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How Much Does a 15,000 BTU Through-The-Wall AC Cost (Equipment + Installation + Running Costs)?

Savvy tone: “Let’s talk dollars—so your budget doesn’t ghost you later.”

Buying a through-the-wall AC isn’t just a one-and-done purchase. It’s equipment cost + installation cost + daily operating cost + long-term maintenance. And if you want to avoid that “wait… why was my electric bill $150 higher?” moment, you need to see the full picture before you hit Buy Now.

The good news: when properly chosen and installed, a 15,000 BTU through-the-wall AC delivers powerful cooling using a space-saving design that beats bulky window units—something The Furnace Outlet highlights in the pillar page.

The better news: we’ve created the full financial breakdown here so you know exactly what you’re getting into. No surprises. No ghosting. No hidden fees creeping out of the ductwork like bad exes.

Let’s break it all down—Savvy style.

1. Equipment Cost: How Much Does the Unit Itself Cost?

A typical 15,000 BTU through-the-wall AC falls into the mid-range of home cooling appliances. These aren’t cheap window shakers—but they’re not mini-split expensive either. They hit a nice sweet spot: strong cooling power, good efficiency options, and long-term reliability.

Average Equipment Cost

For most homeowners:

Budget models: $450–$600
Mid-range models: $600–$850
Premium models: $850–$1,200+

The average person ends up spending around $650–$900 for a reliable unit.

✔ What Determines Your Unit Cost?

1. EER/CEER Rating (Energy Efficiency)

Higher efficiency = higher upfront cost
But higher efficiency = lower monthly bills.
→ Energy.gov

This is why The Furnace Outlet emphasizes energy efficiency in the pillar content: it saves real money long-term.

2. Brand Reputation

Companies like GE, LG, Amana, and Friedrich charge more because their units last longer and perform more consistently.

3. Noise Reduction Technology

Quieter units cost more because insulation and vibration dampening aren’t cheap.

4. Smart Features

Wi-Fi, app control, scheduling, and digital thermostats all bump pricing.

5. Build Quality

Thicker metal casing, better compressors, smoother fan assemblies = higher price, longer life.

2. Installation Cost: What You’ll Pay to Get It in the Wall

This is where many homeowners underestimate the budget. A through-the-wall AC requires:

A wall sleeve
A properly framed wall opening
Exterior cutting
Weatherproofing
Electrical upgrades (sometimes)

Most window AC shoppers skip installation fees because they DIY. But through-the-wall AC shoppers?
Different story.

Here’s the real breakdown.

2.1 Wall Sleeve Cost: $70–$150

Many units require a specific sleeve that fits the model—don’t assume your old one works. Most manufacturers are picky.

This is a necessary part, not optional.

2.2 Labor (Cutting + Framing + Sleeve Install): $300–$1,000

Here’s why this range is so big:

✔ Cutting drywall and exterior siding?

Cheap.

✔ Cutting brick, stucco, or masonry?

More expensive.

✔ Framing a new opening?

Mid-range.

✔ Fixing a botched previous install?

Very expensive.

You’ll also pay more if:

Your outlet is too far away
Your studs require reinforcement
You need weatherproofing upgrades
The installer has to remove an old unit

2.3 Electrical Work: $150–$600

A 15,000 BTU AC usually requires a 230V dedicated circuit.

If your home already has a compatible outlet nearby, you may skip this step.

If not?

You may need:

A new 230V outlet
A dedicated breaker
New wiring run to the panel

→ NEC Electrical Code Reference

2.4 Total Installation Cost Summary

Item	Cost Range
Wall Sleeve	$70–$150
Labor (Cutting + Framing + Mounting)	$300–$1,000
Electrical Work	$150–$600
Total Installation Cost	$520–$1,750

Most homeowners spend: $700–$1,200.

3. Running Costs: How Much Electricity Does It Use?

Ah yes—the silent budget vampire.

A 15,000 BTU through-the-wall AC uses 1.4 kW to 1.6 kW while operating. The exact number depends heavily on your unit’s EER or CEER rating, which indicates energy efficiency.

