🏠 Introduction: Why Mike Chose the 11,800 BTU Amana
When summer hit hard last year, Mike realized his aging window unit couldn’t keep up. The living room — a cozy 450 sq ft space — stayed humid and uncomfortable no matter how long he ran the fan. After researching wall units, he landed on the Amana 11,800 BTU 115 V Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Remote — a model known for reliable cooling, simple controls, and quiet operation.
This guide walks through Mike’s full installation experience, from choosing the right wall sleeve to sealing and testing the unit, complete with real-world lessons and pro-level tips.
🧰 1️⃣ Pre-Installation Prep: What Mike Did Before Cutting the Wall
Installing a through-the-wall air conditioner requires more than enthusiasm — it needs planning, measurement, and patience. Mike followed this checklist before lifting a saw.
🧩 Measure Your Space and Capacity
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Room size: Measure the area (length × width). Mike’s living room was roughly 15 ft × 30 ft = 450 sq ft.
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BTU rating: The 11,800 BTU model fits medium-sized rooms (400–550 sq ft), making it ideal.
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Voltage: Confirm your outlet matches the 115 V plug. No dedicated 230 V circuit required.
👉 Learn more: Energy.gov Cooling Capacity Calculator
🧩 Pick the Right Wall Location
Mike avoided corners and direct sunlight. Ideal placement:
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6–8 inches above the floor for better airflow
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Near a dedicated 15-amp circuit
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Away from furniture blocking vents
He marked the wall studs with a stud finder and located a space between two for the sleeve opening.
🧩 Check for Exterior Clearance
Outside space matters. You’ll need:
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At least 12 inches of clearance behind the unit for heat discharge
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No shrubs or lattice that might restrict airflow
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Slight downward slope to let condensation drain naturally
👉 Reference: DOE Home Cooling Basics
📦 2️⃣ Unboxing & Parts Inventory
Mike’s Amana unit came with:
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Main air conditioner
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Remote control
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Trim frame kit
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User manual
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Mounting screws
He separately purchased:
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Amana wall sleeve (model WTB-16 or equivalent)
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Foam insulation strips
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Silicone sealant
💡 Pro Tip: Always use the manufacturer-recommended sleeve. It ensures perfect alignment and drainage.
👉 View Amana sleeve specs: Amana Wall Sleeve Compatibility Guide
🧱 3️⃣ Framing the Wall Opening
This was the most intimidating part of the job, but Mike’s motto — measure twice, cut once — paid off.
📏 Step 1: Mark the Cutout
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Sleeve dimensions: 26 W × 15.5 H × 17.5 D inches (check your manual).
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Mike drew a rectangular outline with painter’s tape and checked it twice against the sleeve.
⚒️ Step 2: Cut the Drywall
Using a jab saw, he carefully cut along the outline from the inside. Behind the drywall, he found one stud and trimmed it back after reinforcing the top and bottom plates with 2 × 4 headers.
🪚 Step 3: Cut the Exterior Wall
From the outside, Mike drilled pilot holes through the corners and then used a reciprocating saw to connect them. The result: a clean through-hole just large enough for the sleeve.
👉 Learn proper wall cutting: DIY Network Wall AC Installation Guide
🧲 4️⃣ Installing the Wall Sleeve
This sleeve acts as both support structure and weather barrier.
🔩 Step 1: Insert the Sleeve
Mike slid the metal sleeve into the hole, ensuring:
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It was level left-to-right
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Tilted ¼-inch downward toward the outside
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The flange sat flush against the indoor drywall
🔧 Step 2: Secure the Frame
He fastened the sleeve using the provided screws into the wooden framing. The goal: zero vibration or movement.
💦 Step 3: Seal the Edges
Outside, he applied exterior-grade silicone sealant around the sleeve perimeter. Inside, he used foam insulation tape for a snug thermal fit.
👉 Why sealing matters: Energy Star Installation Tips
⚙️ 5️⃣ Mounting the Amana AC Unit
This part was surprisingly straightforward but required care due to weight (~80 lbs).
🧩 Step 1: Remove the Front Grille
Mike unscrewed and set aside the front panel to access mounting flanges.
🧩 Step 2: Slide the Chassis In
With help from his son, he gently slid the chassis into the sleeve, ensuring the rails aligned with sleeve tracks. When fully inserted, it “clicked” into place.
🧩 Step 3: Secure and Trim
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Attached trim frame around the front for a clean look
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Checked that the drain hole aligned with the sleeve opening
👉 Product reference: Amana PTAC/Through-Wall Manuals
🔌 6️⃣ Electrical Setup: Plugging into Power Safely
Unlike 230 V commercial units, this model runs on standard 115 V power.
⚡ Step 1: Check Circuit Capacity
Mike verified the outlet was on a dedicated 15 A breaker. Avoid using extension cords — Amana warns against it for safety.
⚡ Step 2: Test GFCI
If near a damp area (kitchen or basement), a GFCI outlet is recommended. He pressed the “test/reset” buttons to confirm proper grounding.
⚡ Step 3: Plug In and Wait
He plugged the cord into the wall and waited five minutes before turning on — giving the compressor oil time to settle.
