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10 Best Through-The-Wall Air Conditioners 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Keystone 12,000 BTU Through the Wall Air Conditioner and Dehumidifier, 230V, Quiet Through the Wall AC Unit for Medium Sized Rooms up to 550 Sq.Ft., Perfect for Bedroom, Bathroom, Nursery, with Remote

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,116
Dimensions and Wall Sleeve Compatibility
Cooling Capacity (BTUs)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)

Most important from
125 reviews

Dimensions and Wall Sleeve Compatibility
The unit fits perfectly into existing wall sleeves and the included trim kit ensures a clean, finished look.
Cooling Capacity (BTUs)
The air conditioner cools rooms effectively and maintains a comfortable temperature with customizable modes and fan speeds.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Energy saver and sleep modes help reduce electricity consumption without sacrificing comfort.
Noise Level
Noise levels are moderate and unobtrusive, comparable to other large in-wall air conditioners.
Additional Features
The remote control’s 'follow me' feature and orange backlit display add convenience and precise temperature control.

The Keystone 12,000 BTU through-the-wall air conditioner is designed to cool medium-sized rooms up to 550 square feet effectively. Its cooling capacity is well suited for bedrooms, bathrooms, and nurseries, providing three cooling modes and three fan speeds, which allows you to customize comfort. The unit includes a built-in dehumidifier removing about 2.3 pints of moisture per hour, which is helpful in reducing humidity alongside cooling. At 56.5 decibels, the noise level is relatively quiet for an air conditioner of this size, making it suitable for spaces where low noise is appreciated.

Energy efficiency is decent with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 10.5, and features like 'Energy Saver' and 'Sleep' mode help keep electricity costs down. It lacks a BEE star rating, which some may consider when comparing energy use. The dimensions (20.3"D x 24.2"W x 14.5"H) mean it requires a compatible wall sleeve for installation, but the included universal trim kit simplifies this process and keeps the look neat—plus, it saves window and floor space.

Additional features include a smart remote with an LCD screen that measures room temperature and adjusts settings regularly, a filter light reminder, and a programmable timer, enhancing usability. The unit runs on 230 volts and uses 1142 watts, which is typical for an AC of this size but might require electrical compatibility checks. The weight (78.1 pounds) may require professional installation. The one-year warranty on parts and labor, plus an additional four years on the sealed system, offers reasonable peace of mind. This air conditioner is a solid choice for someone looking for a reliable, moderately energy-efficient, and convenient through-the-wall cooling solution for medium rooms.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,116
Dimensions and Wall Sleeve Compatibility
Cooling Capacity (BTUs)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)

Most important from
125 reviews

Dimensions and Wall Sleeve Compatibility
The unit fits perfectly into existing wall sleeves and the included trim kit ensures a clean, finished look.
Cooling Capacity (BTUs)
The air conditioner cools rooms effectively and maintains a comfortable temperature with customizable modes and fan speeds.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Energy saver and sleep modes help reduce electricity consumption without sacrificing comfort.
Noise Level
Noise levels are moderate and unobtrusive, comparable to other large in-wall air conditioners.
Additional Features
The remote control’s 'follow me' feature and orange backlit display add convenience and precise temperature control.
#2

Keystone 18,800 BTU Window-Wall Air Conditioner with 16,000 BTU Supplemental Heating, 230V, Window and Wall AC Unit for Living Room, Apartment, Large Rooms up to 1000 Sq.Ft.

Rating
9.4
Cooling Capacity (BTUs)
Dimensions and Wall Sleeve Compatibility
Noise Level

Most important from
235 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTUs)
Effectively heats and cools the room, making it highly recommended.
Dimensions and Wall Sleeve Compatibility
While it heats well, the vent only moves up, which can be inconvenient if installed in the middle of the wall.
Noise Level
Extremely quiet and powerful in both heating and cooling modes.

The Keystone 18,800 BTU Window-Wall Air Conditioner is a versatile unit that is well-suited for cooling and supplementally heating large spaces up to 1,000 square feet. With a substantial cooling capacity of 18,000 BTUs and a supplemental heating capacity of 16,000 BTUs, it can provide year-round comfort. However, it's important to note that the heating function is meant to supplement rather than replace primary heating sources, particularly when outside temperatures range between 23°F and 76°F.

This unit also offers dehumidification and fan-only modes, adding to its utility. The I Sense remote is a smart feature that ensures consistent comfort by regularly transmitting room temperature readings to the unit for accurate cooling adjustments. For energy-conscious users, the 'Energy Saver' and 'Sleep' modes can help reduce electricity bills, although it's worth mentioning that the unit is not Energy Star certified. Measuring 25.39 x 23.62 x 17.91 inches, it fits well in standard wall sleeves and comes with a window installation kit for flexibility. At 55 dB, the noise level is moderate, which might be a consideration for those sensitive to sound.

Additional features like a filter light reminder and a 4-way swing enhance convenience and airflow control. Despite its weight of 117.3 pounds, installation is manageable with the included kit. Its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 10.7 might be on the lower side compared to other models. The Keystone unit comes with a 1-year parts and labor warranty, plus an additional 4 years for the sealed system, offering peace of mind for potential buyers. This air conditioner is a strong contender for those needing reliable cooling and supplemental heating for larger rooms, though its noise level and lower energy efficiency might be points to consider.

