🧭 Amana 11,900 BTU 230/208V Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Electric Heat and Remote 

If you’ve ever wondered whether 11,900 BTUs is truly enough cooling power for your space, you’re not alone. Through-the-wall ACs like this Amana model promise efficient, quiet, year-round comfort—but only if they’re sized correctly.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know before choosing your BTU rating—from square footage and ceiling height to insulation, layout, and even humidity. By the end, you’ll know whether this Amana unit is the perfect fit or if you should size up (or down).

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🧊 1. BTU Basics: What Those Numbers Actually Mean

A BTU (British Thermal Unit) measures how much heat an AC can remove per hour. The higher the BTU, the more cooling power.

• Under-sized unit = overworked system → runs constantly and never catches up.

• Over-sized unit = short cycles → higher humidity, uneven cooling, wasted energy.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), most homeowners buy systems that are too large for their rooms, which leads to unnecessary energy costs.

So the goal isn’t “the biggest number possible”—it’s the right number.

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📏 2. Quick Sizing Reference: Square Footage vs BTU Chart

Below is a quick-look guide based on Energy Star’s official room-size recommendations.

This table shows that the Amana 11,900 BTU is ideal for rooms around 450–550 sq ft—think medium-to-large bedrooms, home offices, or small studio apartments.

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🧱 3. Room Shape, Ceiling Height & Layout Matter

While square footage is the starting point, volume and airflow shape how effectively an AC cools.

• High ceilings (9 ft +) → add ~10 % more BTUs.

• Open-concept layouts → cooling air escapes to other zones, so add ~15 %.

• Multiple windows or sun-facing walls → increase load by 10 – 20 %.

If your 500 sq ft living area has big south-facing windows, bumping up from a 10k to an 11,900 BTU unit (like the Amana) is right on target.

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☀️ 4. Sunlight, Insulation & Climate Adjustments

Not all 500-sq-ft rooms are created equal.
The EPA’s EnergyStar Climate Zone Map reminds us that insulation, weather, and humidity shift cooling needs:

So if you’re in Phoenix or Miami, the Amana 11,900 BTU fits rooms as large as 450 sq ft. In cooler, shaded climates, it can easily handle 550 sq ft or more.

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🛋️ 5. Furniture and Airflow Obstacles

Even the most powerful wall unit struggles if air can’t circulate.

According to HVAC.com’s placement guide, you should:

• Keep the grille 3 ft clear of drapes or furniture.

• Avoid corners or tight alcoves.

• Check that return air isn’t blocked by bed frames or bookcases.

If your Amana is installed correctly, its airflow pattern will cool evenly and prevent hot or cold pockets—a huge comfort upgrade.

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⚙️ 6. How the Amana 11,900 BTU Performs in Real Rooms

🛏️ Bedroom (350 – 500 sq ft)

Perfect match. The built-in electric heat doubles your investment by handling shoulder-season warmth without a separate heater.

🏢 Home Office or Studio (400 – 550 sq ft)

Ideal for long-hour usage where quiet operation matters. Amana’s twin fan motor keeps sound levels around 53–56 dB—lower than many comparable models listed on Home Depot.

🏨 Small Hotel or Commercial Suite (300 – 400 sq ft)

When paired with a proper wall sleeve and grille, this through-the-wall design meets both residential and hospitality standards. It’s why Amana remains a top brand in hotel PTAC installations nationwide.

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🧮 7. BTU Calculator: A Step-by-Step Example

Let’s walk through a quick example sizing for Savvy’s 500 sq ft living room in Atlanta, GA (9-ft ceiling, sun-facing windows).

1. Start with base BTU: 500 × 25 = 12,500 BTU (approx.)

2. Ceiling height +10 % = +1,250 BTU

3. South facing windows +10 % = +1,250 BTU

4. Ceiling fan / air mix −5 % = −625 BTU
   → Final load ≈ 11,900 BTU

So Savvy’s Amana hits the target—neither over nor underpowered.

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🔌 8. Understanding Voltage and Amp Draw

The Amana PBE123J35AA runs on 230/208 volts, typical for heavy-duty through-the-wall units.
Compared with a standard 115 V window AC, the higher voltage:

• Reduces amp draw → less strain on circuits.

• Enables the 3.5 kW electric heat backup.

• Improves efficiency during long cycles.

If you’re upgrading from a smaller unit, confirm your outlet matches the plug type (L6-20 P or NEMA 6-20R).
Electrical Safety Foundation International offers guidance on safe wiring and breaker sizing.