Example:
A unit with 10.3 EER uses noticeably less energy than a unit with 9.0 EER.
→ Carrier

3.1 Monthly Electricity Cost Formula

Here’s the simple formula:

Wattage × Hours Used × Electricity Rate

Average U.S. electricity rate: $0.16 per kWh
→ U.S. Energy Information Administration

Let’s assume:

1.5 kW consumption
8 hours per day
30 days

Monthly Cost

1.5 kW × 8 hours × 30 days × $0.16 = $57.60/month

Peak Summer Months

If you run it 12–14 hours/day:
≈ $80–$120/month

High-Efficiency Units

If your model has high CEER:
You may save $8–$25/month during summer.

This is exactly why The Furnace Outlet stresses choosing a high-EER model.

4. Lifecycle Cost: The TOTAL Cost Over 10 Years

Want the real financial truth?
Equipment + installation is just the appetizer.

Your AC’s total 10-year cost includes:

Purchase
Installation
Electricity
Filters
Cleaning
Occasional repair
Possible sleeve replacement

Let’s break it all down.

4.1 Purchase + Installation (One-Time)

Average:
$650–$900 (unit)
$700–$1,200 (installation)

10-year total upfront:
$1,350–$2,100

4.2 Electricity Over 10 Years

Summer use (May–September): 5 months
Avg monthly cost: $60
Annual: $300
10-year: $3,000

High-efficiency units may drop to ~$2,400.

4.3 Maintenance Costs

Filters: $10–$25 each
Coil cleaner: $15–$20
Annual deep cleaning (DIY): free
Professional cleaning (optional): $125–$200

10-year estimate: $150–$600

4.4 Repairs

Not yearly—but likely eventually.

Typical repairs:

Thermostat sensor: $40–$100
Fan motor: $120–$250
Control board: $130–$350
Sleeve replacement: $100–$250

10-year estimate: $200–$500

4.5 10-Year Lifecycle Cost Overview

Category	Cost
Equipment + Sleeve	$650–$900
Installation	$700–$1,200
Electricity	$2,400–$3,000
Maintenance	$150–$600
Repairs	$200–$500
Total 10-Year Cost	$4,100–$6,200

This means owning a 15k BTU through-the-wall AC typically costs around $410–$620 per year.

Not bad for year-round comfort.

5. How Costs Compare to Other Cooling Options

Just to give you context…

Window AC (15k BTU)

Purchase: $350–$600
Installation: $0
Efficiency: Low
Lifespan: 5–7 years

Cheaper upfront, more expensive long-term.

Mini-Split System

Purchase + install: $3,000–$10,000
Efficiency: Extremely high
Lifespan: 12–20 years

Expensive upfront, cheapest long-term energy use.

Through-the-wall AC sits right in the middle:
Solid lifespan, good efficiency, and moderate upfront price.

No wonder The Furnace Outlet promotes this category heavily—it delivers the best balance of cost + cooling power.

6. How to Reduce Your AC Costs (Savvy Tips)

Want to save hundreds? Use these proven tips.

✔ Choose High CEER Units

Higher CEER = lower monthly bill.
Energy Star models often outperform standard models significantly.

✔ Maintain Your Unit

Dirty coils can increase electricity use by 20–30%
→ EnergyStar Maintenance Tips

✔ Seal the Sleeve Properly

Air leaks = money leaks.

✔ Use Curtains or Blinds

Reduce radiant heat → reduce AC runtime.

✔ Use “Dry Mode” on Humid Days

Dehumidification makes the room feel 2–4°F cooler.

✔ Don’t Oversize

Yes, you can oversize AC.
That leads to short cycling and inefficiency.

✔ Install Smart Controls

Smart thermostats and scheduling reduce runtime and cut summer bills.

7. Where the Keyword Fits Naturally

Here it is used correctly:

Many shoppers comparing 15,000 BTU Through The Wall AC Units discover that long-term costs—especially electricity—matter more than just equipment price.