Calling those of you that are handy (1 Viewer)

[J.Stewart]

Looking to rent out a residental property. The place was built in 1988 and has 3 original AC walls units from that time. These 3 AC units are loud, not all that effective, and seem to be on their collective last legs (and that is a stretch as they were probably on their last legs a few years ago).

These are not window units. They are in 3 places carved out in the walls to the exterior.

I know the second I rent it out someone will complain about these 3 units. And if they do, I would not blame them one bit. So I figured rather than waiting until they complain, I may as well be pro-active about this and just replace them if I can.

Some friends suggested just getting cheap ones. They said no need to get 3 at $500 each when I can just go to a Sam's Club or Costco and get them for about $150/each.

My problem is that because they are exact cutouts in the wall, don't they have to be that size. I understand the flexibility that exists with a window unit. If the width of the window frame is 2.5 feet, you can get an AC 15 inches wide or 25 inches wide, because it expands on the side to fill the gap. But with a wall unit, is that the same? The 3 units I have in the wall now are literally the exact same size as the cutouts. So do I have to get 3 units that are that exact size?

What do I need to know about buying AC units for the wall? TIA for the help. It is certainly appreciated as I really don't know much about this.

 

[NutterButter]

Looking to rent out a residental property. The place was built in 1988 and has 3 original AC walls units from that time. These 3 AC units are loud, not all that effective, and seem to be on their collective last legs (and that is a stretch as they were probably on their last legs a few years ago).These are not window units. They are in 3 places carved out in the walls to the exterior.I know the second I rent it out someone will complain about these 3 units. And if they do, I would not blame them one bit. So I figured rather than waiting until they complain, I may as well be pro-active about this and just replace them if I can.Some friends suggested just getting cheap ones. They said no need to get 3 at $500 each when I can just go to a Sam's Club or Costco and get them for about $150/each.My problem is that because they are exact cutouts in the wall, don't they have to be that size. I understand the flexibility that exists with a window unit. If the width of the window frame is 2.5 feet, you can get an AC 15 inches wide or 25 inches wide, because it expands on the side to fill the gap. But with a wall unit, is that the same? The 3 units I have in the wall now are literally the exact same size as the cutouts. So do I have to get 3 units that are that exact size?What do I need to know about buying AC units for the wall? TIA for the help. It is certainly appreciated as I really don't know much about this.

You can definitely go with something smaller. You'll just need to build up the existing framing using 2x4's/plywood so that it fits properly and is properly held into place. How nice you want it to look on the inside it up to you. You can sheetrock the additional wall opening so that it blends with the existing wall. You can then install some window trip around the unit. The outside is going to be trickier b/c you'll need to make the newly exposed space weatherproof. What kind of exterior do you have now; siding?

 

[J.Stewart]

Looking to rent out a residental property. The place was built in 1988 and has 3 original AC walls units from that time. These 3 AC units are loud, not all that effective, and seem to be on their collective last legs (and that is a stretch as they were probably on their last legs a few years ago).These are not window units. They are in 3 places carved out in the walls to the exterior.I know the second I rent it out someone will complain about these 3 units. And if they do, I would not blame them one bit. So I figured rather than waiting until they complain, I may as well be pro-active about this and just replace them if I can.Some friends suggested just getting cheap ones. They said no need to get 3 at $500 each when I can just go to a Sam's Club or Costco and get them for about $150/each.My problem is that because they are exact cutouts in the wall, don't they have to be that size. I understand the flexibility that exists with a window unit. If the width of the window frame is 2.5 feet, you can get an AC 15 inches wide or 25 inches wide, because it expands on the side to fill the gap. But with a wall unit, is that the same? The 3 units I have in the wall now are literally the exact same size as the cutouts. So do I have to get 3 units that are that exact size?What do I need to know about buying AC units for the wall? TIA for the help. It is certainly appreciated as I really don't know much about this.

You can definitely go with something smaller. You'll just need to build up the existing framing using 2x4's/plywood so that it fits properly and is properly held into place. How nice you want it to look on the inside it up to you. You can sheetrock the additional wall opening so that it blends with the existing wall. You can then install some window trip around the unit. The outside is going to be trickier b/c you'll need to make the newly exposed space weatherproof. What kind of exterior do you have now; siding?

Yes, exterior is siding.I cannot do anything to alter the exterior as it is a condo. So technically, the outside of all the units has to look the same.Is everything you described hard or relatively easy?Thanks.

 

[J.Stewart]

Can anyone offer up any suggestions for me? TY

 

[belljr]

My MIL old apartment was similar to this. We bought an AC that didn't fit completely, we just got creative with the rubber sleeve and some caulk -

 

[NutterButter]

Looking to rent out a residental property. The place was built in 1988 and has 3 original AC walls units from that time. These 3 AC units are loud, not all that effective, and seem to be on their collective last legs (and that is a stretch as they were probably on their last legs a few years ago).These are not window units. They are in 3 places carved out in the walls to the exterior.I know the second I rent it out someone will complain about these 3 units. And if they do, I would not blame them one bit. So I figured rather than waiting until they complain, I may as well be pro-active about this and just replace them if I can.Some friends suggested just getting cheap ones. They said no need to get 3 at $500 each when I can just go to a Sam's Club or Costco and get them for about $150/each.My problem is that because they are exact cutouts in the wall, don't they have to be that size. I understand the flexibility that exists with a window unit. If the width of the window frame is 2.5 feet, you can get an AC 15 inches wide or 25 inches wide, because it expands on the side to fill the gap. But with a wall unit, is that the same? The 3 units I have in the wall now are literally the exact same size as the cutouts. So do I have to get 3 units that are that exact size?What do I need to know about buying AC units for the wall? TIA for the help. It is certainly appreciated as I really don't know much about this.