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🔇 9. Noise Level and User Comfort

Amana’s design keeps the compressor isolated inside a vibration-dampened housing, reducing operational noise—especially valuable for light-sleepers.

The Air-Conditioning Heating and Refrigeration Institute notes that for bedrooms, anything under 60 dB is considered quiet. The Amana PBE123J35AA lands comfortably below that range.

Combine that with a programmable thermostat and you get steady, undisturbed comfort day and night.

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🌬️ 10. Cooling vs Dehumidification Power

Cooling isn’t just about temperature—it’s also about moisture control.
This Amana model removes ~3.5 pints of moisture per hour, according to manufacturer specs verified by AHAM.

That means no clammy air or musty odors in humid zones like Florida or Louisiana—another reason it outperforms smaller BTU models.

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🛠️ 11. Installation Tips and Wall Sleeve Compatibility

If you’re replacing an older through-the-wall unit, verify the sleeve dimensions (26” width × 15.625” height × 16.75” depth).

For new installs:

1. Cut the opening slightly larger than the sleeve frame.

2. Use weather-resistant caulk and foam sealant to prevent leaks.

3. Slope the sleeve ¼ inch outward for drainage.

You can find compatible wall sleeves on The Furnace Outlet’s Through-the-Wall Accessories collection.

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💡 12. When to Size Up or Down

Size Up To 14,000 BTU If:

• Space exceeds 550 sq ft.

• Room faces direct afternoon sun.

• Occupants regularly use heat-producing appliances (computers, kitchen equipment).

Size Down To 9,000 BTU If:

• Space is under 400 sq ft.

• Excellent insulation and shade.

• You prioritize whisper-quiet operation.

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🧠 13. Energy Efficiency and Operating Cost Estimates

The Amana 11,900 BTU unit typically delivers an EER of 10.5 – 11.2, placing it in the efficient range for through-the-wall models.

Using the Energy Saver Calculator, a unit running 6 hours daily for 90 days at $0.14/kWh costs about $80 – $95 per summer season.

Add the electric heat backup, and it still beats many separate AC + space heater setups on total cost of ownership.

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🌡️ 14. Dual-Function Comfort: Electric Heat for Winter Days

Unlike cool-only models, the PBE123J35AA comes with a 3.5 kW electric heat kit, ideal for transitional seasons.

This feature makes it a favorite in light commercial retrofits where central HVAC is overkill.

For homeowners in the Mid-Atlantic or Southwest, this dual-function design eliminates the need for a separate heater—keeping comfort consistent year-round.

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🧼 15. Maintenance Checklist for Peak Performance

Home Advisor’s maintenance guide confirms that clean filters can cut energy use by 5–15 %.

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💬 16. Real-World Feedback from Owners

Amana has built a reputation for durability and quiet operation in hospitality and multi-unit residences.

Owners highlight:

• Fast temperature pull-down after startup.

• Remote control precision (±1 °F variance).

• Easy access filter door design.

Reviews on Consumer Affairs note that Amana’s warranty and service network remain among the most responsive in the industry.

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🧭 17. When 11,900 BTUs Is Exactly Right

Choose this model if:

• Your space is 400–550 sq ft.

• You need both cooling and electric heat.

• Noise and efficiency are priorities.

• You want a clean, permanent through-the-wall installation instead of a window AC.

It’s the perfect middle ground for apartment owners, DIYers, and property managers who want quiet, steady performance without complex ductwork.

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🛒 18. Where to Buy and Bundle Accessories

Pair the Amana 11,900 BTU unit with:

• Amana Standard Wall Sleeve → Shop Now

• Decorative Exterior Grille → Improves airflow and protection

• Weather Seal Kit → Boosts insulation in extreme climates

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🏁 19. Final Takeaway: Smart Sizing Means Lasting Comfort

An 11,900 BTU Amana through-the-wall unit is the Goldilocks zone of cooling for medium-sized spaces: not too small, not too large, just right.

When 9,000 BTUs underperform and 14,000 BTUs overcool, this model hits the efficiency sweet spot—offering consistent comfort, quiet operation, and year-round heating capability.

If your space falls between 450 and 550 sq ft, the Amana PBE123J35AA isn’t just enough—it’s ideal.

In the next blog, we shall learn more about Why Amana Wall Units Are a Top Choice for Apartments, Condos & Retrofits