How Much Does a Through-the-Wall AC Cost to Install? (DIY vs. Contractor Breakdown)
Installing a through-the-wall air conditioner is one of those home projects that sounds simple — you’re just cutting a hole, sliding in the sleeve, sealing it up, and plugging in the unit, right?
Well… yes and no.
Talk to any homeowner who has actually installed one, and they’ll tell you the truth: the cost depends heavily on your wall construction, whether you already have a sleeve, and how comfortable you are working with power tools. Some installs are 90 minutes. Some are all-day, sweaty “why is my house built like this?” situations.
So today we’re breaking down what it really costs to install a through-the-wall AC — DIY vs. hiring a contractor — in real Samantha style. No vague guesses. Just realistic numbers, real-world examples, and the moments where even I say, “Okay, this is definitely a contractor job.”
And yes — when you're shopping in categories like Through The Wall Air Conditioners 6,000-9,000 BTUS, this guide is exactly what you need before you pull the trigger.
Let’s get into it.
1. The True Cost of Installing a Through-the-Wall AC
Let’s start with the big picture. Installation costs fall into three categories:
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DIY Installation Costs (tools + materials)
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Contractor Installation Costs (labor + extras)
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Hidden or unexpected costs (the “surprises” you don't want)
Here’s your quick snapshot:
DIY Installation:
$120 – $350
(cost of tools, sleeve, hardware, sealant, patching)
Professional Contractor Installation:
$350 – $1,000+
(depending on wall type, electrical work, cutting, framing, sleeve installation)
If electrical upgrades are needed:
Add $150 – $500
Now let’s break this down the Samantha way — with real scenarios, real big and small rooms, real walls.
2. DIY Installation Costs (and What You Actually Need)
If you already own most of the tools, a DIY installation can be very budget-friendly. But if you need to buy everything from scratch, your price goes up.
Below is the real-world price list most homeowners run into.
A. Tools You’ll Need (and What They Cost)
| Tool | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Stud finder | $15–$40 |
| Level | $10–$20 |
| Tape measure | $8–$15 |
| Jigsaw or reciprocating saw | $50–$150 |
| Drill + bits | $40–$100 |
| Caulk gun | $5–$10 |
| Exterior-grade caulk | $6–$12 |
| Wood for framing (2x4s) | $10–$20 |
| Insulation | $10–$25 |
| Wall sleeve | $70–$140 |
Typical DIY Total:
$120–$350
This assumes you already own a drill and saw. If you don't, your cost jumps.
B. Material Costs
Wall Sleeve
$70–$140
This is the metal frame the AC slides into. A new sleeve is required for most installations unless your home already has one.
Framing Lumber
$10–$20
Insulation
$10–$25
You’ll need this around the sleeve to prevent leaks.
Caulk + Sealant
$10–$25
Weather Stripping
$5–$10
C. Optional DIY Costs
These are “maybe” items:
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Paint touch-up: $10–$25
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Drywall patch: $8–$12
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Outlet upgrade: $150–$500 (if needed)
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New electrical circuit: $300+ (rare, but possible)
D. The Real Question: Can You Actually Do This Yourself?
Here’s what most homeowners don’t realize: installing a through-the-wall AC is less about strength or skill and more about whether you’re comfortable cutting a giant hole in your home.
You have to be willing to:
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Cut through drywall
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Cut through studs
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Cut through exterior siding or brick
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Build a frame
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Support the sleeve
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Insulate the gaps
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Seal it for weather
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Make the install level so the unit drains correctly
If all that sounds fun, DIY is great.
If not… keep reading.
3. Contractor Installation Costs (What You Really Pay For)
Hiring a pro is more expensive — but in certain houses, it is absolutely the right call.
Typical contractor installation prices look like this:
Basic Installation:
$350 – $600
(ideal walls: drywall + wood siding)
Moderate Installation:
$600 – $900
(ideal walls: plaster walls, thicker construction, older homes)
Complex Installation:
$900 – $1,400+
(ideal walls: brick, concrete block, stucco, multiple layers)
Why does the price change so much?
Let’s look at the biggest factors.
4. What Determines Contractor Pricing?
Here are the top things contractors evaluate before quoting the job.
A. Wall Construction
This is the #1 cost factor.
Drywall + Vinyl Siding (Easiest)
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Minimal resistance
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Fast cutting
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Lower labor cost
Plaster Walls (Moderate Difficulty)
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Harder and messier to cut
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Often more brittle
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Takes more prep work
Brick or Masonry (Expensive)
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Requires diamond blades or hammer drill
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Much slower to cut
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Creates heavy dust
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Takes multiple team members
Stucco (Can Be Tricky)
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Cuts unpredictably
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Prone to cracking
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Requires careful patching
The denser your wall, the higher the cost.
B. Electrical Requirements
Some units run on standard 115V outlets. Others require 230V outlets.
If you already have the right outlet, great.
If not:
115V upgrade:
Usually nothing needed.
230V outlet installation:
$150–$500 (licensed electrician recommended)
New circuit installation:
$300–$1,000+ if your panel is full or outdated.
Reliable source on electrical codes: NFPA Electrical Standards ↗
C. Sleeve Installation
If your home already has a compatible sleeve, the installation cost drops significantly.
If not, the contractor must:
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Cut the opening
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Build a support frame
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Install the sleeve
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Insulate around it
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Weatherproof the opening
This is the part most people underestimate — and it’s where installers earn their paycheck.