You can definitely go with something smaller. You'll just need to build up the existing framing using 2x4's/plywood so that it fits properly and is properly held into place. How nice you want it to look on the inside it up to you. You can sheetrock the additional wall opening so that it blends with the existing wall. You can then install some window trip around the unit. The outside is going to be trickier b/c you'll need to make the newly exposed space weatherproof. What kind of exterior do you have now; siding?

Yes, exterior is siding.I cannot do anything to alter the exterior as it is a condo. So technically, the outside of all the units has to look the same.Is everything you described hard or relatively easy?Thanks.

Do you have a picture of the current unit and/or the new unit you have in mind. I've seen multiple types of wall units (one's that look just like window units that stick out from the outside wall and one's that are more flush with the outside wall) and if we're not talking about the same type, then I might be giving you incorrect advice.

 

[Abraham]

Two variables. First, you have ro decide how you want it to look. Second, you have to decide about the eefficient, ie is it sealed well.

Not hard to do. Depending oon the size of the hole left over, you could use 2x4 or plywood cuts to stuff it. A little caulk and you are golden on the functional part.

 

[PIK95]

Did u measure just to see if they are available in that size still. I have dealt with this a few times and worst case they do have kits that make the outside look decent. Do u have a carpenter you deal with? Hire someone to put them in and you buy the units. It will be a pia for you otherwise. Look on sears website and lowes/depot.

 

[RhymesMcJuice]

Looking to rent out a residental property. The place was built in 1988 and has 3 original AC walls units from that time. These 3 AC units are loud, not all that effective, and seem to be on their collective last legs (and that is a stretch as they were probably on their last legs a few years ago).These are not window units. They are in 3 places carved out in the walls to the exterior.I know the second I rent it out someone will complain about these 3 units. And if they do, I would not blame them one bit. So I figured rather than waiting until they complain, I may as well be pro-active about this and just replace them if I can.What do I need to know about buying AC units for the wall? TIA for the help. It is certainly appreciated as I really don't know much about this.

I'm in the opposite situation - I've been renting in a place with an 80's wall A/C which barely works. The management company doesn't feel it needs to be replaced as it's still working.Any advice on non-obvious way of making it stop working completely? I thought about running it with the vents taped shut.

 

[Abraham]

Any advice on non-obvious way of making it stop working completely? I thought about running it with the vents taped shut.

That should do it.

 

[NutterButter]

Looking to rent out a residental property. The place was built in 1988 and has 3 original AC walls units from that time. These 3 AC units are loud, not all that effective, and seem to be on their collective last legs (and that is a stretch as they were probably on their last legs a few years ago).These are not window units. They are in 3 places carved out in the walls to the exterior.I know the second I rent it out someone will complain about these 3 units. And if they do, I would not blame them one bit. So I figured rather than waiting until they complain, I may as well be pro-active about this and just replace them if I can.What do I need to know about buying AC units for the wall? TIA for the help. It is certainly appreciated as I really don't know much about this.

I'm in the opposite situation - I've been renting in a place with an 80's wall A/C which barely works. The management company doesn't feel it needs to be replaced as it's still working.Any advice on non-obvious way of making it stop working completely? I thought about running it with the vents taped shut.

Could you turn the thermostat way up so that it never turns on?

 

[RhymesMcJuice]

Looking to rent out a residental property. The place was built in 1988 and has 3 original AC walls units from that time. These 3 AC units are loud, not all that effective, and seem to be on their collective last legs (and that is a stretch as they were probably on their last legs a few years ago).These are not window units. They are in 3 places carved out in the walls to the exterior.I know the second I rent it out someone will complain about these 3 units. And if they do, I would not blame them one bit. So I figured rather than waiting until they complain, I may as well be pro-active about this and just replace them if I can.What do I need to know about buying AC units for the wall? TIA for the help. It is certainly appreciated as I really don't know much about this.

I'm in the opposite situation - I've been renting in a place with an 80's wall A/C which barely works. The management company doesn't feel it needs to be replaced as it's still working.Any advice on non-obvious way of making it stop working completely? I thought about running it with the vents taped shut.

Could you turn the thermostat way up so that it never turns on?

