When I bought my Amana 11,500 BTU Through-the-Wall AC/Heat Pump (PBH113J35CC), I thought the hardest part was over. Pick the right size, install it, and enjoy year-round comfort, right?
Well, not exactly.
I quickly discovered that the real magic happens when you add the right accessories. From the wall sleeve that keeps drafts out, to the smart thermostat that saves me money every month, accessories aren’t just “nice extras”—they’re essential for performance, efficiency, and convenience.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best accessories for your Amana unit, what they do, what they cost, and which ones I use in my own home.
🧱 Wall Sleeves: The Foundation of Your Install
If your PTAC is the engine, the wall sleeve is the chassis that holds everything in place.
What a Wall Sleeve Does
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Supports the weight of the unit.
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Provides insulation and weather protection.
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Prevents drafts and water leaks.
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Ensures proper drainage of condensation.
The Amana 11,500 BTU is designed for a 26-inch standard wall sleeve. The recommended model is the Amana WS900E sleeve.
Replace or Reuse?
When I first installed my unit, I thought I’d reuse my old sleeve. But after sliding the new Amana in, I noticed gaps and rattling. A quick inspection showed rust and bent metal.
Replacing it with a new WS900E made a world of difference:
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Quieter operation.
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Tighter seal (no more winter drafts).
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Better efficiency.
👉 According to Friedrich’s wall sleeve guide, a bad sleeve can reduce efficiency and shorten the life of your unit.
Cost:
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$150–$250 depending on brand and supplier.
🎛️ Thermostats: Smarter Temperature Control
The factory controls on most PTACs are basic—you set a temperature, and the unit tries to maintain it. That works fine, but an upgraded thermostat gives you better precision and comfort.
Types of Thermostats for Amana PTACs
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Mechanical: Simple dials, reliable, but limited control.
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Digital Non-Programmable: Push-button precision, clear display.
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Programmable: Lets you set schedules for different times of day.
Samantha’s Upgrade
I swapped out the default controls for a programmable digital thermostat. Why? Because I don’t want to waste energy heating when I’m at work.
Now, my Amana automatically lowers the temp during the day and warms the room before I get home.
👉 Energy.gov estimates programmable thermostats can save 10% annually on heating and cooling costs.
Cost:
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$50–$200 depending on features.
📱 Smart Controls: Remote Access & Automation
This was the game-changer for me.
Adding smart controls to my Amana PTAC means I can:
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Turn it on with my phone before I leave work.
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Adjust temps with Alexa or Google Assistant.
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Use geofencing (it shuts off when I leave the house).
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Track energy use.
Options for Amana
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Smart PTAC thermostats (direct integration).
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Wi-Fi plugs/adapters that let you schedule or control power remotely.
Samantha’s Favorite Feature
When I’m out on a cold evening, I love opening my app and turning the heat on 15 minutes before I get home. Walking into a warm living room feels like luxury.
👉 Consumer Reports recommends smart thermostats for convenience and significant energy savings.
Cost:
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$80–$300 depending on brand and compatibility.
🧼 Filters & Air Quality Accessories
Every PTAC comes with a washable filter, but upgrading can improve both air quality and efficiency.
Filter Options
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Standard washable filter: Works fine if cleaned monthly.
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Electrostatic filter: Better at trapping dust and pollen.
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Activated carbon filter: Helps with odors and smoke.
Samantha’s routine: I wash my filter once a month and replace it annually with a fresh electrostatic filter.
👉 According to Energy.gov, a dirty filter can increase energy use by 5–15%.
Cost:
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$20–$50 annually depending on filter type.
🖼️ Trim Kits & Grilles: Finishing Touches
This is about looks and comfort.
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Trim kits cover gaps around the unit and improve the seal.
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Grilles improve airflow and give your PTAC a polished appearance.
Samantha’s Quick Fix
When I installed my Amana, the wall cutout wasn’t perfectly even. The trim kit covered the rough edges and made the install look professional—plus, it sealed small gaps where air could escape.
Cost:
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$50–$100
🛠️ Other Handy Accessories
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Drain kits: Direct condensation away from walls.
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Surge protectors: Keep your investment safe from power spikes.
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Insulation panels: Add extra thermal protection for extreme climates.
📊 Cost Breakdown: Budgeting for Accessories
| Accessory | Purpose | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Wall Sleeve | Support & insulation | $150–$250 |
| Thermostat | Precision temp control | $50–$200 |
| Smart Controls | Remote access & automation | $80–$300 |
| Filters | Air quality & efficiency | $20–$50/year |
| Trim Kit/Grille | Finish & seal gaps | $50–$100 |
👉 Adding the most important accessories (sleeve + thermostat + filter upgrades) will run about $300–$500—a small price for better comfort and efficiency.
🌀 Samantha’s Recommendations
If you’re just starting out, here’s my priority list:
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Wall Sleeve – Without it, nothing else works properly.
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Programmable or Smart Thermostat – Saves money and boosts comfort.
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Filter Upgrade – Keeps air clean and system efficient.
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Trim Kit – Makes your install look polished.
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Smart Controls – The cherry on top for ultimate convenience.
✅ Final Takeaways
The Amana 11,500 BTU Through-the-Wall AC/Heat Pump works right out of the box—but with the right accessories, it becomes a whole different experience: quieter, more efficient, smarter, and better looking.
For me, the combination of a new wall sleeve, programmable thermostat, and smart controls made my home more comfortable and cut my energy bills noticeably.
So don’t stop at the unit itself—accessorize it like you would your favorite outfit. Because when it comes to comfort, the details matter.
In the next topic we will know more about: Maintenance Checklist for Your Amana 11,500 BTU: Filters, Coils & Seasonal Care
