When you buy a new Amana, GE, or Hotpoint wall unit, you’re not just buying the unit itself—you’re buying into a system. To get the most out of it, you’ll need the right accessories. Think of these like add-ons for your car: floor mats, GPS, or winter tires. They don’t just make life easier—they help your investment last longer and perform better.
From wall sleeves and grilles that protect your system, to smart controls that cut down energy use, to heat kits that extend comfort into winter, the right accessories can make the difference between a good purchase and a great one.
In this guide, I’ll break down the must-have accessories for Amana, GE, and Hotpoint units, how much they cost, and which brand does them best.
🏠 Wall Sleeves & Grilles: The Foundation of a Good Install
If your unit is going through-the-wall, a wall sleeve isn’t optional—it’s essential.
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What it does:
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Provides a secure housing for the unit.
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Protects against drafts and leaks.
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Keeps structural integrity of the wall.
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Cost: $120–$250 for sleeves, $60–$100 for grilles.
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Brand Differences:
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Amana → Heavy-duty sleeves, built for longevity.
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GE → Standard 42" sleeves, compatible with most hotel/condo retrofits.
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Hotpoint → More compact, budget-friendly sleeves.
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👉 Check EnergyStar’s installation guidelines to see why sleeves are critical for energy efficiency.
💡 Pro Tip: Always use the manufacturer-approved sleeve. A mismatched sleeve can void your warranty.
📱 Smart Controls & Thermostats
Smart controls are where GE really shines, but Amana is catching up. Hotpoint? More old-school.
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Amana
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Basic digital thermostats included.
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Some models compatible with wall-mounted controls.
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GE
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Advanced smart integration: Wi-Fi, energy management systems, occupancy sensors.
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Perfect for hotels, condos, and smart homes.
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Hotpoint
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Simple mechanical or digital controls.
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No smart connectivity.
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Cost: $50–$200 depending on sophistication.
👉 See GE Appliances’ Smart PTAC controls for integration examples.
🔥 Electric Heat Kits
Want your wall unit to provide warmth in the winter? That’s where heat kits come in.
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What they are: Add-on electric heating elements that provide supplemental heat.
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Cost: $120–$250 depending on size.
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When to use:
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Great for Amana and GE PTACs.
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Hotpoint offers basic heating, but fewer kit options.
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Brand Breakdown:
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Amana → Wide range of heat kit compatibility.
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GE → Popular in hotel applications; reliable performance.
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Hotpoint → Limited, usually built-in heating only.
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👉 Learn more about PTAC heating add-ons from EnergyStar.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t oversize your heat kit. Bigger isn’t better—it can cause short cycling.
💧 Drain Kits & Pans
If you’ve ever dealt with a leaking AC, you know why drain kits matter.
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What they do: Channel condensation away from your unit.
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Cost: $20–$50.
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Brand Insights:
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Amana → Durable drain pans built to last.
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GE → Angled designs improve water flow.
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Hotpoint → Smaller pans—need more frequent checks.
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👉 See DOE’s AC maintenance guide for drainage care tips.
💡 Pro Tip: Pour a small amount of vinegar into the line quarterly to prevent clogs.
🌀 Filter Replacements
Filters are the cheapest and most important accessory you’ll ever buy.
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Amana → Washable, reusable filters. Replace every 1–2 years.
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GE → Smart filter alerts remind you when to replace.
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Hotpoint → Basic slide-out filters; replace annually.
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Cost: $10–$40 depending on size.
💡 Pro Tip: A dirty filter can increase energy use by 15%.
🧰 Other Handy Accessories
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Weatherstripping / Insulation Kits – $20–$40, prevents air leaks.
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Remote Controls – $20–$60, handy for Amana and GE models.
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Covers for Off-Season – $30–$50, protect exterior grilles in winter.
📊 Brand Accessory Comparison
| Accessory | Amana | GE | Hotpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sleeves | ✅ Durable | ✅ Standard | ✅ Compact |
| Smart Controls | ⚠️ Basic | ✅ Advanced | ❌ None |
| Heat Kits | ✅ Wide options | ✅ Reliable | ⚠️ Limited |
| Drain Kits | ✅ Strong pans | ✅ Angled flow | ⚠️ Small pans |
| Filter Systems | ✅ Reusable | ✅ Smart alerts | ⚠️ Basic |
📝 Samantha’s Final Thoughts
When I bought my first wall unit, I thought the unit itself was the only expense. But over the years, I’ve learned the accessories are what make or break your comfort and efficiency.
Here’s my take:
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Amana → Best if you want durability and strong heat kit options.
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GE → The top choice for smart tech and efficiency.
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Hotpoint → Stick with the basics; don’t expect smart upgrades.
So before you hit “checkout,” make sure you’re also budgeting for the right accessories. They’ll pay for themselves in comfort, efficiency, and fewer headaches down the road.
In the next topic we will know more about: Do Wall Units Work in Cold Winters? Heating Options Compared (Electric vs. Heat Pump Models)
