💡 Introduction: The Price Tag Surprise
When I first shopped for the GE 12,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Electric Heat (AJEM12DWJ), I thought the price on the website was the whole story. Around $900? Doable. But then reality hit me: there were installation costs, wall sleeves, weatherproofing, and of course, the monthly electric bill.
Like a lot of homeowners, I had focused only on the sticker price. Once I added up everything, the real cost of owning and operating my GE wall unit came into focus. Spoiler alert—it was more than I thought upfront, but less than I feared long-term.
In this guide, I’ll break down the true costs of owning this unit in 2025—from buying it to running it year after year. Whether you’re budgeting for your first wall AC or replacing an older unit, this breakdown will help you make a smarter decision.
🛒 The Upfront Price of the GE AJEM12DWJ
The first line item is the unit itself.
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In 2025, the GE AJEM12DWJ averages $850–$1,050 depending on the retailer.
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Online stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s often run seasonal promotions.
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Direct HVAC suppliers such as The Furnace Outlet list it in the same range, sometimes with bundled wall sleeves.
Comparison to other brands in 2025:
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Amana 12,000 BTU with Heat – ~$1,050–$1,200.
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Friedrich 12,000 BTU Wall Unit – ~$1,200–$1,400.
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GE AJEM12DWJ – typically the middle-of-the-road option for price and efficiency.
👉 My strategy: I bought mine in spring (April) before the summer rush. Prices were lower, and shipping was faster. By June, units were backordered and sometimes $100 more expensive.
🔧 Installation Costs: DIY vs Professional
Buying the unit is only half the story—you need to get it installed.
DIY Option
If you already have a wall sleeve installed from a previous unit, swapping in the GE AJEM12DWJ is straightforward. Slide out the old, slide in the new. In this case, you’re looking at almost no labor cost beyond caulk or weatherstripping.
Professional Installation
If this is your first wall AC, you’ll likely need a contractor:
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Wall Sleeve: ~$120–$180.
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Wall Cut + Framing: $300–$600 (varies by siding type—vinyl is cheaper, brick is more expensive).
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Electrical Setup (208/230V outlet): $200–$400 if you don’t already have one.
👉 In my case: I paid $450 for a contractor to cut through my living room wall and install framing. I did the trim and sealing myself, saving another ~$200.
Total install cost for me: ~$500.
Range for most homeowners: $500–$1,000 if you need both a sleeve and professional installation.
🧩 Accessories and Add-Ons
Your GE unit won’t run at its best without a few extras.
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Wall Sleeve (mandatory): $120–$180.
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Weatherstripping & Caulk: $20–$50.
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Trim Kit for a Finished Look: $40–$80.
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Smart Plug or Thermostat: $40–$120 (helps control run times and save energy).
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Extended Warranty: $80–$150.
👉 I personally bought the sleeve, weatherproofing, and later splurged on a smart plug. Total add-ons: ~$250.
Typical accessory budget: $150–$300.
⚡ Operating Costs – Electricity in 2025
This is the part most people forget to factor in. How much does it cost to actually run the unit?
The GE AJEM12DWJ has a CEER rating of ~9.4, which makes it fairly efficient for its class.
Cooling Costs
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Power draw: ~1,200 watts.
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Usage: 8 hours/day during summer.
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At the U.S. national average electricity rate of 15.6¢/kWh (EIA, 2025), cooling costs about $80–$100/month.
Heating Costs
The heating function uses electric resistance heating—great for mild winters but not as efficient as a furnace.
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Heating mode power draw: ~3,500 watts.
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Usage: 3 hours/day in December–February.
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Estimated monthly cost: $30–$50 in mild winter climates.
Annual Operating Cost
If you use it 3–4 months for cooling and 2–3 months for heating:
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$250–$350 per year.
👉 My experience: I saved about $20/month in summer compared to my old 10,000 BTU window AC, thanks to the higher efficiency and better sealing.
🛠️ Maintenance Costs
The good news: maintaining a GE wall unit is cheap if you stay on top of it.
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Filter Cleaning: Free (washable filter—just rinse monthly).
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Coil Cleaning Kit: $15–$25 once a year.
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Annual Professional Tune-Up (optional): $100–$150.
👉 I usually do DIY cleaning, so my maintenance cost is basically zero, except for one coil cleaning kit I bought for $18.
Range for most homeowners: $0–$150 per year.
📆 Long-Term Value & Lifespan
Now let’s put it all together.
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Average Lifespan: 10–15 years with proper care (Energy Star).
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Total Upfront Costs: $1,400–$2,000 (unit + install + accessories).
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Annual Operating + Maintenance: $250–$400.
That means over 10 years:
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Total Cost of Ownership: $3,900–$6,000.
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Cost per Year of Comfort: $390–$600.
Compared to Window Units:
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Cheaper upfront (~$300–$500).
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Shorter lifespan (5–7 years).
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Higher energy waste.
👉 My math: I would’ve replaced my old window unit twice by now. Instead, my GE wall unit feels like a long-term investment that pays for itself in comfort.
📊 Samantha’s Full Cost Breakdown
Here’s how my budget shook out in 2025:
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Unit Price: $899 (spring sale).
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Wall Sleeve: $150.
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Installation: $450 (pro for wall cut + DIY trim).
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Accessories: $100 (weatherproofing + smart plug).
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First-Year Total: ~$1,600.
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Annual Operating Cost: ~$300.
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Annual Maintenance: ~$20.
👉 Looking at it now, the upfront bill stung, but the day-to-day comfort and lower bills make it more than worth it.
✅ Conclusion: More Than the Sticker Price, But Worth It
So, how much does a GE 12,000 BTU Through-the-Wall AC with Heat really cost in 2025?
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Upfront (unit + install + accessories): $1,400–$2,000.
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Annual operation & care: $250–$400.
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10–15 year lifespan = $4,000–$6,000 total cost.
The real lesson I learned? Don’t get blindsided by the sticker price. Factor in installation, energy, and accessories.
My final word as a homeowner:
“Yes, the upfront cost was higher than I expected, but the peace of mind, efficiency, and year-round comfort made it one of the best investments I’ve made in my home.”
In the next topic we will know more about: GE vs. Amana vs. Friedrich: Which 12,000 BTU Wall Unit Is Best for Small Spaces?