5 Best Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner Brands (2024 Guide)
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Wall-mounted air conditioners (ACs), also known as in-wall air conditioners and ductless mini-split air conditioners, offer an accessible way to add cooling or heating to specific rooms and small spaces.
We have thoroughly researched the best air conditioner brands, analyzing warranties, reviewing product specifications, and comparing average AC costs to find Carrier and Lennox as our top picks. We go in-depth into these two brands and a few more of the best wall-mounted AC brands below.
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What Are the Top 5 Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner Brands?
Here are the best air conditioner brands based on our research and methodology:
How Do the Top Wall-Mounted AC Brands Compare?
Here is a quick comparison of our top picks for wall-mounted AC brands.
| Star Rating | Best For | Price Range | SEER Rating | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrier |  | Best Performance | $3,000–$15,000 | Up to 26 | Get Quote | |
| Lennox |  | Best Energy Efficiency | $3,100–$10,000 | Up to 28 | Get Quote | |
| Trane |  | Best Warranty | $3,500–$15,600 | Up to 22 | Get Quote | |
| Amana |  | Best Comfort Control | $3,600–$11,000 | Up to 25 | Get Quote | |
| American Standard |  | Best Value | $3,500–$10,900 | Up to 22 | Get Quote | |
| York |  | Most Experience | $4,000–$10,000 | Up to 21 | Get Quote | |
| Frigidaire |  | Best for Window-Mounted Units | $500–$1,082 | Up to 21 | Get Quote | |
| Ruud |  | Best for Affordability | $3,000–$6,100 | Up to 20.5 | Get Quote | |
| Goodman |  | Best for Longevity | $1,500–$8,000 | Up to 24.5 | Get Quote | |
| Rheem |  | Best for Smart Homes | $3,100–$6,100 | Up to 20.5 | Get Quote |
| Carrier | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best Performance |
| Price Range | $3,000–$15,000 |
| SEER Rating | Up to 26 |
| Lennox | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best Energy Efficiency |
| Price Range | $3,100–$10,000 |
| SEER Rating | Up to 28 |
| Trane | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best Warranty |
| Price Range | $3,500–$15,600 |
| SEER Rating | Up to 22 |
| Amana | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best Comfort Control |
| Price Range | $3,600–$11,000 |
| SEER Rating | Up to 25 |
| American Standard | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best Value |
| Price Range | $3,500–$10,900 |
| SEER Rating | Up to 22 |
| York | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Most Experience |
| Price Range | $4,000–$10,000 |
| SEER Rating | Up to 21 |
| Frigidaire | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best for Window-Mounted Units |
| Price Range | $500–$1,082 |
| SEER Rating | Up to 21 |
| Ruud | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best for Affordability |
| Price Range | $3,000–$6,100 |
| SEER Rating | Up to 20.5 |
1. Carrier
Best Performance
2. Lennox
Best Energy Efficiency
3. Trane
Best Warranty
4. Amana
Best Comfort Control
5. American Standard
Best Value
Wall-Mounted Air Conditioners Explained
Understanding what you’re getting before purchasing a new cooling system is important. Wall-mounted air conditioning systems, or split system air conditioners, combine two units: indoor and outdoor. The indoor unit is mounted on the wall, and the outdoor unit is usually placed on the ground or against a wall.
There are many interchangeable terms for wall-mounted air conditioners, including the following:
- Built-in air conditioner
- In-wall air conditioner
- Through-the-wall air conditioner
- Wall-mounted air conditioner
- Wall sleeve air conditioner
All these terms refer to the same type of AC unit.
Through-the-wall units blow air over coolant coils and expel warm air outside like standard AC units. Through-the-wall units are typically rectangular, fitting in a precisely framed hole in an exterior wall within a containment sleeve. The sleeve’s fit and the hole around the unit provide an airtight seal, maximizing cooling capacity and efficiency.
Summary of the Top-Rated Wall-Mounted Air Conditioning Brands
See some of the most vital information points you just read about in our summary table below.
| Brand | Superlative | Our Rating (Out of 100) | SEER Rating | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Carrier |
Best Performance |
97.5 |
Up to 42.5 |
$3,000–$15,000 |
|
Lennox |
Best Energy Efficiency |
97.5 |
Up to 28 |
$3,100–$10,000 |
|
Trane |
Best Warranty |
90.5 |
Up to 22 |
$3,500–$15,600 |
|
Amana |
Best Comfort Control |
90 |
Up to 25 |
$3,600–$11,000 |
|
American Standard |
Best Value |
89.5 |
Up to 22 |
$3,500–$10,900 |
Who Are Wall-Mounted Air Conditioners Good For?
What Room Should You Install Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner Go?
appliances are ideal for rooms that don’t have heating and cooling systems, such as finished basements, attics, or garages. They can also add air conditioning to a high-traffic area, such as the kitchen or living room, or to a room where you want extra temperature control, such as a nursery.
For some homes, a couple of well-placed indoor units can handle the heating and cooling needs for most of the year. Mini-splits also make sense in rooms that are off-kilter from the rest of the home’s heating system.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Wall-Mounted Air Conditioners?
Wall-mounted air conditioners have benefits such as low noise levels and avoiding ductwork installation. However, they have shorter life spans compared to other systems. See all the main pros and cons of wall-mounted ACs below.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner?
There are a few things that differentiate the top wall-mounted ACs from one another. Consider the factors below when shopping for a wall-mounted AC to ensure you purchase the best product for your needs.
