DIY or Call a Pro? Installing the Amana 11,600 BTU the Smart Way

Before you grab your toolbox, check out the Amana 11,600 BTU 115V Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Remote (Model PBC122J00AA). It’s the model I’ll be referencing throughout this installation guide — one of the easiest, most efficient wall units you can install yourself with the right prep.

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🧊 1. The Big Question: DIY or Professional Install?

Installing a through-the-wall AC like the Amana 11,600 BTU can be a rewarding project — but only if you’re confident with power tools, measuring, and sealing.

Here’s the honest breakdown:

So, should you go DIY or hire a pro?
Let’s walk through each step so you can decide for yourself.

📎 According to HomeAdvisor, most through-the-wall AC installations cost between $300–$700, depending on wall type and electrical access.

💬 Savvy Tip: If you already have an existing wall sleeve or opening, DIY is absolutely doable — you’re halfway there.

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📐 2. Step One: Check Compatibility Before Anything Else

Before cutting or mounting, verify that your wall can handle it.

✅ Quick Pre-Check List:

• You have an exterior wall (not an interior partition).

• There are no hidden studs, pipes, or wiring in your cutout area.

• You have access to a 115V grounded outlet nearby.

• Your wall thickness is between 8–18 inches (fits standard sleeves).

💬 Savvy Tip: Older brick homes often have thicker walls — use a deep sleeve extension if needed.

📎 Energy.gov recommends measuring twice and confirming wall construction before any AC installation to prevent damage or energy leaks.

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🧱 3. Step Two: Choose (and Measure for) the Right Wall Sleeve

Your Amana PBC122J00AA is designed for the WS900E wall sleeve, measuring about 26" W x 15.5" H x 16.75" D.

How to Measure for a Perfect Fit:

1. Use a stud finder to locate wall framing.

2. Mark a rectangle that fits your sleeve size.

3. Measure twice — height, width, and depth must align.

💬 Savvy Tip: Add ¼-inch extra width for foam insulation and easier sliding.

📎 The Amana installation manual confirms that the WS900E is the ideal companion sleeve for this model.

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🪚 4. Step Three: Cutting the Wall Opening (for New Installs)

If you don’t have an existing sleeve, this is the step that decides whether to go DIY or call a pro.

For DIYers:

You’ll need a reciprocating saw or jigsaw, a drill, and patience.

Basic steps:

1. Drill small pilot holes at your marked corners.

2. Cut along your outline carefully.

3. Frame the opening with 2x4 studs for reinforcement.

For Pros:

A contractor can cut and frame the wall opening in under an hour — ideal if you’re working with brick, stucco, or concrete.

💬 Savvy Tip: If your home’s exterior is brick, hire a pro. Brick cutting requires a masonry blade and perfect alignment.

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🔩 5. Step Four: Installing the Sleeve — The Heart of the Setup

Once the opening is ready, it’s time to install your wall sleeve — this is what holds and seals the entire system.

🧰 DIY Installation Steps:

1. Slide the sleeve into the wall opening from inside the room.

2. Make sure it tilts slightly outward (¼-inch slope) to allow drainage.

3. Secure the sleeve to framing using screws through the side flanges.

4. Seal around the edges with outdoor-grade silicone or foam tape.

5. Attach the rear grille to the sleeve’s back.

💬 Savvy Tip: Don’t over-tighten screws — you’ll want a snug, not forced, fit.

📎 Home Depot’s AC install guide emphasizes drainage tilt as critical to preventing indoor leaks.

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💨 6. Step Five: Slide In the AC Unit

Now the fun part — installing your Amana.

Steps:

1. Unbox the unit carefully.

2. Remove any packing foam or tape from vents.

3. Slide the unit into the sleeve until it’s flush with your interior wall.

4. Secure it using the provided mounting brackets or screws.

5. Plug into your nearby 115V outlet.

💬 Savvy Tip: Always plug directly into a grounded outlet — never use an extension cord.

