Doing Your Part to Keep Your HVAC System Running

A few months ago, my air conditioner completely died. I woke up in the middle of the night covered in sweat, and I didn't know what to do. The next day, I called an HVAC expert, and they came out to inspect my system. It turned out that it had failed because of filthy filters and a clogged return duct, which made me sick to my stomach. I had caused the problem, and I needed to learn how to fix things. My HVAC professional taught me a few easy maintenance techniques that I didn't know before, so that I could maintain my new system. Check out this blog to learn more about HVAC yourself.

3 Tips To Successfully Replace Your Through-The-Wall AC

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While relatively rare in new construction, through-the-wall air conditioners are still common in many older homes. Although upgrading to a split-unit system can be an excellent way to improve cooling efficiency and performance, through-the-wall units can still be highly effective. They are typically more efficient and less intrusive than equivalent window units. 

Of course, wall air conditioners are not immune to problems. Like any other air conditioning system, they require maintenance and will eventually wear out and fail. A faulty compressor is usually enough to put the final nail in a wall air conditioner's coffin. If you have a failing unit in your home, these three tips will help you replace your old air conditioner with a new one that will provide many years of service.

1. Don't Buy a Window Unit

Through-the-wall air conditioners look like window units but have some subtle and crucial design differences. While you can technically place a window unit into a wall sleeve, the result will be less efficient at best and leaky at worst. The sleeve will obstruct critical airflow across the window unit, and, in most cases, the window unit will not drain correctly into the sleeve's channel.

Instead, always select an air conditioner designed for wall use. A through-the-wall unit will drain correctly and fit much more tightly into your wall sleeve. As a result, you'll get the maximum possible efficiency from your new air conditioner and avoid common problems from improper sizing, including vibrations and water leaks.

2. Inspect Your Wall Sleeve

Through-the-wall air conditioners don't slot into bare holes in your wall. Homes designed or modified for through-the-wall air conditioners use special sleeves that act as a mounting point and gasket, helping your air conditioner sit at the correct angle and seal to your wall. Sleeves are robust, but older sleeves can sometimes require replacement or cleaning.

When replacing an existing through-the-wall unit, inspect the sleeve carefully for problems and ensure the sleeve will fit your new air conditioner. If you're unsure what to look for, a professional HVAC technician can examine your sleeve, clean the drainage channel, and, if necessary, recommend a replacement.

3. Consider Professional Installation

Installing a through-the-wall unit is nowhere near as complex as installing a split-unit system, but these installations can be more challenging than traditional window installations. Sleeve locations can also vary, and units higher up on your wall may be more challenging to reach. Improper installation can also lead to efficiency issues which may not be immediately noticeable.

Unless you're confident in your installation abilities, a professional installation may be the way to go. A professional can help ensure a proper and secure fit, while also checking your existing wall hardware to avoid any issues caused by a damaged or incompatible sleeve.

Contact an air conditioning company to learn more.

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30 May 2023