When summer hit a few years ago, I found myself in a very familiar situation: sweating it out in a small bedroom, scrolling through online listings for air conditioners, trying to figure out which one would actually keep me comfortable.
I had always relied on window AC units before — they were cheap, easy to pick up at the hardware store, and I could wrestle one into place myself. But they were also loud, drafty, and, let’s be honest, pretty ugly.
This time, I wanted something that didn’t just cool the room, but also made sense for my home long-term. That’s when I started learning about through-the-wall (TTW) units.
Like a lot of homeowners, I had questions:
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What’s the actual difference between a TTW unit and a window AC?
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Is it really worth paying more for?
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Would a smaller model — like the Amana 7,400 BTU TTW AC with heat pump — be enough for my space?
After doing a ton of research (and living with both types of systems), I can confidently say: the Amana through-the-wall unit was the right choice for me. Here’s why.
What’s the Difference Between a Through-the-Wall and a Window AC?
At first glance, both systems look similar. They’re compact, self-contained, and they cool (and in some cases heat) a single room. But the way they’re installed and how they perform over time is very different.
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Window Units: These sit directly in your window frame, with the back half outside and the front half inside. They vent hot air outdoors while blowing cool air inside.
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Through-the-Wall Units: These are built into an exterior wall using a wall sleeve. Instead of occupying your window space, they sit flush with your wall, permanently installed.
When I was weighing my options, the biggest lightbulb moment for me was realizing that I only had one usable window in my bedroom. If I filled it with a bulky AC, I’d lose my natural light and ventilation all summer. That made the TTW option a serious contender.
Pros and Cons of Window Units
Let’s be fair: window ACs have their place. I lived with them for years.
Pros:
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Affordable upfront cost — you can get a decent one for $200–$500.
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Easy to install — no construction needed; just lift it into your window.
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Portable — you can move them to another room or store them in the winter.
Cons:
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Block your window — goodbye, sunlight and fresh air.
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Noisy — the compressor sits right inside the frame, vibrating the whole window.
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Security issues — easier to tamper with, especially on ground floors.
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Less energy-efficient — the fit isn’t always tight, which means drafts and leaks.
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Shorter lifespan — typically 5–8 years.
For me, the biggest con was the noise. My old window AC hummed and rattled so loudly that it felt like I was sleeping next to a truck engine. I eventually had to start wearing earplugs.
Pros and Cons of Through-the-Wall Units
On the flip side, TTW systems solve many of those issues.
Pros:
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Doesn’t block your windows — your room still feels bright and open.
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Quieter operation — compressor sits outside the wall sleeve.
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More secure — bolted into the wall, harder to tamper with.
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Energy-efficient — better insulation and tighter installation.
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Longer lifespan — 10–15 years with proper care.
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Permanent solution — adds value to your home.
Cons:
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Higher upfront cost — $700–$1,200 with sleeve.
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Installation required — may need a pro if you don’t already have a sleeve in place.
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Less portable — fixed in one spot, can’t be moved seasonally.
What sold me was the aesthetic difference. A TTW unit looks like it belongs in the room, not like something you dragged home from the hardware store. My guest room feels cleaner and more polished with the Amana unit installed.
Energy Efficiency: Which One Saves More on Bills?
This was a big factor for me. With electricity rates climbing, the last thing I wanted was to spend all summer watching my bill spike.
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Window ACs: Many are decently efficient now, but they often lose cool air around the edges since they’re not permanently sealed.
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TTW ACs: Installed inside a sleeve, they’re sealed tight. That means less air leakage and more consistent performance.
My first summer with the Amana TTW, I compared my utility bills with the year before (when I ran a window AC in the same space). I saved about 15% on cooling costs, even though the BTU ratings were similar. That sealed the deal for me — literally.
Noise Levels: Sleeping Better with the Right Unit
Let’s talk about decibels.
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Window Units: Average 55–60 dB — similar to a conversation. At night, that feels loud.
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Through-the-Wall Units: Average 45–50 dB — closer to background noise.
My old window AC kept me awake with constant rattling. With the Amana TTW, I honestly forget it’s even running sometimes. For bedrooms and home offices, that’s a game-changer.
Aesthetics and Home Value
There’s also a psychological difference.
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Window ACs: No matter how modern they look, they make a space feel temporary. They jut out, block light, and scream “renter’s solution.”
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TTW Units: Flush with the wall, they look intentional — like part of the home design.
When I eventually sell my house, I know buyers will appreciate that there’s a built-in system ready to go. A through-the-wall AC is seen as an upgrade, while a window unit is something you expect to replace.
Security and Safety
This was another huge factor for me.
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Window ACs: Can be pushed in or pulled out from the outside if not secured properly. Also, gaps around the frame can make it easier for pests to sneak in.
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TTW Units: Permanently installed inside a wall sleeve, much harder to tamper with.
I live on the first floor, so peace of mind mattered. With my Amana TTW, I don’t worry about someone popping it out of the window frame.
Installation: DIY or Professional?
This part might scare some homeowners, but it doesn’t have to.
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Window Units: Install in under 30 minutes, but heavy and awkward to lift.
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Through-the-Wall Units: If you already have a wall sleeve, swapping units is easy. If not, you’ll need to cut into an exterior wall.
I opted to hire a pro to install the sleeve (around $300). Once that was done, sliding the Amana into place was as simple as following the instructions.
Now, if I ever replace it, I’ll just slide a new model into the same sleeve.
Cost Comparison: Upfront vs. Long-Term
Here’s a side-by-side look:
| Factor | Window AC | Through-the-Wall AC |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $200–$600 | $700–$1,200 |
| Installation | Free (DIY) | $200–$500 (if new sleeve needed) |
| Lifespan | 5–8 years | 10–15 years |
| Efficiency | Moderate | Higher |
| Long-Term Value | Temporary | Permanent, adds home value |
At first, I cringed at paying more for a TTW unit. But when I considered the double lifespan and energy savings, it made financial sense.
Why Samantha Chose Amana
Here’s why I specifically went with the Amana 7,400 BTU model:
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Perfect size for my 210 sq ft office and 300 sq ft guest room.
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Heat pump included — doubles as a heater in winter, saving me from using a space heater.
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Quiet operation — I can work and sleep without distraction.
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Brand reliability — Amana has a strong track record in HVAC.
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Clean look — fits neatly in the wall without stealing window space.
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Remote control — lets me adjust temperature without getting up (small detail, big convenience).
Honestly, I feel like I “leveled up” my home with this choice.
Buying Guide: How to Decide Between Window and TTW Units
Here’s a quick decision checklist I put together:
✅ Do you rent? → Window unit makes more sense.
✅ Do you own and plan to stay? → Go TTW for long-term value.
✅ Do you care about quiet operation? → TTW is better.
✅ Do you only need cooling a few months a year? → Window might be enough.
✅ Do you need heating too? → Choose a TTW heat pump model like Amana.
✅ Do you have just one window in your room? → Save it — go TTW.
Conclusion: Making the Smart Choice for Comfort
Both systems have their place, but for me, the winner was clear.
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Window units are fine for temporary needs, renters, or backup cooling.
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Through-the-wall units are the smarter investment for homeowners who want quiet, efficiency, and a clean look.
I don’t miss my old rattling window AC one bit. My Amana 7,400 BTU through-the-wall unit has been the best upgrade I’ve made for my comfort — and my peace of mind.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself: do I want quick relief or a long-term solution?
For me, the answer was long-term — and that’s why I chose Amana.
In the next topic we will know more about: How Efficient Is the Amana 7,400 BTU Model? Understanding EER, CEER & Heat Pump Ratings
