1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall: Whirlpool WHAT142-2AW
3. Best for small rooms: Koldfront WTC8001W
4. Best for large rooms: Keystone KSTAT14-2C
5. Best budget: Impecca ITAC10-KSA21
6. Best for energy efficiency: LG LT1016CER
7. Best temp control: Frigidaire FFTA123WA1
8. Buying advice
8. FAQs
When effectively cooling down your home, the best thru wall air conditioners are prime candidates. You won’t have to part with a significant chunk of cash for these handy machines - they’re more affordable than many other kinds - because there’s no need to fuse them with your home’s ductwork.
Unlike the best central air conditioners, thru wall air conditioners are fitted into any available sleeve in your home’s wall. That means they won’t clog up your living space like a freestanding air conditioner unit or loom above your window like one of the best window air conditioners.
Thru wall air conditioners may not be the most stylish option out there, but what they lack appearance-wise, they make up for in features. Basic thru-wall air conditioners cost as little as $400 and cover the essentials, such as various fan speeds and cooling modes to give you control over the volume of cool air they put out. More premium models might also have a remote control and app connectivity.
As well as fitting your budget, the best thru-wall air conditioners must be able to cool your space effectively. The unit's power is measured in British Thermal Units (BTU), so the larger your room and the lower your patience, the higher the number needs to be. Handily, all the top thru wall air conditioners in our lineup Whirlpool, LG, Keystone, and other brands, are set apart by their great BTU rating and other excellent features.
The quick list
The following products are our top picks for the best thru wall air conditioners available right now, from the best overall to those for more specific needs. If you're in a hurry, you can find a brief overview of our findings or keep scrolling for in-depth reviews and analysis.
The best thru-wall air conditioner overall
The Whirlpool WHAT142-2AW air conditioner is powerful and customizable but lacks Energy Star certification. It has a competitive price, good user reviews, but a short warranty.
The best thru wall air conditioner for small rooms
The Koldfront is an affordable and efficient AC unit with useful features, including a supplemental heating feature and a programmable timer. It's easy to use and durable, with a two-year warranty.
The best thru wall air conditioner for large rooms
The Keystone KSTAT14-2C is an energy-efficient option for larger rooms, with remote control, customizable cooling speeds, and a built-in dehumidifier.
The best budget thru wall air conditioner
The Impecca ITAC10-KSA21 is a budget-friendly air conditioner suitable for most rooms up to 450 sq ft with washable filters, customizable settings, and a 2-year warranty.
The best thru wall air conditioner for energy efficiency
LG air conditioner lacks some features and durability but offers good cooling power, customizable airflow, and energy efficiency. It can remove moisture and has a 2.9-pint capacity.
The best thru wall air conditioner for consistent temperature control
The Frigidaire FFTA123WA1 is an efficient, programmable air conditioner with a washable filter and ionizer, though some users find it noisy.
The best thru wall air conditioners in 2023
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The best thru wall air conditioner overall
✅ You live in a large space: the unit can cool spaces up to 700 square feet.
✅ You want something customizable: you can customize the cooling temperature, airflow, and fan speed.
✅ You want a good power-to-price ratio: the WHAT142-2AW is competitively priced.
❌ You're energy-conscious the unit is not Energy Star certified.
❌ You're put off by a shorter warranty: the warranty is on the shorter side, lasting only one year.
❌ You don't have the right power outlet: the unit requires a specific 230-Volt/20 Amp electrical outlet.
🔎 Whirlpool WHAT142-2AW thru-wall air conditioner is a powerful and customizable unit that can effectively cool large rooms. Its lack of Energy Star certification and shorter warranty may be drawbacks, but the Eco mode and excellent power-to-price ratio make it a solid choice. ★★★★
The Whirlpool WHAT142-2AW thru-wall air conditioner is a solid choice for cooling down large rooms - with the ability to effectively cool spaces up to 700 square feet, it's a powerful unit with many good features.
The air conditioner can channel air in eight directions, meaning your room can be evenly cooled, which is especially important in larger spaces. The unit also allows you to change the cooling temperature, airflow, and fan speed to reach a comfortable level.
If you're unsure how to customize the settings to your liking, there are four pre-set modes and a sleep mode that gradually increases the temperature as you sleep. While the Whirlpool WHAT142-2AW is not Energy Star certified, it does come with an Eco mode that automatically turns off the compressor when your room has reached the desired temperature. This helps save energy and reduce the unit's environmental impact.
