone,

I'm planning on installing two 10,000 btu window unit A/C's beneath the window of each bedroom. I'll be installing the units through the wall.

I've never done this before, & would like some tips if possible.

The townhouse that I live in has already "blocked out" the areas directly beneath the windows so that the installation doesn't interfere with wiring, plumbing, etc.

1. Regarding framing, will I just have to install two horizontal crossmembers between the existing studs? Or would I also have to install vertical members as well? When attaching the 2 x 4's, is it best just to screw the members into existing framing, or would I need some kind of hardware?

2. If I have to cut an existing vertical member, how would I go about doing that? I've never removed anything like this in close quarters (in this case, through the opening I'll make)...Sawzall?

3. Electrical is existing & preplanned into the design...a 110v outlet is right there.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Maitai

Since window air conditioners 'hang' from their fronts, the bottom of the air conditioner is trying to push into the room while the top is trying to push out of the room. So, your right that the horizontal members above and below the A/C units are the most important for supporting them.

Screws should be able to hold the 2x's in place. Your hands/muscles can hold the A/C unit in place, so several screws should do fine. You won't find the typical drywall screws (say 2" or 3" variety) ever authorized for structural use, but that is probably what I would use to put things together. And, they won't pop all the drywall nails loose like pounding nails would.

I'm not sure by your description exactly what the situation is or how your doing things, but at this point I suspect your thinking your going to be opening up the wall and doing some wall surgery to make the changes. Yes, a Sawzall can be used to surgically cut members in a wall. The biggest warning/advice I can give is that if the 2x your cutting is under load (being squeezed together lengthwise) as you cut it, at some point, suddenly the blade may be grabbed/clamped by the wood and you'll essentially start shaking the whole wall with the Sawzall. Stop and start another cut adjacent to the first to relieve the stress - this will save those nail pops on the drywall. The open sides of the wall cavity (L and R sides) can be filled with pieces of 2x glued or glued/screwed in place. And, you can screw the drywall to the new framing and trim the opening with window casing. Good luck!

This went, well, ok...I ended up having to trim the entire thickness of the bottom of and existing horizontal 2 x 4, & that aside, everything else went well...Thank God for Trim!!!

Thank you

Maitai

I do hope you use the sleeve type AC units . So they can be pulled out to be clean and service.

Absolutely. Thanks for the Tip!