D. Interior and Exterior Finish Work
Contractors often include:
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Trim work
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Exterior sealing
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Interior patching
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Ensuring proper drainage
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Ensuring no water leaks
This makes the installation look clean and professional — not like your wall was hit with a DIY demolition experiment.
5. DIY vs. Contractor: Samantha’s Honest Comparisons
Here’s my no-fluff take as someone who’s seen dozens of installs — some perfect, some… not so perfect.
A. DIY Pros
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Cheaper
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Satisfying project
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You control the timeline
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Good option for straightforward walls
B. DIY Cons
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Time-consuming
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Can damage your wall if done incorrectly
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Easy to mismeasure and cut too large
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Harder to get a perfect weather seal
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Risk of mis-leveling the unit (leading to drainage problems)
C. Contractor Pros
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Professional, clean finish
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Faster (1–3 hours in most cases)
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Perfect sleeve alignment
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Reduced risk of water infiltration
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Ideal for older or complex walls
D. Contractor Cons
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Higher cost
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Must schedule around their availability
6. The “Samantha Test”: When You Should DIY vs. Hire a Pro
Here are the exact moments where my answer is clear-cut.
DIY Is Good If:
✓ Your wall is drywall + siding
✓ You have basic carpentry experience
✓ You’re comfortable using a saw
✓ You already have the tools
✓ You’re installing a small 6k–9k BTU unit
✓ You’re okay with light patching and painting
If all six apply, go for it.
Hire a Contractor If:
✗ Your wall is brick
✗ Your wall is plaster (older than 1970)
✗ You live in a stucco home
✗ You’re not comfortable cutting wall studs
✗ You need a 230V outlet installed
✗ You want a perfect, waterproof finish
✗ Your insulation is questionable
✗ You’re adding the unit near structural beams
If any one of these is true, save yourself a headache and hire a pro.
7. Real Homeowner Scenarios — Costs Explained
Let’s go through real, common installations to illustrate true costs.
Scenario 1: “The Easy Bedroom Install”
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150 sq. ft. room
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Standard drywall
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Vinyl siding
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115V outlet already there
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No structural surprises
DIY cost: $120–$200
Contractor cost: $350–$500
Recommendation: DIY if you’re handy. Contractor if you want perfect trim.
Scenario 2: “Small Office With Plaster Walls”
Older homes (pre-1970) often have plaster, which cracks easily.
DIY cost: $200–$320
Contractor cost: $600–$900
Recommendation: Contractor — plaster is unforgiving.
Scenario 3: “Brick Exterior Studio Apartment”
Brick is a whole different animal. It requires specialized tools.
DIY cost: $250–$400 (not recommended)
Contractor cost: $900–$1,400+
Recommendation: Absolutely hire a pro.
Scenario 4: “Sleeve Already Installed!”
Lucky you.
DIY cost: $0–$50 (sealant + trim)
Contractor cost: $150–$300
Recommendation: DIY unless you dislike lifting the unit.
Scenario 5: “Need a 230V Outlet Installed”
Newer ACs sometimes require a stronger outlet.
Electrician: $150–$500
Contractor install: $350–$600
Total: $500–$1,100
Recommendation: Hire a pro — precision matters here.
8. Hidden Costs Homeowners Forget About
Let me be honest: every home project has hidden costs.
Here are the ones that pop up with through-the-wall AC installations:
A. Wall Reinforcement
Sometimes you discover that your studs aren’t in the right place.
You may need additional framing.
Cost: $20–$100 for lumber and brackets
B. Debris Removal
Cutting through plaster, brick, or siding creates a lot of debris.
Cost: $0–$50 (contractor includes this)
C. Patchwork Around the Exterior
Some people forget that the outside of your house needs finishing too.
Cost: $10–$50 DIY
or $50–$200 contractor patching
D. Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Good insulation saves energy long term.
Reliable resource: EnergyStar.gov ↗
E. Permits (Rare)
Some municipalities require electrical permits.
Permit rules guide: Municipal Codes Database ↗
9. Cost-Saving Tips From Samantha
Here’s how to keep costs as low as possible while still getting a great install.
✓ Buy a universal wall sleeve
Prevents compatibility issues later.
✓ Install during cooler months
Contractors charge more during heat waves.
✓ Use foam insulation + sealant generously
Improves efficiency and lowers long-term energy costs.
✓ Check if your electrical panel can handle the unit before buying it
Avoid surprise upgrades.
✓ Choose 115V units when possible
Cheaper and easier to install.
More on voltage differences: DOE Energy Saver ↗
10. Final Verdict: What Will Your Installation Cost?
Here’s the clean, homeowner-friendly version.
DIY Installation Total:
$120 – $350
(Great for standard walls and small units)
Contractor Installation Total:
$350 – $1,400
(Depends on wall type, electrical, and sleeve install)
11. Samantha’s Personal Rule of Thumb
Here’s the rule I share with friends and neighbors:
If your wall is drywall → DIY is doable.
If your wall is plaster → hire a pro.
If your wall is brick → never DIY. Ever.
If electrical work is needed → hire a pro.
If you want a perfect finish → hire a pro.
If the unit is under 10k BTUs → easy install.
Every home is different, but this rule has saved a lot of homeowners a lot of stress.
12. Want Me to Build the Next Blog in Your Cluster?
I can now create:
🔥 The next cluster blog
🔥 A contractor quote comparison checklist
🔥 A printable “installation prep” guide
🔥 A cost calculator chart
🔥 A city-by-city cost breakdown
🔥 A buyer’s guide for choosing sleeves
Just tell me what you want next!