However, there is a lack of Energy Star certification. While the Eco mode can help to reduce energy usage, you may still experience higher energy bills than if you went with a certified unit.
The Whirlpool WHAT142-2AW is competitively priced at around $630. It also offers an excellent power-to-price ratio with 14,000 BTU of cooling power. In addition, the unit provides a range of features designed to customize your airflow. You can set the airflow exactly how you like it, from louvers that reach eight directions to multiple fan speeds. This level of customization is great for those who are particular about their air quality and comfort.
One potential downside to the WHAT142-2AW is its warranty on the shorter side of the spectrum at just one year. It's also worth noting that the unit requires a particular 230-Volt/20 Amp electrical outlet and will not operate with a standard 115-Volt household electrical outlet.
User reviews give the unit an average of 3.7 out of five stars on Home Depot. Positive reviews praise the unit's quick cooling and quiet operation, and users appreciate its easy use. However, some users have mentioned that the unit was less effective at cooling their room than they had hoped.
- Read our full Whirlpool WHAT142-2AW review
The best thru wall air conditioner for small rooms
✅ You want good value: the unit is reasonably priced and includes excellent convenience features.
✅ You need something simple: the WTC8001W is easy-to-use, with a straightforward digital display.
✅ You want something durable: the unit is solidly built with a two-year warranty on parts and labor.
❌ You also need a heater: while the heating feature is a nice extra, it is not effective as a sole heating source.
❌ You need something powerful: the unit may not be suitable for larger rooms.
❌ You want to be able to open a window: users say the heater struggles to combat cold air from outside.
🔎 Koldfront WTC8001W is a budget-friendly option for smaller rooms, with convenient features like multiple fan speeds and a programmable timer. It's easy to use and has positive user reviews. However, the heating feature is ineffective as a sole source and struggles with cold air from outside. ★★★★
The Koldfront WTC8001W may not have the same cooling power as other models, but it is still an excellent option for smaller rooms. The heating feature is designed to be a supplementary source of warmth so it won't be effective as a sole heating source, but it is still a nice extra to have in the cooler months.
One of the best things about the Koldfront WTC8001W is that it balances cost and features. While it may not be the cheapest option, it is still reasonably priced and includes excellent convenience features like multiple fan speeds, a fan-only mode, and a sleep mode. Plus, as a less-powerful unit, it consumes less energy than many of its more powerful counterparts.
The Koldfront WTC8001W is easy-to-use, with a simple digital display and electronic touch controls that make it easy to adjust temperature and fan speeds or set up a programmable timer. The remote control is also handy, especially if your air conditioner unit is a little out-of-the-way.
If you're concerned about longevity, you'll be happy that the Koldfront WTC8001W is solidly built with durability in mind. It also comes with a two-year warranty on parts and labor. User reviews for the Koldfront WTC8001W are overwhelmingly positive, too, with many users noting that it's easy to use and gets the job done. One reviewer said it quickly cooled a space towards the top of the 350 square-foot range and was reasonably quiet when operating.
While there were a few notes that the heater struggled to combat cold air from outside, users love this unit.
- Read our full Koldfront WTC8001W review
The best thru wall air conditioner for large rooms
✅ You want something energy-efficient: the unit is Energy Star certified.
✅ You have the need for a dehumidifier: it can also remove up to 2.9 pints of moisture per hour.
✅ You like lots of customization: the remote control with an integrated thermostat allows you to adjust the settings according to the temperature of the room.
❌ You also need a heater: the KSTAT14-2C doesn't feature a built-in heater.
❌ You want something quiet: users have reported that the unit can be noisy.
❌ You need a unit long-term: the screws and kit included to install the unit may not be super durable
🔎 Keystone KSTAT14-2C is an Energy Star-certified air conditioner that can cool up to 700 sqft while acting as a dehumidifier. It has a customizable remote control, three cooling speeds, and a 24-hour timer. The filter is easily accessible and it has a one-year parts and labor warranty. Some users have reported noise and durability issues. ★★★★
The Keystone KSTAT14-2C is an excellent option for those looking to cool down larger spaces, with its Energy Star certification also meaning it won't break the bank (or the planet) when it comes to powering it. It also has the bonus of acting as a dehumidifier, capable of removing up to 2.9 pints of moisture every hour.
