When most people see a price tag on a through-the-wall air conditioner, they assume that’s the cost. But as I learned when I installed my Amana 12,000 BTU wall AC, the sticker price is only the beginning. Sleeves, grilles, installation, energy bills, and even maintenance all factor into the real cost of ownership.
The good news? With the right choices, your Amana can give you 10–12 years of reliable comfort without draining your wallet. In this guide, I’ll break down every major cost you should expect:
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Equipment 🛠️
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Installation 🔧
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Energy use ⚡
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Maintenance 🧽
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Long-term value ⏳
🛠️ Equipment Costs
The first step in the cost equation is the equipment itself. A through-the-wall AC isn’t just the unit—it’s a system of parts that need to work together.
💰 Main Unit
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Amana 12,000 BTU Through-the-Wall AC: ~$750–$850
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Cools 450–550 sq. ft. (ideal for medium-to-large rooms).
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Runs on 230/208V power, so may require a dedicated outlet.
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🪟 Wall Sleeve
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Price: $100–$200
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Purpose: Provides structural support, ensures proper drainage, and seals the wall opening.
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Non-negotiable—you can’t install a through-the-wall AC without one.
🪟 Grilles (Interior & Exterior)
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Price: $20–$75 each
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Purpose: Protects the unit, directs airflow, and improves appearance.
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Exterior grille prevents rust, debris, and pests.
🔧 Accessories
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Foam insulation, caulk, screws, trim: ~$25–$50.
👉 Mike’s Tip: “When budgeting, don’t forget the sleeve and grille. They’re easy to overlook, but without them, your unit won’t function right.”
📖 Reference: Home Depot – Wall AC Pricing
🔧 Installation Costs
Once you’ve got the unit, you need to get it in the wall. Here’s where costs vary depending on whether you go DIY or professional.
🛠️ DIY Installation
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Cost: Your time + tools you may already own.
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Savings: ~$300–$500 in labor.
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Challenges: Cutting a precise wall opening, framing, installing sleeve, electrical hookups.
👉 Mike’s Story: “I handled the wall cut and sleeve install myself, but I hired an electrician for the 230V outlet. That was money well spent—I wasn’t about to take risks with high-voltage wiring.”
👷 Professional Installation
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Labor: $300–$500
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Electrical upgrade (if needed): $200–$400 for a dedicated 230V outlet.
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Total professional install: $500–$900.
⚖️ DIY vs. Pro
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DIY: Cheaper, satisfying, but time-consuming.
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Pro: Faster, safer, ensures warranty compliance.
📖 Reference: Wall AC Installation Costs
⚡ Energy Use & Monthly Costs
Your biggest ongoing cost isn’t installation—it’s the energy the unit consumes each summer.
🔎 Typical Usage
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A 12,000 BTU wall AC consumes 1,000–1,200 watts/hour.
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Running 8 hours/day = 8–9.5 kWh/day.
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Average electricity cost = $0.15/kWh (U.S. average).
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Daily cost: $1.20–$1.50
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Monthly cost: $30–$50 (depending on usage and rates).
🏷️ Energy Star Savings
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Energy Star-certified models save 10–15% on electricity compared to standard models.
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Over 10 years, that’s $400–$600 saved.
🌡️ Climate Impact
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Hotter climates = higher run times.
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In cooler regions, you may only use it 3–4 months per year.
👉 Mike’s Tip: “One summer I let the filter go dirty, and my bill jumped by $15 that month. Clean filters = real savings.”
📖 Reference: Energy.gov – Room AC Energy Use
🧽 Maintenance Costs
Unlike central AC, through-the-wall units are fairly easy to maintain. Most tasks you can do yourself with little or no cost.
🧼 Routine Maintenance
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Filter cleaning: Free if done monthly.
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Filter replacement: $15–$30 (only if damaged).
🌀 Seasonal Tasks
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Coil cleaning: DIY with $10 coil cleaner or $100–$150 for professional service.
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Drain cleaning: Free if DIY, vinegar + pipe cleaner.
💸 Annual Cost
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DIY: $20–$50 (supplies).
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Pro-assisted: $100–$150 (if you hire coil cleaning).
👉 Mike’s Story: “I schedule a 30-minute maintenance session every spring. That little habit has kept my Amana running like new for 9 years.”
📖 Reference: Energy Star – AC Maintenance Tips
⏳ Long-Term Value
Here’s where the numbers really matter: what does ownership cost over 10–12 years?
🧾 Ownership Costs Over 12 Years
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Equipment & Install: $1,200–$1,600 (unit, sleeve, grille, install)
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Energy: $3,500–$5,000 (varies by climate & usage)
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Maintenance: $600–$1,000 (DIY vs. pro care)
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Total Cost: ~$5,500–$7,500
💰 Value Compared to Alternatives
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Window units: Cheaper upfront, but less efficient and shorter lifespan (5–7 years).
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Central air: Far more expensive upfront ($5,000+), but better for whole-home cooling.
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Mini-splits: Quiet and efficient but cost $2,000–$5,000 installed.
👉 Mike’s Verdict: “For single-room cooling, through-the-wall ACs hit the sweet spot. They cost more upfront than a window unit, but last twice as long and save money on energy.”
📖 Reference: Consumer Reports – AC Lifespan & Value
📊 Cost-Saving Strategies
Want to stretch your dollar? Here are my favorite ways to save:
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Buy Energy Star-certified models. They qualify for rebates and use less energy.
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Install and seal the sleeve properly. Prevents air leaks that waste electricity.
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Clean filters monthly. Keeps airflow strong and energy bills low.
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Use eco or sleep modes. Cuts runtime at night.
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Combine with a ceiling fan. Helps circulate air so you can set the thermostat higher.
👉 Mike’s Tip: “My electric bill dropped noticeably when I started using eco mode at night. It cycles less often but still keeps the room cool.”
📖 Reference: This Old House – Cooling Costs & Tips
✅ Mike’s Final Verdict
So what’s the real cost of owning a 12,000 BTU Amana wall AC?
👉 Mike’s Bottom Line:
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Upfront costs: $900–$1,200 with sleeve and grille.
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Installation: $0 if DIY, $500–$900 with a pro.
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Energy bills: $30–$50/month in summer.
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Maintenance: $20–$100/year, depending on DIY or pro.
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Lifespan: 10–12 years with proper care.
At the end of the day, you’re looking at $600–$700 per year spread across a decade for reliable cooling. That’s less than most people spend on coffee runs.
👉 “For me, the Amana was worth every penny. I know exactly what it costs me each year, and I know I’ll get another 3–4 summers before I even think about replacing it. That’s real value.”
In the next topic we will know more about: Cooling Power in Summer: Can the Amana 12k Handle Extreme Heat?
