If you’re considering a modern upgrade for your older home, take a look at the Amana 11,600 BTU 115V Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Remote (Model PBC122J00AA) — one of the best ductless cooling solutions for vintage spaces that don’t have central air.
🧊 1. The Challenge with Older Homes and Air Conditioning
If you live in a charming pre-1970s home, you already know: those thick plaster walls and beautiful wood trims weren’t built with ductwork in mind.
Adding a central AC system often means:
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Tearing open ceilings and walls.
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Losing closet or attic space.
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Spending thousands on custom ducting.
That’s where a through-the-wall air conditioner (TTW) changes the game.
It delivers powerful, efficient cooling without needing ducts — preserving your home’s historic character while keeping you comfortable all summer.
📎 According to the U.S. Department of Energy, duct losses in central systems can account for up to 30% of total energy consumption. Through-the-wall systems eliminate that entirely.
💬 Savvy Tip: Your home’s charm doesn’t have to mean sweating through August. You can stay cool and keep those crown moldings untouched.
🧱 2. What Is a Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner, Really?
A through-the-wall AC (like the Amana PBC122J00AA) is a self-contained cooling unit installed directly through an exterior wall — not a window.
🧩 How It Works:
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The front half sits inside your home and blows cool air.
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The back half vents heat and moisture outdoors.
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The unit is supported by a wall sleeve, which keeps it stable and sealed.
Unlike window units that sit awkwardly in a frame, TTW systems look built-in — and don’t block your view or natural light.
📎 ENERGY STAR calls through-the-wall units one of the best alternatives for retrofitting older buildings without ducts.
💬 Savvy Tip: Through-the-wall ACs aren’t temporary add-ons — they’re a permanent, professional-grade solution that increases your home’s value.
🏠 3. Why Older Homes Benefit the Most from TTW Systems
Older homes often have three HVAC pain points:
| Problem | How TTW Solves It |
|---|---|
| No existing ductwork | Wall units don’t need ducts. |
| Poor attic insulation | Direct cooling reduces losses. |
| Historic preservation restrictions | Minimal wall alteration required. |
That makes TTWs ideal for:
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Historic homes where central ducts aren’t allowed.
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Small houses with limited attic or crawl space.
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Renovations where you want efficient cooling without a full remodel.
💬 Savvy Tip: If your home’s structure or HOA rules prevent exterior condenser placement (like mini splits need), TTWs are your best bet.
🔧 4. Simple Installation Without Structural Overhaul
Installing a through-the-wall AC takes a few hours, not days — and doesn’t require running ducts or connecting refrigerant lines.
🧰 The Process:
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Cut a 26” x 15.5” opening in an exterior wall.
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Slide in a wall sleeve (like Amana’s WS900E).
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Seal the perimeter with weatherproof foam or silicone.
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Slide in the AC and secure it.
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Plug into a standard 115V outlet.
That’s it — you’ve added powerful, permanent cooling without a full HVAC retrofit.
📎 The Home Depot installation guide outlines the process in detail with diagrams for beginners.
💬 Savvy Tip: The installation is usually done once — future AC upgrades simply slide into the same wall sleeve.
💡 5. Energy Efficiency That Older Homes Need
Through-the-wall ACs are incredibly efficient compared to window or portable units.
The Amana 11,600 BTU model features:
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CEER rating of 9.7 (Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio)
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Energy Saver mode that cycles fan and compressor intelligently
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Programmable Timer & Sleep Mode for reduced runtime
These settings make it easy to maintain steady comfort without overcooling — a big deal for homes that already struggle with insulation.
📎 Energy.gov notes that modern TTWs use up to 25% less energy than older window ACs of similar capacity.
💬 Savvy Tip: If your electric panel supports it, installing a dedicated circuit for your wall AC can further reduce voltage drops and improve performance.
🌬️ 6. Quiet Comfort That Fits Vintage Spaces
Older homes often amplify sound — wood floors and plaster walls carry every vibration.
That’s why through-the-wall ACs like Amana’s PBC122J00AA are built with:
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Compressor isolation mounts to absorb vibration.
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Multi-speed fans for noise control.
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Sound-dampened wall sleeves that reduce resonance.
The result? Average operating noise around 55–59 dB — about as quiet as a normal conversation.
💬 Savvy Tip: For the quietest results, insulate around your sleeve and make sure it’s tilted slightly outward for proper drainage and less fan strain.
🧱 7. Seamless Aesthetics — Modern Comfort That Looks Built-In
Unlike bulky window units, TTWs blend into your wall with a clean, built-in look.