While the unit has no built-in heater, it has many other well-thought-out features. For example, it comes with a remote control with an integrated thermostat, which reads the room's temperature and adjusts the settings accordingly, ensuring the space is evenly cooled throughout. The air conditioner will automatically save your original settings and default to those whenever needed.
The wall air conditioner also has three cooling speeds, making it easy to customize the air output. The filter can be easily accessed from the front and quickly slides out for easy cleaning. The KSTAT14-2C also has enough power to effectively cool up to 700 square feet, making it an excellent option for larger rooms.
Cleaning the filter is easy, as it can be accessed from the front and quickly slides out for a quick clean. When the filter needs cleaning, an alert will sound on your unit so you know it's time to take it out and look. The Keystone KSTAT14-2C also has a 24-hour timer, allowing for a cooling routine that suits you. If you're planning on using the Keystone KSTAT14-2C in your bedroom, the night mode is a great feature that works by slowly increasing the temperature in your room.
The Keystone KSTAT14-2C has a one-year parts and labor warranty, but a four-year warranty covers the sealed system. Reviews for this thru-wall air conditioner are generally positive, with many users mentioning its effectiveness and energy efficiency. However, some users have noted that it is noisy and only suitable for small rooms. Others have had issues with the durability of the screws and kit included to install the unit.
- Read our full Keystone KSTAT14-2C review
The best budget thru wall air conditioner
✅ You want good value: the unit offers effective cooling at an affordable price.
✅ You have a small-medium space: this air conditioner has a cooling capacity of up to 450 sqft.
✅ You don't want to replace filters: the unit features washable filters.
❌ You also need a heater: the Impecca ITAC10-KSA21 does not offer heating functionality.
❌ You need something powerful: it may not be the most powerful option on the market.
❌ You want to be able to customize features: the unit does not offer as many options as some other models.
🔎 Impecca ITAC10-KSA21 is an affordable wall air conditioner that can cool rooms up to 450 sqft. It lacks heating functionality, but the washable filters and indicator are cost-saving features. It has three speeds, sleep and energy-saving modes, and a programmable timer, making it customizable. The auto-restart mode is convenient, and it has a two-year warranty. ★★★½
The Impecca ITAC10-KSA21 is an excellent option for effective cooling without breaking the bank. While it does lack heating functionality, this is not a problem for many users as AC heating is often designed as a supplementary feature.
The Impecca wall air conditioner can cool rooms up to 450 square feet, making it suitable for most people, and in terms of price, the unit is close in price to the Koldfront WTC8001W, but it has enough power to beat it in terms of the cooling area it can reach. It's the least expensive option in our round-up but still provides good features (although no heating functionality).
One of the advantages of this unit is that it utilizes washable filters, so you won't need to factor in the cost of regular replacements over its lifespan. It also has a filter indicator, which helps alert you when it needs cleaning.
It also offers a good range of settings, with three cooling and three fan speeds, allowing you to customize the air output and select lower speeds for quieter operation. The sleep mode on this unit adjusts the output for a comfortable snooze while reducing energy use, and there's an energy save mode too, which switches off the AC when your desired temperature is reached. Even better - this model is Energy Star certified.
On top of those modes is a programmable timer, allowing you to customize your air output 24/7. For anyone that finds programming AC units frustrating, the Impecca ITAC10-KSA21 has an auto-restart mode that automatically resumes your previous settings when the unit turns back on. While the Impecca ITAC10-KSA21 is a budget model, it still has a good warranty, covered for two years for both parts and labor.
- Read our full Impecca ITAC10-KSA21 review
The best thru wall air conditioner for energy efficiency
✅ You have an average-sized home: the LG LT1016CER can effectively cool rooms up to 450 sqft.
✅ You want something energy-efficient: the unit is Energy Star certified.
✅ You have use for a dehumidifier: the dry mode removes moisture from the air it outputs.
❌ You also need a heater: the LG LT1016CER lacks heating functionality.
❌ You need something durable: some users have reported that the unit can feel flimsy.
❌ You know what you're doing: the unit has a relatively simplistic design.
