Through-the-Wall vs. the Rest: Which AC System Is Right for You?

👋 Introduction

Not all ACs are built the same — and neither are the homes we put ’em in. Whether you're cooling a single bedroom or the whole house, picking the right system makes all the difference in comfort, cost, and hassle. In this post, I’ll lay out how the Amana 11,800 BTU through-the-wall unit stacks up against window units, portables, ductless mini-splits, and full central air systems — no fluff, just the real pros and cons. Let’s cut through the noise and find what works for you

🔍 The Contenders

There’s no shortage of cooling options these days. Let’s look at the top choices homeowners typically consider:

• ✅ Through-the-wall units (like the Amana 11,800 BTU)

• 🪟 Window air conditioners

• 📦 Portable ACs

• ❄️ Ductless mini-splits

• 🏠 Central air systems

Each has a place depending on your needs, budget, and square footage — but not all deliver the same cooling performance or value long term.

🧱 1. Through-the-Wall Air Conditioners

Let’s start with the one I know best — the Amana 11,800 BTU 115V Through-the-Wall AC. This style installs directly into an exterior wall using a dedicated wall sleeve (like Amana’s PBWS01A).

✅ Pros:

• Permanent installation = no seasonal lugging

• Doesn’t block windows or need bracing

• Quieter than many window or portable models

• Easier to seal and insulate for energy efficiency

• Great cooling performance for 400–550 sq ft

❌ Cons:

• Installation requires cutting a hole in your wall

• Upfront cost is higher than a window unit

• Not as portable — it’s a fixture, not a plug-and-play

Still, these are ideal if you want solid cooling that won’t move around or eat up window space. Consumer Reports notes that through-the-wall ACs are typically more efficient than window models — and more durable.

🪟 2. Window Air Conditioners

Window ACs are the most common type of room cooler — you’ll find them in millions of apartments and older homes.

✅ Pros:

• Lower cost ($200–$500)

• Easy DIY install

• Great for renters or short-term use

❌ Cons:

• Blocks light and view

• Less secure — easy target for burglars

• Loud and often vibrates

• Not great for year-round comfort

While window units may be tempting price-wise, they’re less efficient. The Department of Energy reports that poorly installed window ACs can leak 30% of cooled air through unsealed gaps.

Compared to the Amana through-the-wall unit, you get more convenience from a wall model and fewer seasonal headaches.

📦 3. Portable AC Units

These units are technically “portable,” but anyone who’s hauled one upstairs knows they’re anything but.

✅ Pros:

• No permanent installation

• Easy to move between rooms

• Good for temporary cooling (e.g., rental units)

❌ Cons:

• Noisy — usually 60+ decibels

• Less energy-efficient (some models <8.0 EER)

• Takes up valuable floor space

• Requires venting through a window

You’ll also see two-hose and single-hose variants. Two-hose models are slightly more efficient, but none compare to a properly installed through-the-wall unit. Energy Star points out that portable units often underperform their stated BTU ratings because of venting inefficiencies.

In Tony terms? These are fine for emergencies, not everyday use.

❄️ 4. Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Mini-splits are the modern marvel of the HVAC world — sleek, powerful, and whisper-quiet. But they come at a price.

✅ Pros:

• Extremely energy-efficient (up to 30 SEER)

• Zoned cooling (each room has its own unit)

• No ductwork required

• Whisper quiet operation

❌ Cons:

• Expensive upfront ($2,500–$6,000 per zone installed)

• Requires professional installation

• Maintenance can be costly

These systems are great for home additions or large living spaces with no existing ductwork. But they’re overkill for someone needing to cool a single room — unless you’ve got the budget.

If you want an in-between option, through-the-wall units like Amana offer a solid middle ground between power and price. As explained by This Old House, mini-splits excel in larger remodels but might not justify the cost in smaller areas.

🏠 5. Central Air Conditioning

Whole-home systems, ducted and powerful — but also expensive and permanent.

✅ Pros:

• Even cooling throughout the house

• Hidden equipment (no window or wall clutter)

• Adds resale value

❌ Cons:

• Requires ductwork (adds thousands if you don’t have it)

• High install cost ($4,500–$10,000+)

• Less efficient for cooling only one or two rooms

• Regular maintenance needed (ducts, blower motors, filters)

Unless you’re upgrading your entire HVAC system or building new, central air might be overkill if you're just trying to cool a master bedroom or office.

Energy.gov breaks it down well — central air is fantastic for whole-home comfort but loses efficiency fast when cooling isolated zones.

🧮 Cost Comparison at a Glance

Note: SEER and EER aren’t directly comparable but provide a general sense of efficiency.

🏆 So, Which One’s Right for You?

Choose a through-the-wall AC if you:

• Own your home or have landlord permission to modify the wall

• Want a permanent, quiet solution

• Value clean aesthetics without blocking a window

• Are cooling a space between 400–600 sq ft

Choose a window AC if you:

• Are on a tight budget

• Rent and can’t install permanent fixtures

• Need a quick fix

Choose a portable AC if you:

• Need temporary cooling

• Move rooms frequently

• Can tolerate lower efficiency and higher noise

Choose a mini-split if you:

• Want top-tier efficiency and long-term performance

• Are okay with the upfront investment

• Want zoned climate control

Choose central air if you:

• Are cooling a full home

• Already have ductwork

• Want to boost your home’s resale value

🧰 Tony’s Final Verdict

If you're trying to cool a bedroom, den, or studio year-round with minimal hassle, the Amana 11,800 BTU through-the-wall AC is tough to beat. It nails the sweet spot: affordable, efficient, low-maintenance, and permanent.

Unlike window or portable units, you won’t be reinstalling it every spring. And unlike mini-splits or central systems, you’re not shelling out thousands in installation fees or cutting open drywall.

It’s a great choice for homeowners who want real cooling power without overcomplicating things. That’s why I keep recommending it.

🛠️ From my toolbelt to your thermostat, stay comfortable — Tony 🛠️