👉 Electrical standards: National Electrical Code – NEC 2023 Overview
🌬️ 7️⃣ Airflow & Setup Adjustments
Once powered, Mike turned to comfort tuning.
🌡️ Thermostat & Modes
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Cool Mode: Set at 74°F
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Energy Saver Mode: Compressor cycles off when target temp reached
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Fan Only: Air circulation without cooling
He quickly noticed the remote’s simplicity — no Wi-Fi gimmicks, just intuitive buttons.
👉 See official spec sheet: Amana Product Specs PDF
🔄 Air Direction & Louvers
Adjust louvers upward and sideways to avoid cold drafts. Mike aimed vents slightly toward the ceiling for even mixing.
🔇 Noise Level
Measured at around 55 dB, similar to a quiet conversation. Rubber sleeve pads eliminated most vibration hum.
👉 Learn about quiet AC standards: Consumer Reports Noise Ratings
💧 8️⃣ Condensation & Drain Management
Through-the-wall units naturally produce condensate water. Mike made sure his sleeve’s rear drain hole wasn’t blocked.
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Slight tilt outward ensures gravity drainage
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Added a small drip tray below the exterior grille to prevent wall streaks
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During humid days, water collects but quickly evaporates through condenser heat
👉 Condensation guidance: HVAC.com Drain Line Maintenance
🧼 9️⃣ First Cleaning & Filter Check
After the first week, Mike removed the front grille to inspect the filter.
🧽 Filter Maintenance
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Wash every 30 days in mild detergent
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Dry fully before reinserting
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Replace every 6 months if dusty environment
🪶 Coil Cleaning
With power off, he used a soft-bristle brush to remove lint buildup on the evaporator coil. Clean coils improve efficiency by up to 15 %.
🧊 10️⃣ Troubleshooting Lessons
During setup, Mike ran into two small issues.
⚠️ Issue 1: “It’s Running, but Not Cooling.”
Cause: Compressor delay feature — Amana includes a 3-minute protection cycle.
Fix: Wait; don’t toggle power repeatedly.
⚠️ Issue 2: “Dripping Inside.”
Cause: Sleeve not sloped enough.
Fix: Loosened mounting screws, adjusted tilt to ¼ inch, resealed edges.
👉 More troubleshooting: This Old House AC Fixes
🧠 11️⃣ Pro Tips Mike Learned the Hard Way
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Use painter’s tape before cutting drywall — it reduces chipping.
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Seal inside and outside — insulation foam alone isn’t enough.
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Install during daylight — outdoor alignment is tricky at night.
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Save the packaging — helpful for storage or winter removal.
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Label the circuit breaker — avoids confusion later.
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Record serial number for warranty registration.
🌞 12️⃣ Testing Efficiency
Mike used a Kill A Watt meter to measure energy use.
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On full cool: ~1,080 W draw
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EER rating: 10.6 (translating to roughly $90–$120 per year in energy cost)
He compared it to his old 8,000 BTU window unit, which used 25 % more energy for less coverage.
👉 Calculate your costs: Energy.gov Room AC Calculator
🪟 13️⃣ Aesthetic & Finishing Touches
Mike installed white vinyl trim around the indoor grille to blend with the wall. Outside, he painted the metal sleeve’s edges to match siding, maintaining curb appeal.
He also added weatherproof caulking to the top seam for rain protection and used clear acrylic at the corners.
🛠️ 14️⃣ Maintenance Routine: Mike’s Seasonal Checklist
Spring:
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Clean coils and filters
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Check electrical connections
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Test remote batteries
Summer:
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Inspect condensation drain monthly
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Vacuum vents
Fall:
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Power off, clean thoroughly
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Cover exterior grille with breathable mesh
Winter:
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Keep unplugged if unused
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Store remote indoors
🌡️ 15️⃣ Performance Review: A Year Later
After a full year, Mike reports:
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Fast cooling: 10 minutes to drop from 80°F → 72°F
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Even airflow: No cold spots
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Quiet: Minimal compressor kick noise
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Reliable: Survived 95°F heatwaves without issue
Electric bills averaged 15 % lower than the previous summer. For him, the Amana 11,800 BTU 115 V unit was the perfect mix of power, simplicity, and durability.
🧾 16️⃣ Warranty & Support
Amana backs this model with:
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5-year limited parts warranty
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1-year labor coverage if installed correctly
Mike registered online right after installation — an important step for eligibility.
🔚 Conclusion: Why Mike Recommends Doing It Yourself
Installing the Amana 11,800 BTU Through-the-Wall AC wasn’t easy, but it was deeply rewarding. With the right tools, patience, and attention to detail, any homeowner can complete the job safely and efficiently.
Mike’s takeaways:
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Plan your space and sleeve early
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Follow slope and sealing rules
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Always prioritize electrical safety
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Clean filters often — performance depends on airflow
Now, when visitors walk in on a 90°F day, they feel the chill and say, “You installed that yourself?” Mike just grins — “Yep, Amana makes it doable.”
In the next topic we will know more about: Is 11,800 BTUs Enough? How to Size Your Wall AC for Maximum Comfort
