When I first decided to upgrade to the Amana 11,500 BTU Through-the-Wall AC/Heat Pump (model PBH113J35CC), I thought the hardest part would be choosing the right BTU size. But once I brought the box home, I faced another big question:
👉 Will it actually fit in my existing wall sleeve?
If you’ve ever replaced a through-the-wall AC, you know sleeve compatibility can make or break your install. The wrong fit leads to drafts, noisy operation, and even system damage. The right fit, on the other hand, means years of efficient, quiet comfort.
This guide covers everything I learned about wall sleeve sizing, compatibility, and installation tips when I set up my Amana 11,500 BTU unit.
📏 What Is a Wall Sleeve (and Why It Matters)?
A wall sleeve is a metal or composite box permanently installed inside your wall. It:
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Holds the weight of the AC/heat pump.
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Protects your wall from moisture and vibration.
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Provides insulation and a weather seal.
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Ensures the unit can be removed/replaced easily.
Think of it like a window frame for your AC. Without the right sleeve, even the best unit won’t perform properly.
👉 According to Energy.gov, air leaks and poor installation can reduce efficiency by up to 30%—so getting the sleeve right is essential.
📐 Standard Wall Sleeve Sizes
Most through-the-wall ACs (including Amana, GE, and Friedrich) use one of two standard sleeve sizes:
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24-inch wide
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26-inch wide
The Amana 11,500 BTU PBH113J35CC is designed to fit a standard 26-inch sleeve.
Here’s the basic breakdown:
| Sleeve Width | Common Brands | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 24" | Friedrich, older GE models | May need trim kit for 26" Amana units |
| 26" | Amana, GE, LG, many modern units | Direct fit for Amana 11,500 BTU |
👉 If you already have a 26-inch sleeve, you’re in luck—your Amana unit should slide right in. If you have a 24-inch, you’ll need a wall sleeve adapter kit or a full replacement.
🧰 Step 1: Measure Your Existing Sleeve
Before ordering your new Amana, grab a tape measure. You’ll want to measure:
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Inside width (side to side).
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Inside height (top to bottom).
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Depth (front to back).
💡 Pro Tip from Samantha: Don’t just measure the face of the sleeve—get inside the frame for accurate dimensions.
When I measured my old sleeve, it was 25.75" wide, which confirmed it was a 26" standard sleeve. That meant the Amana would fit without an adapter.
📝 Step 2: Check Manufacturer Compatibility
Amana designs its 11,500 BTU wall unit to be used with their own Amana WS900E sleeve. But here’s the good news: it’s often compatible with other standard 26-inch sleeves too.
✅ Works With:
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Amana WS900E sleeve.
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GE/Hotpoint 26-inch sleeves.
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Some LG 26-inch sleeves (check flange style).
⚠️ May Require Adapter:
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Friedrich 24-inch sleeves (need a trim kit).
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Older sleeves with unusual flange/trim sizes.
👉 Friedrich’s sleeve guide shows how adapters allow 26-inch units like Amana’s to fit into 24-inch sleeves.
🔄 Step 3: Decide—Reuse or Replace?
When I pulled out my old AC, I had two choices:
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Reuse my old sleeve.
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Faster install, no wall cutting.
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Lower cost.
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Works if sleeve is solid, rust-free, and square.
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Replace with a new Amana sleeve.
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Guaranteed fit.
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Better insulation and weatherproofing.
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Adds cost and labor.
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👉 My sleeve had some rust spots and wasn’t sealing tightly. I opted to replace it with a new Amana WS900E, and the difference in noise and energy efficiency was immediate.
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need for Installation
If you’re installing the Amana 11,500 BTU in a sleeve yourself, gather these tools:
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Tape measure (for sleeve confirmation).
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Drill/driver.
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Level.
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Caulk gun + exterior-grade sealant.
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Foam insulation strips or gasket kit.
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Phillips screwdriver.
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Utility knife.
💡 Safety Note: This unit requires a 230/208V outlet, not a standard household plug. If you don’t have one, call an electrician.
🌦️ Sealing & Weatherproofing
Once your unit is inside the sleeve:
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Apply foam insulation strips around the frame to block drafts.
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Seal the exterior with silicone caulk to prevent water leaks.
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Check that the rear drain hole is unobstructed.
👉 The Energy Star installation guide emphasizes sealing gaps to maximize efficiency.
👷 DIY vs. Professional Installation
Through-the-wall AC installs can be DIY-friendly if you’re just sliding into an existing sleeve. But you may want a pro if:
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Your sleeve is damaged and needs replacement.
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You don’t have a 230/208V outlet.
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You’re cutting into a wall for the first time.
📌 Cost Estimate:
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DIY install in existing sleeve: $0–$50 (sealant & insulation).
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Professional sleeve replacement: $300–$500.
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Full new install (cutting wall, wiring, sleeve): $700–$1,200.
🌀 Samantha’s Experience: What I Learned
When I swapped my old wall unit for the Amana 11,500 BTU, here’s what happened:
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First try: I tried reusing my old sleeve. The fit was okay, but I noticed small gaps. The unit rattled slightly on startup.
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Second try: I invested in the Amana WS900E sleeve. The fit was tight, the seal was perfect, and the noise dropped noticeably.
👉 Lesson learned: If your sleeve is older than 10–15 years, replace it when you buy your new AC. It’s worth it for comfort and efficiency.
📊 Common Sleeve Compatibility Issues
Here are the most common hiccups homeowners face:
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Undersized sleeve (24” vs 26”).
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Rust or bent frame preventing tight fit.
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Improper sleeve depth (too shallow for full insertion).
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Electrical outlet mismatch.
Most of these can be solved with the right adapter kits or by investing in a new sleeve.
✅ Final Verdict: Will It Fit?
The Amana 11,500 BTU Through-the-Wall AC/Heat Pump will fit perfectly into most 26-inch wall sleeves.
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If you have a 26" sleeve in good condition → You’re good to go.
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If you have a 24" sleeve → You’ll need an adapter or replacement.
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If your sleeve is rusted, drafty, or misaligned → Replace it with an Amana sleeve for best results.
💡 My advice as Samantha: Don’t cut corners on the sleeve. It’s the foundation of your AC’s performance.
