💁 Samantha’s Hello
Hey hey — Samantha here, and I’m back with a super fun one! 🧡🧰
If you’re anything like me, you absolutely love the refreshing hum of your through-the-wall AC keeping you cool during those sweltering summer days. 🧊 But let’s face it — these units work hard. And sometimes they could use a little help.
That’s where accessories come in. Whether you want to improve efficiency, reduce noise, or protect your unit during the off-season, the right accessories can make all the difference. Think of them as the extra little “tweaks” that take your AC from just “okay” to “oh wow, this is perfect!” 😍
I’ve spent years learning every tip and trick to make my home more comfortable and my appliances last longer — and today, I’m so excited to spill all the secrets. In this blog, we’ll explore smart accessories for your through-the-wall ACs — everything from protective covers and insulation kits to noise dampeners and beyond.
I’ll even include links to some of my favorite go-to articles so you can dive deeper if you want. Ready to discover how a few simple accessories can help your AC work smarter, not harder, all while saving you money and cutting down on noise? Let’s do this! 🎉
🧦 1️⃣ Why Accessories Are a Must for Through-the-Wall ACs
Through-the-wall ACs are compact powerhouses, but they face challenges like heat exchange losses, drafts around the sleeve, and even vibration noise. Accessories help by:
✅ Boosting energy efficiency
✅ Protecting against wear and tear
✅ Minimizing rattling or humming noises
✅ Extending the unit’s lifespan
And the beauty is that most accessories — like insulation kits and AC covers — are inexpensive and easy to install. Ready to check them out one by one?
🧦 2️⃣ Insulation Kits: Stop Drafts and Save Energy
Insulation is hands-down one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make. Even a tiny gap around your AC sleeve can leak warm outside air into your home and cause cool air to escape. Over a summer, that adds up to a serious energy drain — not to mention making your unit work harder than it needs to.
That’s why I love insulation kits. These come with foam panels and strips you can trim to fit around the AC sleeve and cover every gap. Installing one is as easy as peeling, sticking, and pressing into place — total DIY-friendly stuff!
Not sure where to begin? Koala Insulation has a super helpful article on improving AC insulation that breaks down the basics. Once you see how much of a difference insulation can make, you’ll wonder why you ever went without!
🧦 3️⃣ Weatherproof Covers: Shielding Against the Elements
As much as we all wish summer would last forever, we know winter eventually returns — and that’s when a weatherproof cover for your AC unit is a game-changer. A high-quality cover shields your unit’s exterior from rain, snow, ice, and debris like falling leaves and twigs. It also prevents tiny critters from turning your AC into their winter nest.
A good AC cover is waterproof and breathable, so moisture doesn’t get trapped inside and cause rust or mold. Be sure to choose one that fits snugly around the outside section of your unit. If you’d like to know more about selecting the best cover, Consumer Reports shares helpful off-season AC care tips in their AC buying and maintenance guide.
🧦 4️⃣ Noise-Reducing Dampeners and Pads
Nobody wants to hear a loud brrrrr every time their AC kicks on. If your unit has started to hum, rattle, or vibrate louder than usual, it’s probably time to add some vibration dampeners. These usually come as anti-vibration rubber pads or foam strips that sit between the AC unit and its mounting frame.
The idea is simple: isolate the unit so vibrations don’t transfer into the wall or furniture. Installing them is quick — just slide them into place and tighten everything up. You’ll appreciate the instant hush. 🤫
And if you’d like to explore more soundproofing ideas, The Spruce has a fantastic article on keeping your AC unit quiet, which is packed with practical tips for every noise issue.
🧦 5️⃣ Foam Panels and Foam Strips
Let’s talk foam. Every through-the-wall unit needs a snug fit inside its sleeve — and that’s where premium foam panels and foam strips come in. Replacing worn-out foam improves the seal and stops dust, bugs, and moisture from sneaking inside.
Foam strips are incredibly affordable — often less than the price of a fancy coffee — and they work wonders for sealing those awkward gaps. Be sure to check the existing foam every spring as part of your seasonal maintenance routine. Want to nerd out on home sealing and insulation? The U.S. Department of Energy breaks down all the basics in their article on weatherization and energy efficiency.