🔎 LG LT1016CER is an affordable option with good cooling power, but it lacks heating functionality and may not be as durable as other models. It's Energy Star certified and has a unique dry mode that removes moisture from the air. It's easy to install, but some users have reported noise and durability issues. ★★★
The LG LT1016CER may lack a few features and isn't as durable as some other models, but it is still an affordable option that offers good cooling power. The unit is designed with function in mind and has a relatively simplistic design, which may not suit those looking for a more advanced unit.
However, its output is strong enough to effectively cool rooms up to 450 square feet in size, which should be sufficient for most homes. Compared to other models in our round-up, like the Whirlpool WHAT142-2AW, the LG LT1016CER may lack some features, but it does have a range of cooling and fan speeds, and it's also Energy Star certified, which means it's designed to be energy-efficient and could help lower your monthly energy bills.
One feature that sets the LG LT1016CER apart from other models is its dry mode, which allows it to remove moisture from the air it outputs. It can remove up to 2.9 pints of water in an hour, more than some standard dehumidifiers. When customizing your airflow, the LG LT1016CER also gives you the choice of three cooling speeds and utilizes a four-way air deflection technique, which means you can direct the airflow wherever you need it.
However, it doesn't have heating functionality, which may be a downside for some users. The LT1016CER is priced towards the middle of the market at $550, making it more expensive than our budget pick, but only by about $70. It's also only $50 more than the Koldfront WTC8001W, but it has more power and can cover larger rooms.
One downside to the LG LT1016CER is that it feels less durable than some other units from competitors. However, it utilizes anti-corrosion technology to lengthen the unit's lifespan, and the LG-patented Gold Fin coating provides a protective shield to keep the unit cooling longer.
The unit is easy to install, with a universal fit for the sleeve structure of the unit, and it also comes with insulation foam for a better fit - although some users have noted that the installation instructions could be more straightforward in the manual. Overall, users have given the LG LT1016CER an average score of 4.2 out of five on Amazon, with positive reviews noting its effectiveness in cooling and dehumidifying their home spaces.
Some users also appreciated the easy installation process. However, negative reviews have mentioned that the unit can be noisy and feel flimsy, and some have had issues with the unit breaking down after a year or so of usage.
- Read our full LG LT1016CER review
The best thru wall air conditioner for consistent temperature control
✅ You have a larger home: the Frigidaire FFTA123WA1 has a cooling area of 550 sqft.
✅ You value extra eco-features: the air conditioner uses an environmentally friendly refrigerant and is Energy Star certified.
❌ You also need a heater: the Frigidaire FFTA123WA1 does not produce any heat.
❌ You want something quiet: some users have reported that the air conditioner is too loud.
🔎 Frigidaire FFTA123WA1 air conditioner is efficient and compact, making it ideal for maintaining a consistent temperature. It has a wireless remote, programmable timer, and sleep mode. The unit also has a washable air filter and features an ionizer. It is energy efficient and environmentally friendly, but some users have reported it being too noisy.
The Frigidaire FFTA123WA1 is an efficient air conditioner perfect for maintaining a consistent temperature in a room. With its compact size, it can fit into any living room, bedroom, or kitchen, though note that it does not produce any heat.
The unit has a wireless remote controller, allowing you to control the air conditioner from anywhere in the room, and a programmable timer to customize cooling to fit your schedule. The timer can be set in half-hour increments, turning on and off automatically. The unit also comes with a sleep mode that gradually increases the temperature a few degrees over the evening while keeping the fan at a low speed.
The FFTA123WA1 has a cooling area of 550 sq. ft., making it suitable for larger rooms. You can choose from three different cooling speeds, and the air conditioner has an adjustable direction feature that allows you to direct the cool air wherever you need it. The unit also comes with a washable air filter that helps capture dust. The filter is easy to clean, and the air conditioner also uses R-32 refrigerant - an environmentally friendly refrigerant that does not harm the ozone layer.
The unit features an ionizer that purifies the room's air. This ionizer helps remove allergens, bacteria, and other airborne particles that can cause health problems, but be sure to research ionizing air purifiers first.
The Frigidaire FFTA123WA1 is energy efficient, with an ENERGY STAR certification and an energy-saver mode that helps reduce your energy bills. The air conditioner's inherent efficiency, automatic temperature control, and energy-saver mode help keep operating costs relatively low.