Cost
Though cheaper than the average cost of a central AC unit, the average cost of a mini-split system still comes at a high price point of $3,000–$9,000. However, you will realistically pay $1,600–$3,500 for one wall-mounted unit.
A system consisting of one condenser, two wall-mounted air handlers, and one floor-mounted air handler could cost anywhere from $3,100–$12,000 without installation fees. You’ll have to pay for installation, which costs an extra $1,200–$2,200, in addition to these unit prices.
Here are the average price ranges for different wall-mounted AC types and components:
| Type of Unit | Cost |
|---|---|
|
Ceiling-Mounted Air Handler
|
$700–$2,000
|
|
Condenser
|
$1,000–$6,000
|
|
Ducted Air Handler
|
$900–$3,000
|
|
Floor-Mounted Air Handler
|
$1,300–$4,000
|
|
Recessed Indoor Ceiling Cassette
|
$500–$2,000
|
|
Wall-Mounted Air Handler
|
$400–$1,000
|
Be aware that some brands, such as Trane, may use their name recognition and long history as reasons to charge higher prices. Though a good reputation is a strong indicator of quality, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should pay more for a comparable unit from a lesser-known brand.
Warranties
Warranties help secure your AC investment. For in-wall ACs, most companies offer a five-year limited warranty for parts, but you can typically increase this to 10 years if you register the products online, usually within 60 days. We encourage you to register your AC unit with its brand to maximize your investment.
A 10-year limited warranty for parts or replacement is standard. A brand that offers a lifetime compressor or replacement warranty signals that the company stands by its products.
Features
You can buy a through-the-wall AC with bells and whistles, such as an internet-accessed monitoring system and a dehumidifier. However, more features mean a higher cost. Consider what features and convenience level you want and compare it with the brand’s price tags to find a middle ground.
Wall-in air conditioning systems that merge your HVAC systems into one unit with a heat pump may cost more up-front. You can save money by opting for a split system, which separates your HVAC system into a furnace for heating and an air conditioner for cooling. However, unified systems with a heat pump are more efficient during summer and lead to lower energy bills, saving you money long-term.
Customer Service
Pay attention to how much customer support is available. A good AC brand should offer various forms of communication, such as an online submission form and a direct phone line. Also, note whether the company provides certified installers, either in-house or through a network of dealers.
To gauge this, we recommend researching brands you’re interested in on popular customer review sites, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This will give you insight into the installation process and what it’s like to deal with that brand’s customer service representatives.
How Is Energy Efficiency of a Air Conditioner Measured?
SEER and ENERGY STAR ratings provide guidance on the energy efficiency of the air-conditioner model you’re considering.
Our Conclusion
The best wall-mounted air conditioner depends on your budget, needs, and wants. Carrier’s units are some of the best-performing, while Lennox’s products have some of the highest SEER ratings and best energy-efficiency scores. However, brands such as Trane or American Standard may be a better fit if you want something more affordable.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when shopping for air conditioners is not obtaining multiple quotes from installers. We recommend getting at least three quotes from different brands to compare costs, warranties, and additional features.
FAQ About the Best Wall-Mounted Air Conditioners
Are wall-mounted AC units worth it?
Whether or not a wall-mounted AC unit is worth it depends on your needs. For example, if you want cool air in room, then a wall-mounted AC might be a more cost-effective option, given that Energy Star reports that wall-mounted AC units can save up to 30% in cooling costs compared to window air conditioner units.
On the other hand, if you want to cool an entire house, purchasing multiple wall-mounted ACs might be a cost-prohibitive approach compared to purchasing a central AC unit.
How long does a wall-mounted air conditioner last?
A wall-mounted air conditioner can last between 15 and 20 years with proper care and maintenance.
Do wall-mounted air conditioners need to be vented?
Yes, a wall-mounted AC unit must be installed through a wall to vent to the outside. Therefore, you will need the wall to connect with an exterior wall. This ventilation is vital for the mini-split system because the warm air and moisture that the indoor unit collects from the interior room are condensed into water droplets and drained via the condensate drain.
You can have the condensate drain in a split AC indoors or outdoors. However, sometimes these drains clog due to mold build-up without the proper ventilation to a home’s exterior.
Is it cheaper to run a wall AC or central AC?
Overall, central air conditioners use less energy to cover more space. This makes a full-size AC more cost-effective in terms of energy savings. Though wall-mounted air conditioning units are cheaper up-front, if you need more than one to stay comfortable, the more cost-effective solution is central air conditioning.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. This means earning your trust through transparent reviews and data to support our ratings and recommendations. Our rating system for HVAC providers is on a 100-point system based on seven factors:
- System cost (20 points): We determine if the company’s cheapest option for a full-size AC or furnace starts below $3,100 or if it exists somewhere between $3,100 and $8,500. The cheaper the average price range, the more points a company receives.
- Efficiency rating (20 points): We consider the company’s best available energy efficiency ratings, namely its highest Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings. The higher the rating, the higher the score.
- Sound rating (10 points): We analyze a company’s lowest possible sound rating in decibels. Companies with lower sound ratings are rated higher.
- Warranty options (10 points): We award the most points to companies with warranties beyond the average 10- and 5-year warranties. We deduct points from companies with warranties that cover three or fewer parts.
- Energy Star certification (10 points): We award more points to companies with Energy Star-certified products.
- Reputation (10 points): We factor in how each company is scored on the Business Better Bureau (BBB). We deduct points for any alerts or pending lawsuits.
- Customer service and resources (20): We consider each company’s available customer support and resources. This includes whether the company offers a user-friendly product search tool, FAQ section, pricing guides, online manuals, and a mobile app.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