 

🧽 7. Step Six: Seal and Finish for Efficiency

Once the AC is mounted, proper sealing keeps your system efficient and weather-resistant.

Seal Like a Pro:

• Use silicone sealant around interior edges.

• Fill small gaps with foam insulation strips.

• Add trim panels for a clean look.

💬 Savvy Tip: Don’t block the drainage path at the bottom — only seal the top and sides.

📎 Energy Star’s weatherization tips show that airtight sealing reduces air leakage by up to 25%, saving on energy bills.

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🧯 8. Step Seven: Safety & Electrical Considerations

The Amana 11,600 BTU draws roughly 10 amps at 115 volts, which most home outlets can handle.

Safety Guidelines:

• Use a dedicated circuit if possible.

• Avoid plugging into shared outlets with high-load devices.

• Check that the plug fits securely and doesn’t heat up during operation.

📎 Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) recommends periodic checks for loose or warm AC plugs to prevent electrical fires.

💬 Savvy Tip: If your outlet is old or ungrounded (two-prong), hire an electrician to install a modern three-prong grounded outlet.

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🧰 9. Tools You’ll Need (for DIY Installers)

💬 Savvy Tip: A $20 stud finder can save you hundreds in repair costs if it prevents one misplaced cut.

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🧱 10. Common DIY Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

📎 HVAC.com recommends checking all seals and supports before first use to prevent performance loss.

💬 Savvy Tip: Your wall AC should feel snug but slide in easily — too tight means over-sealing, too loose means poor insulation.

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💨 11. Testing the System

Once installed, do a test run to ensure everything works perfectly.

Quick Test Checklist:

• ✅ Fan operates quietly (no rattling).

• ✅ Cool air starts within 1–2 minutes.

• ✅ Drain water exits from rear outside.

• ✅ No air drafts around the edges.

💬 Savvy Tip: If your unit hums loudly, it’s likely misaligned in the sleeve — remove and reseat gently until level.

📎 Energy.gov recommends performance testing after every new install to verify airflow and sound levels.

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🧩 12. When It’s Better to Call a Professional

Sometimes calling in a pro saves time, hassle, and long-term issues.

Call a Technician If:

• Your wall is masonry or brick.

• You need a new electrical circuit.

• You’re unsure about wall framing stability.

• You’re replacing an old rusted sleeve.

💬 Savvy Tip: Even a one-hour professional consultation can help you verify your measurements and wall safety before you DIY.

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🧠 13. Seasonal Maintenance After Installation

Once it’s up and running, maintenance keeps it efficient:

Monthly:

• Rinse the filter with warm water.

• Vacuum interior grille.

Seasonally:

• Check sleeve drainage after storms.

• Clean coils and rear grille.

• Reseal any visible cracks.

📎 Family Handyman’s AC maintenance guide confirms that clean filters and coils reduce energy use by 5–15%.

💬 Savvy Tip: Add “Clean AC filter” to your first-Sunday-of-the-month checklist — it’s a two-minute habit that saves real money.

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💰 14. Cost Breakdown: DIY vs. Professional Installation

💬 Savvy Tip: If you already have the tools and wall sleeve, DIY installation can save you nearly 60%.

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🏁 15. The Smart Way to Decide

So — should you do it yourself or call in the experts?

Go DIY If:

• You’re comfortable with measuring and light carpentry.

• Your wall is wood-frame or drywall.

• You’re reusing an existing sleeve.

Call a Pro If:

• You have brick or concrete walls.

• Your electrical setup isn’t grounded.

• You want guaranteed warranty coverage.

📎 ENERGY STAR reminds homeowners that professional installations ensure long-term energy savings and proper warranty validation.

💬 Savvy’s Final Tip:
“If you can hang a wall shelf and seal a window, you can install an Amana wall AC. But if you’d rather relax with a cold drink while someone else does it — that’s smart too.”

In the next topic we will know more about: When to Replace, When to Repair — Knowing the Lifespan of Your Amana Wall AC