One of the few complaints about the Frigidaire FFTA123WA1 is its noise level. Some users have stated that it is too loud to be left on while watching TV or having a meal. However, this is a minor issue, and the air conditioner's many benefits may outweigh this drawback.
How to choose the best thru wall air conditioner
There’s a lot to think about when you're choosing an in-wall air conditioner, but first on your radar should be the following factors:
Room size and cooling performance
Your thru-wall air conditioner must be powerful enough to handle the space. That’s why it’s so important to consider the appliance’s British Thermal Units (BTU). A room measuring up to 150 square feet should be on track with an air conditioner rating of 5,000 BTU. However, rooms up to 300 square feet need a unit with a little more oomph. Around 7,000 BTU should suffice.
If you’re unsure, using a BTU calculator will help you gauge the ideal BTU for your room’s measurements. Still, things like the model’s airflow (calculated in cubic feet per minute or CFM) also impact cooling performance. The higher the number, the better the airflow.
Efficiency ratings and certification
Just as important is your air conditioning unit's energy efficiency ratio (EER). Most window air conditioners in our lineup have an EER of 10.3 as an average, but those with a rating over 10.7 are fine examples of excellent efficiency. In short, the higher the ratio, the more efficient your unit is.
It’s also a good idea to look for UL Listed products or AHAM-certified units. UL-listed units have undergone testing from the Underwriters Labaroties, a safety consulting company, and AHAM-certified units must have achieved performance standards set by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.
How much does a through-the-wall air conditioner cost?
Cost is always important, no matter the purchase. Since the best through-the-wall air conditioners cost between $400 and $800, you should compare the features for each model to compare exactly what you get for the same price.
Wall-mounted AC unit operation modes
Great wall-mounted AC unit features are all about customization and control. A good range of cooling modes should be one of your priorities, and after that, adjustable fan speeds and fan-only modes will let you fully take the reins.
If your home is in a hot and humid climate, units with a dehumidifying mode will help to suck out some of the moisture from the air. Other features will depend upon your preferences. For example, sleep modes keep the noise down at night and slowly produce less cool air into the night to save energy.
Thru wall air conditioner FAQs
How do thru wall air conditioners work, and what are the benefits of owning one?
Thru wall air conditioners cleverly extract the heat from your room by sucking the hot air into the unit. Rather than spitting it back out, the heat is absorbed into evaporator coils and worked on by a compressor to increase the refrigerant temperature. Then, while the hot air is pumped out through the wall into the outdoors, cool air is sent as a replacement into your room.
The thru-wall air conditioner has several benefits compared to other air conditioners, such as window air conditioners. While window-mounted air conditioners are often stored out of sight in the winter, the thru-wall conditioner is a more permanent solution, meaning it will always be on hand in case there’s a sudden heat wave. Some thru-wall air conditioners also double up as a heater, saving you bucks on a separate appliance.
As they’re slotted firmly into a sleeve in the wall, thru wall air conditioners look less obtrusive for one. However, the design also works undercover to put a stopper on any cold drafts from gaps in the wall. This is a plus for energy efficiency, meaning it’s relatively cheaper to run than other types of AC units.
Thru wall air conditioners vs window ACs: Which is best for you?
If you’re torn between a thru-wall air conditioner and a window air conditioner, there are a few things you’ll want to consider. In their favor, window air conditioners are fairly straightforward to mount on any window.
They’re also easy to disassemble, so if you plan on switching up your AC unit’s location regularly or want to slide the unit away when the temperature dips down again, the portable design may be a good pick for you.
On the other hand, thru-wall conditioners are a more permanent cooling solution. Once installed into a sleeve in an exterior wall, the unit is fixed into its location. Therefore, if you ever decide to upgrade, you’ll need to source a unit that will fit into the same space. It’s also trickier to set up; in most cases, you’ll need to hire a professional to ensure it’s installed correctly.
When it comes to power, however, most window air conditioners run laps around thru wall air conditioners. While it’s fairly easy to hunt down a window air conditioner unit with high BTUs, thru-wall conditioners tend to have less cooling power, better suited to more compact spaces.
This partly explains why thru-wall conditioners are slightly more budget-friendly. Regardless, a good thru-wall air conditioner will have no problem cooling off a small or medium-sized room as long as it has many BTUs.