They preserve your home’s architecture — and your natural light.
You can even match the exterior grille to your siding or brick color for a near-invisible finish.
📎 The National Association of Realtors notes that integrated, permanent HVAC installations improve resale value compared to temporary cooling options.
💬 Savvy Tip: Painting your interior sleeve trim to match your wall color gives your AC a finished, intentional look.
💰 8. Cost Comparison: Through-the-Wall vs. Central Air vs. Mini Split
Let’s talk real-world numbers.
| System Type | Installation Cost | Maintenance | Efficiency | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Air | $6,000–$12,000 | High | High (SEER 14–18) | Large homes with ducts |
| Mini Split | $3,000–$7,000 | Moderate | Very High (SEER 20+) | Homes with available wall space |
| Through-the-Wall AC | $700–$1,200 | Low | Moderate (EER 9–10) | Older/small homes without ducts |
💬 Savvy Tip: Even if you install one per major room, the total cost is still far below a full central retrofit.
🪟 9. Air Quality Perks: Fresh Air Without Drafts
Unlike window ACs, through-the-wall units maintain an airtight seal, which prevents outdoor air and allergens from sneaking in.
The washable filter system keeps indoor air cleaner while circulating efficiently.
Benefits for Older Homes:
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Reduces dust from crawl spaces and attics.
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Filters out pollen and outdoor particulates.
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Prevents humid air infiltration that can damage old woodwork.
📎 Mayo Clinic emphasizes that clean, sealed AC systems improve respiratory health and help allergy sufferers.
💬 Savvy Tip: Clean your Amana’s washable filter monthly — it takes less than 5 minutes and keeps airflow strong.
🧭 10. Perfect Placement: Where to Install a TTW in Older Homes
Finding the right wall for your unit can make all the difference.
Ideal Locations:
✅ Exterior-facing walls of living rooms or bedrooms.
✅ Mid-wall height (not near ceiling or floor).
✅ Away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Avoid installing:
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Near chimneys or vents.
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Behind large furniture.
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In load-bearing structural beams.
📎 HVAC.com suggests central placement for even airflow distribution across the room.
💬 Savvy Tip: South-facing walls may need shading to prevent sunlight from heating the unit’s rear condenser.
🧰 11. Easy Maintenance That Anyone Can Do
Unlike ducted systems that require professional servicing, your through-the-wall AC maintenance is simple:
Monthly:
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Remove and rinse filter under warm water.
Seasonally:
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Clean the indoor and outdoor coils with a soft brush.
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Vacuum the wall grille and vents.
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Check that your sleeve’s drain slope is clear.
💬 Savvy Tip: Keep a soft brush or mini vacuum near your AC setup — a quick monthly dusting goes a long way.
🌡️ 12. Year-Round Use: Cooling in Summer, Comfort in Transition Seasons
Many Amana through-the-wall models include Fan-Only and Dry Modes, making them useful even beyond summer.
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Fan Mode: Circulates air in spring and fall without cooling.
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Dry Mode: Removes humidity during rainy or humid days.
💬 Savvy Tip: Run Dry Mode in early fall to prevent musty smells and moisture damage in older wood trim or plaster walls.
📎 EPA’s humidity control guide explains how managing indoor humidity reduces mold growth — a common concern in vintage homes.
🏁 13. Real-World Example: How I Cooled My 1940s Apartment
When I first moved into my 1940s brick apartment, it had no ductwork and zero attic space. A central system would’ve meant tearing up walls — no thanks.
I chose the Amana 11,600 BTU through-the-wall unit, installed with the WS900E sleeve.
Results:
✅ Installation done in under 4 hours.
✅ Electricity bill dropped 20% compared to my old window unit.
✅ It’s whisper-quiet and doesn’t block my window view.
💬 Savvy Tip: Measure twice before cutting — older homes often have thicker walls, so knowing your depth ahead of time ensures a perfect sleeve fit.
💡 14. The Takeaway: Classic Homes Deserve Modern Comfort
Through-the-wall air conditioners are the perfect balance between modern efficiency and historic preservation.
They let you:
✅ Stay cool in homes without ducts.
✅ Avoid construction chaos.
✅ Keep your energy bills low.
✅ Maintain your home’s original charm.
💬 Savvy’s Final Thought:
“Your home’s age is a story, not a limitation. A wall AC gives you modern comfort without rewriting history.
In the next topic we will know more about: What Happens When It Rains? Weatherproofing and Protecting Your Wall Unit Year-Round