I took the front panel off and didn't see a way of doing that. However, I did bend the tab where the power wire connects a few times (not enough to break it off) and voila, non-working AC when I tried it. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[El Floppo]

Looking to rent out a residental property. The place was built in 1988 and has 3 original AC walls units from that time. These 3 AC units are loud, not all that effective, and seem to be on their collective last legs (and that is a stretch as they were probably on their last legs a few years ago).These are not window units. They are in 3 places carved out in the walls to the exterior.I know the second I rent it out someone will complain about these 3 units. And if they do, I would not blame them one bit. So I figured rather than waiting until they complain, I may as well be pro-active about this and just replace them if I can.Some friends suggested just getting cheap ones. They said no need to get 3 at $500 each when I can just go to a Sam's Club or Costco and get them for about $150/each.My problem is that because they are exact cutouts in the wall, don't they have to be that size. I understand the flexibility that exists with a window unit. If the width of the window frame is 2.5 feet, you can get an AC 15 inches wide or 25 inches wide, because it expands on the side to fill the gap. But with a wall unit, is that the same? The 3 units I have in the wall now are literally the exact same size as the cutouts. So do I have to get 3 units that are that exact size?What do I need to know about buying AC units for the wall? TIA for the help. It is certainly appreciated as I really don't know much about this.

You can definitely go with something smaller. You'll just need to build up the existing framing using 2x4's/plywood so that it fits properly and is properly held into place. How nice you want it to look on the inside it up to you. You can sheetrock the additional wall opening so that it blends with the existing wall. You can then install some window trip around the unit. The outside is going to be trickier b/c you'll need to make the newly exposed space weatherproof. What kind of exterior do you have now; siding?

Yes, exterior is siding.I cannot do anything to alter the exterior as it is a condo. So technically, the outside of all the units has to look the same.Is everything you described hard or relatively easy?Thanks.

IIRC, through-wall units operate somewhat differently than window units- particularly with their air intake/output and how they drain. Window units often have venting on the sides, rather than just on the inside/outside face and you don't want either the venting or draining happening inside the through-wall sleeve unless you've made proper accommodations.Doesn't your Condo board have some rules and regulations regarding what kind of A/C they want installed? I've seen boards even have specific models they require.

 

[pittstownkiller]

Looking to rent out a residental property. The place was built in 1988 and has 3 original AC walls units from that time. These 3 AC units are loud, not all that effective, and seem to be on their collective last legs (and that is a stretch as they were probably on their last legs a few years ago).These are not window units. They are in 3 places carved out in the walls to the exterior.I know the second I rent it out someone will complain about these 3 units. And if they do, I would not blame them one bit. So I figured rather than waiting until they complain, I may as well be pro-active about this and just replace them if I can.Some friends suggested just getting cheap ones. They said no need to get 3 at $500 each when I can just go to a Sam's Club or Costco and get them for about $150/each.My problem is that because they are exact cutouts in the wall, don't they have to be that size. I understand the flexibility that exists with a window unit. If the width of the window frame is 2.5 feet, you can get an AC 15 inches wide or 25 inches wide, because it expands on the side to fill the gap. But with a wall unit, is that the same? The 3 units I have in the wall now are literally the exact same size as the cutouts. So do I have to get 3 units that are that exact size?What do I need to know about buying AC units for the wall? TIA for the help. It is certainly appreciated as I really don't know much about this.

Depending on the unit you may be able to get it serviced. Most A/C units of this type start to lose cooling power because of dirt clogging the evaporator fins. Most of these types of units, are hermetically sealed and do not have ports to add freon, but on the flip side they almost never develop leaks, unless they are damaged. Take the unit out of the wall spray down the coils on the evaporator with coil cleaner (usually available at a plumbing or A/C parts store, or at Grainger's) and follow directions. Another effective method is to use compressed air on one side of this coil and a vacuum cleaner on the other side simultaneously, to free the dirt. I have personally done both these jobs and have had customers "blown away" by the results. I have used this on large built units that are from the early seventies. Unless the fan is rubbing or broken I would just be looking to do the repair myself.Edit: One more thing, you might have good luck calling the company who makes the A/C and asking to talk to their engineers to find what options they offer; I generally have very good success with the company's engineers, not so much with their troubleshooting centers.

 

[Ignoramus]

Looking to rent out a residental property. The place was built in 1988 and has 3 original AC walls units from that time. These 3 AC units are loud, not all that effective, and seem to be on their collective last legs (and that is a stretch as they were probably on their last legs a few years ago).These are not window units. They are in 3 places carved out in the walls to the exterior.I know the second I rent it out someone will complain about these 3 units. And if they do, I would not blame them one bit. So I figured rather than waiting until they complain, I may as well be pro-active about this and just replace them if I can.What do I need to know about buying AC units for the wall? TIA for the help. It is certainly appreciated as I really don't know much about this.

I'm in the opposite situation - I've been renting in a place with an 80's wall A/C which barely works. The management company doesn't feel it needs to be replaced as it's still working.Any advice on non-obvious way of making it stop working completely? I thought about running it with the vents taped shut.

Could you turn the thermostat way up so that it never turns on?

I'd like to subscribe to your home improvement newsletter.

 

[self-stayer105]

@footballguy What coil cleaner you used for that? There's Gur Thermal Systems Cleaning Technologies LTD. that manufactures commercial and industrial level coil cleaners. Do you know this firm? They have Nar-Coil and Gab-Coil but are they good for home AC?