AC/Heat Pump through the wall units
I’m replacing some old AC units in my house that are the “Through the Wall” type with something like this: https://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/WHT12A33A.html
Isn’t a through the wall AC/Heat Pump essentially the same thing as a minisplit just closer together?
The EER of the unit above is ~9 which seems much lower than minisplits in general. I’m assuming the compact nature of them (smaller compressor?) mean wall units like this are just won’t be comparable in terms of efficiency?
Any recommendations for a decent through the wall unit?
As a side note, I find it a little odd that there aren’t more heatpumps included with window units and through the wall units. Seems like a great option for people who rent or can’t afford minisplits. I know the tech has been around for a while, so why isn’t there are market for it?
Thanks!
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Replies
What you are talking about are called PTAC (Package Terminal Air Conditioner)
PTACs start with a design flaw in that they are a big hole in the buildings thermal envelope generally the hole is a liner made of steel that connects the indoors and outdoors with highly conductive steel latterly sucking the heat out of your building.
The next problem is that PTACs are the HVAC option of choice for most cost-conscious motel builders who buy hundreds if not thousands of units at a time. A few pennies are likely the difference between winning and losing the sale. Most of what you see is the lowest cost to produce unit that is the lowest efficiency allowed by law.
Almost every mini split uses a variable speed compressor and few if any PTACs make use of the technology.
Walta
Even the dual inverter window units are way better than that at about ~15 CEER. I just bought a 14k btu one for $450 after Vermont $100 rebate for efficient air conditioners. That's alot cheaper than that Friedrich unit, but you need a double hung window (I only have one in my whole house!), or hack together a thru the wall setup for it.
I am eventually replacing this window with a casement to match the others, and at the point I will have to decided between a mini split or doing a thru-the-wall installation for a window type AC. The window types are so simple, cheap, and semi-efficient, that it's tempting to to stick with them despite having to cut a hole in the wall. By comparison a 12k btu DIY mr cool mini split is $1700, though the SEER is considerably better at 22. I heat with wood so heating performance is not a concern.
I did find an imported heat pump PTAC sorta thing but I can't remember the name. I think it basically put all equipment on the interior side so you just end up with and intake and exhaust on the exterior.
Thanks for the replies. Here's another one (that's been mentioned on GBA before): https://www.gradientcomfort.com/. Really expensive. 10.8 ceer?
I'm strongly leaning toward DIY minisplits
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Ephoca was the PTHP brand I couldn't remember. Neat units, a quick look showed one unit at 14 IEER. They are spendy though, at ~$4000.
I find myself wanting exactly the opposite of the Ephoca — an integrated unit that mounts to an exterior wall, with only two ducts through the wall. Much better to have the noise outside. Based on their case studies the Ephoca seems designed to facilitate retrofits where the facade is precious (i.e. historical) or difficult to access (tall buildings).
Hi Jacob D: Midea makes a U shaped window mounted AC unit, inverter based, CEER 15. It comes in 8K and 10K and 12K BTU versions. Less than $500 for all 3 sizes.
https://www.amazon.com/Midea-Inverter-Conditioner-Flexibility-Installation/dp/B08677DCKN/ref=sr_1_3?crid=340EM8KF3WUPL&keywords=midea%2Bac%2Bwindow%2Bunit&qid=1689090084&sprefix=midea%2Bac%2Caps%2C909&sr=8-3&th=1
Check this unit out
https://source2050.com/product/gradient-heating-cooling-system/
15-minute DIY install
No need for drilling or permits
High-performance building material
Passive House friendly
Planet-friendlier refrigerant
Energy efficient
Quieter
Doesn’t block your view
Commercial-grade power
Open and close your window
Standard 120V outlet
Washable filter
At $4996 msrp I think there are better options.
9000 BTU... yea, maybe not