Rating
9.4
Cooling Capacity (BTUs)
Dimensions and Wall Sleeve Compatibility
Noise Level

Most important from
235 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTUs)
Effectively heats and cools the room, making it highly recommended.
Dimensions and Wall Sleeve Compatibility
While it heats well, the vent only moves up, which can be inconvenient if installed in the middle of the wall.
Noise Level
Extremely quiet and powerful in both heating and cooling modes.
#3

Keystone 23,200 BTU Window-Wall Air Conditioner with 16,000 BTU Supplemental Heat and Dehumidifier, 230V, Window AC for Large Rooms up to 1,500 Sq.Ft. with Smart Remote Control

Rating
8.8
Cooling Capacity (BTUs)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Dimensions and Wall Sleeve Compatibility

Most important from
65 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTUs)
Delivers powerful cooling that keeps even homes in extreme heat comfortably cool without spiking electric bills.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
The air conditioner cycles on and off efficiently, contributing to energy savings and quieter operation than expected for its size.
Dimensions and Wall Sleeve Compatibility
Installation is straightforward for those replacing older Keystone units, fitting existing wall sleeves seamlessly.
Noise Level
The air conditioner cycles on and off efficiently, contributing to energy savings and quieter operation than expected for its size.
Additional Features
Despite its weight and size, the unit's smart features like temperature-sensing remote and 4-way swing enhance comfort and convenience.

The Keystone 23,200 BTU Window-Wall Air Conditioner is designed for large rooms up to 1,500 square feet, offering strong cooling power that can handle big spaces effectively. It also includes a 16,000 BTU supplemental heating feature, which is handy during milder cold days but shouldn’t replace your main heating system. With a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 9.4 and a 4-star BEE rating, it provides decent energy efficiency, helping to keep electricity bills reasonable, especially when using its 'Energy Saver' or 'Sleep' modes.

Its dimensions are fairly compact for the cooling power it delivers, measuring about 25.4 inches deep and 23.6 inches wide, fitting standard wall sleeves and even comes with a window installation kit for added flexibility. Noise-wise, it runs at around 56.3 decibels, which is moderate—noticeable but not overly loud for most home environments.

Additional features include a smart remote control that senses room temperature and adjusts settings accordingly, a dehumidifier to reduce moisture, and a 4-way swing for better air distribution. These extras improve comfort and convenience, making it more than just a basic cooling unit. The unit is quite heavy at 121 pounds, which may require professional help for installation. The supplemental heating is limited to certain outdoor temperature ranges, so it’s not a full heating solution. While energy efficiency is good, it is not the highest available for those prioritizing power savings. Some users have noted that the noise might be distracting in very quiet settings. This model is a solid choice for those needing powerful cooling and occasional heating in large spaces, wanting added comfort features, and preferring an in-wall installation to save floor space.

Rating
8.8
Cooling Capacity (BTUs)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Dimensions and Wall Sleeve Compatibility

Most important from
65 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTUs)
Delivers powerful cooling that keeps even homes in extreme heat comfortably cool without spiking electric bills.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
The air conditioner cycles on and off efficiently, contributing to energy savings and quieter operation than expected for its size.
Dimensions and Wall Sleeve Compatibility
Installation is straightforward for those replacing older Keystone units, fitting existing wall sleeves seamlessly.
Noise Level
The air conditioner cycles on and off efficiently, contributing to energy savings and quieter operation than expected for its size.
Additional Features
Despite its weight and size, the unit's smart features like temperature-sensing remote and 4-way swing enhance comfort and convenience.

Buying Guide for the Best Through-The-Wall Air Conditioners

Choosing the right through-the-wall air conditioner can make a significant difference in your comfort and energy bills. These units are designed to fit through a hole in an exterior wall, providing a permanent cooling solution without taking up window space. When selecting a through-the-wall air conditioner, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find a unit that meets your cooling requirements efficiently.
Cooling Capacity (BTUs)Cooling capacity, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), indicates the amount of heat an air conditioner can remove from a room per hour. This spec is crucial because it determines how effectively the unit can cool your space. To navigate this, consider the size of the room you need to cool. Small rooms (up to 150 square feet) typically require units with 5,000-6,000 BTUs, medium rooms (150-300 square feet) need 7,000-8,000 BTUs, and large rooms (300-500 square feet) may need 10,000-12,000 BTUs or more. Choose a unit with the appropriate BTU rating for your room size to ensure efficient cooling without wasting energy.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) measures the efficiency of an air conditioner by comparing its cooling capacity to its power consumption. A higher EER indicates a more efficient unit, which can save you money on energy bills. EER values typically range from 8 to 12. For better energy savings, look for units with an EER of 10 or higher. If you prioritize energy efficiency and want to reduce your environmental impact, opt for a unit with a higher EER.
Dimensions and Wall Sleeve CompatibilityThe dimensions of the air conditioner and its compatibility with a wall sleeve are important to ensure a proper fit in your wall opening. Measure the dimensions of your existing wall sleeve or the space where you plan to install the unit. Air conditioners come in various sizes, so it's essential to choose one that fits your wall sleeve or the cutout in your wall. If you're replacing an old unit, check if the new one is compatible with the existing sleeve to avoid additional installation costs.
Noise LevelNoise level, measured in decibels (dB), indicates how loud the air conditioner will be during operation. This is important for maintaining a comfortable and quiet environment, especially in bedrooms or living areas. Noise levels for through-the-wall air conditioners typically range from 50 to 60 dB. For a quieter experience, look for units with lower dB ratings. If you are sensitive to noise or plan to use the unit in a quiet space, prioritize models with lower noise levels.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality and convenience of your air conditioner. Common features include remote control, programmable thermostat, sleep mode, and energy-saving mode. These features can make it easier to operate the unit and improve your overall comfort. Consider which features are important to you based on your lifestyle and preferences. For example, a remote control can be convenient if you want to adjust settings from across the room, while a programmable thermostat can help you maintain a consistent temperature without manual adjustments.

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