Heating & Air Conditioning Design Dilemma

Very Old in wall AC Unit

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Hi, I have an old AC in wall unit that broken down a couple of years ago. I'm looking to replace it. It must be at least 20 yrs old. The measurements are width - 25.25 inches and height is about 19 inches. I spoke with the guy at the appliance store and he said that ac units are smaller these days. So my question is, could i get an AC unit and fill in the gaps for the height ? I research online and lots off these in wall units are about 14-15 inches height. If so, what would i need to do that and is there any downside off getting a smaller unit? Another option that was suggest was to hire a contracter to redo the dimensions in the wall but that's out of the question as it's more money that i want to spend. Any reply would be appreciated greatly. Thank you.

Featured Answer

PRO

JudyG Designs

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

What have you been using for the last couple of years?

That thing, as you must realize, is beyond awful.

https://www.samsunghvac.com/products/?utm_campaign=2020%20alwayson%202020&utm_source=ppc&utm_term=Brand&gclid=CJKa_d-l-OkCFbUHiAkdYOULfw

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

HU-135267161
Original Author
6 years ago
it really is
Related Professionals
Poplar Bluff General Contractors · Bend General Contractors · Rolla Home Remodeling · Fargo Home Remodeling · Del Rio Home Remodeling · Dallas Bathroom Remodelers · Enfield Bathroom Remodelers · Cheyenne Bathroom Remodelers · Fayetteville Interior Designers & Decorators · New Braunfels Architects & Building Designers · Torrington Architects & Building Designers · Sierra Vista Architects & Building Designers · Rolla Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Knoxville Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Hackettstown Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
mike_home
6 years ago
What is the BTU rating of the current unit? How large of an area are you trying to cool? You want to find a model that is correctly sized to keep the area cool.

There is no down side of getting a unit that has smaller dimensions as long are you can seal the surrounding gaps. The new AC should have retractable sides that can be extended to close the side gaps. The height is a little more difficult. Perhaps you can cut some 2X4 lumber and build a platform for the unit to sit on. This would make up 3 1/2 inches in height. If you have a gap less than an inch at the top you can fill it will foam insulation strips you can buy at Home Depot.
HU-135267161 thanked mike_home
HU-135267161
Original Author
6 years ago
Mike - Thank you! Appreciate the response. Will most likely fill in the gaps but was worried about any downside to getting a smaller unit.

JudyG - I've been sweating it out lol. Horrible I know but i'm barely home.
User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Often, smaller today is more efficient than large in the old days.

In a replacement: look for BTUs, and know the sq ft of the area. Usually, a window mount is for one room.

Ypu may have to “back fill” the mounting area. There are “kits” for that.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
6 years ago
That needs to go to the garbage and really could be full of mold. I would need to see the whole space it is in and also what it looks like from outside.
Mini-Split Warehouse
6 years ago
What about Mini split systems... You will need a small hole in the wal to conect indoor unit and outdoor unit. They are more beautiful.

Cons...Window Air Conditioner:

https://www.airconditionersductless.com/

Window AC units can be a security risk, especially if placed on ground level. There are measures that can be taken to improve security, but you’ll likely end up wanting to remove the unit if you are leaving town for a few days.

Windows need to be properly sized to fit the AC unit, and have an electrical outlet in range. This can sometimes be a significant challenge.

It is hard to direct where the water drains. Aside from picking a different window, there aren’t many other options if water is draining somewhere inconvenient.

Some might feel they are a bit of an eye sore. In the very least, window AC units certainly don’t add to the décor of a home. They also immobilize the use of the window.

Benefits of Mini Split:

Easy Home Installation

A ductless mini-split system often requires less work and trouble to install. To hook the indoor units to the outside units, it takes a small hole in the wall for the conduit to pass through.

Most manufacturers of the ductless systems provide a variety of lengths of conduit to make connecting even easier, no matter the distance to the outdoor unit. This offers you the versatility to create the number of zones you want in each area of your home.