🧦 6️⃣ Sun Shades and Shields
Here’s a sneaky tip most people overlook: too much direct sunlight on your AC unit can cause it to overheat and reduce its efficiency. Installing a simple sun shade or awning outside your window can keep the unit cooler — which means less wear and tear on your AC and lower utility bills too.
You can buy purpose-built AC sun shields or simply hang a small exterior shade to block harsh afternoon rays. Just make sure the shield doesn’t block airflow — keeping a good 12-inch clearance is usually recommended.
🧦 7️⃣ Protective Grilles
If your unit faces an alley, a sidewalk, or anywhere it might catch debris — or even a soccer ball or two — a protective grille is a wise investment. Grilles help guard the fins and coils on the outside part of your AC against impact, reducing the risk of bent fins and punctures.
Grilles also help keep pests like squirrels or birds from making their home inside your unit — a real win for your AC's long-term health.
🧦 8️⃣ Surge Protectors and Voltage Regulators
Did you know that power surges can damage your AC’s electronics? Adding a surge protector or voltage regulator is a smart way to protect your unit against electrical spikes.
This is especially important in areas with frequent storms or unstable power grids. A simple plug-in surge protector rated for the AC’s power draw is all you need — and you’ll rest easier knowing your unit is protected.
🧦 9️⃣ Thermostat Upgrades
A thermostat upgrade can make your AC much more efficient and comfortable to use. Installing a smart thermostat that connects to your wall AC allows you to program cooling schedules and even control your AC from your phone.
That way, you can have your home nice and cool when you walk in without running the AC all day. Energy Star offers a terrific overview of the energy savings you can achieve with a smart thermostat in their guide to smart thermostat rebates and savings.
🧦 🔟 Samantha’s Must-Have Tools for Easy AC Maintenance
And finally — let’s not overlook the small stuff that can make a huge difference! 🔧 Keeping a few go-to tools and supplies close by means you’ll be ready to give your AC some TLC whenever it needs it.
Here are a few of my favorite must-haves:
✨ Coil-Cleaning Brush: Dust and debris can build up fast on your AC’s coils, making it work harder than it should. A soft-bristle coil-cleaning brush is gentle enough to protect the fins, but strong enough to whisk away all that gunk.
✨ Shop Vacuum with a Soft Brush Attachment: A shop vac is super handy for removing dust, cobwebs, and pollen that settle around your unit and its venting. The soft brush attachment is my favorite for making sure you don’t accidentally bend those delicate fins!
✨ Multimeter for Quick Electrical Checks: Don’t worry — you don’t need to be an electrician to appreciate this one. A multimeter is a simple tool that can help you check the unit’s power supply and fuses before the season kicks off. It’s a small step that can catch big electrical hiccups early — and keep your AC humming smoothly.
✨ Microfiber Cloths and a Spray Bottle: Last but not least, I love keeping microfiber cloths and a spray bottle of gentle cleaner handy. Giving the unit’s exterior a wipe-down once in a while keeps dust and grime at bay — and it looks great too.
When you have these basic tools on hand, regular upkeep is quick, easy, and affordable. And that means fewer surprises, a longer lifespan for your unit, and a super comfy home you can always count on. 🌬️💖
💖 Samantha’s Warm & Breezy Outro
Whew — there you have it, my friend! 🎉 Ten super-smart accessories that can take your through-the-wall AC from “just okay” to a quiet, efficient, ultra-reliable part of your home.
When you put these accessories to work — a snug-fitting insulation kit, a protective cover, anti-vibration pads, a sun shield, and all those other little extras — you’re not just making your AC better. You’re investing in long-term comfort, lower utility bills, and a unit that stays in great shape summer after summer. 💕
And hey — if you ever feel ready for a unit upgrade or want to shop for accessories, you can browse the latest and greatest options over at The Furnace Outlet — they’ve got everything you need to keep cool and comfy all season long.
Want more installation and troubleshooting tips for your through-the-wall AC? Visit my awesome guide right here!
Thanks for sticking around and geeking out with me on all things AC accessories. 🧡 If you loved this article, feel free to share it with a fellow homeowner — after all, we all deserve a cool, quiet, efficient home. Until next time, stay chill and take good care of yourself — Samantha’s signing off with a big glass of iced tea and a breezy wink! 🍹❄️
- Samantha, Home Comfort Advisor
