Slide the metal sleeve into the hole. It should fit snugly, like a puzzle piece. If it’s loose, shim it with wooden shims. If it’s too tight, you’re a hero for measuring correctly.
Level the sleeve one more time. Then, screw it into the wall studs on the sides. This is crucial. The sleeve keeps your AC from falling into the yard. You don’t want that. It would be a very sad, expensive lawn ornament.
How to Replace a Through the Wall Air Conditioner [Complete Guide
Now, seal the gaps. Use foam insulation strips or spray foam (the low-expansion kind or you’ll bow the wall out). You want it airtight. Bugs, dust, and heat are all trying to invite themselves in. Don’t let them.
The Moment of Truth: Inserting the AC
Lift the AC unit (it’s heavy—use your legs, not your back, your future self will thank you). Slide it into the sleeve. You’ll hear a satisfying click when it locks in.
Plug it in. Turn it on. Feel that cold air? That’s the sound of victory. That’s the sound of not sweating through your shirt at 3 PM.
Now, fill the gaps around the unit with the included foam seal or weatherstripping. Don’t skip this step. It’s like putting on a jacket in winter—pointless if you leave the zipper open.
