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, analyzed warranties, reviewed product specifications, and compared 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.
| Company | Logo | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Price Range | Warranty | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | A- | $4,800–$11,000 | 10 years | Read Our Review | ||
LennoxRead Our Review | A+ | $5,000–$10,500 | 10 years | Read Our Review | ||
TraneRead Our Review | Not Rated | $7,000-$21,900 | 12 years | Read Our Review | ||
AmanaRead Our Review | A+ | $3,500–$6,500 | 10 years | |||
 | A+ | $3,500–$6,100 | 10 years | |||
YorkRead Our Review | A+ | $2,500–$6,000 | 10 years | |||
Frigidaire Read Our Review | ||||||
RuudRead Our Review | A+ | $3,000–$4,800 | 10 years | |||
GoodmanRead Our Review | A+ | $3,500–$5,500 | 10 years | |||
RheemRead Our Review |
Carrier
Best Performance
Lennox
Best Energy Efficiency
Trane
Best Warranty
Amana
Best Comfort Control
American Standard
Best Value
Wall-Mounted Air Conditioners Explained
There are several types of home air conditioning systems so understanding what you’re getting before purchasing a new cooling system is important. Wall-mounted air conditioning systems, or split system air conditioners, combine indoor and outdoor units. 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.
Like standard AC units, through-the-wall units blow air over coolant coils and expel warm air outside. They are typically rectangular and fit 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?
- Sometimes, using central HVAC isn’t an option. These systems force air through the entire house, often heating or cooling rooms that aren’t used. Consider a mini-split AC system if you want to cool or heat specific rooms with better efficiency and less clutter than window units.
- Many mini-split systems also act as heat pumps. This means receiving a complete heating and cooling system with a wall-mounted AC rather than purchasing an additional space heater or separate heating unit.
What Room Should You Install Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner Go?
These 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.
Pros
- Feature smart-home integration for maximum comfort control and efficiency
- Help you avoid costly ductwork
- Known for quieter operation than other types of ACs, running lower than 50 dB
Cons
- Can be bulky and require you to cut a hole in a clear, level wall
- Have a shorter average life span—up to 10 years—when compared to other AC types
- Limit coverage to only a single room, up to 700 square feet
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner?
A few factors 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. In addition to these unit prices, you’ll have to pay for HVAC installation, which costs an extra $1,200–$2,200.
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 the Energy Efficiency of an Air Conditioner Measured?
SEER and ENERGY STAR ratings provide guidance on the energy efficiency of the air-conditioner model you’re considering.
ENERGY STAR Ratings
Another good quality indicator is a brand that partners with ENERGY STAR. ENERGY STAR uses strict guidelines to certify AC units. For example, the unit must have a SEER rating of 14.5 or higher. It must also have an energy efficiency ratio (EER) rating—a more standardized measurement than SEER—that uses 8% less energy than conventional AC models.
SEER Rating
Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings are the ratio of an AC’s cooling output over a typical cooling season divided by the energy it uses in watt-hours. Wall-mounted AC units feature different SEER ratings than you might experience from standard, central AC units. In fact, wall-mounted units can be 20%–60% more efficient than central AC units, but this increase is partly due to their smaller size and limited area coverage. The average SEER rating is between 15 and 18, but many mini-split systems have ratings in the 20s and 30s. Be aware that a SEER rating is the maximum efficiency rating. Therefore, your unit’s efficiency could be lower depending on your home’s conditions, such as its insulation and quality of windows used.
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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 your 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 more cost-prohibitive than 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.
