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🏠 Installation Guide: How Mark Installed His Amana Wall Sleeve

When I (Mark) first looked into installing my Amana through-the-wall air conditioner, I quickly realized the wall sleeve was the most important piece of the puzzle. Without it, the AC unit wouldn’t sit properly, drafts would sneak in, and I’d risk water leaks into my walls.

Amana Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner Wall Sleeve

The good news? Installing the Amana wall sleeve is a DIY-friendly project—if you’re careful, patient, and prepared. In this guide, I’ll walk you step-by-step through how I installed mine, what tools I used, and the mistakes I learned to avoid.

🧰 Tools & Materials Checklist

Before you start, gather everything you’ll need. Trust me, running to the hardware store mid-install is no fun.

📏 Measuring Tape & Level – for accurate sizing and proper slope
🔨 Power Drill & Screws – to secure the sleeve into wall framing
✂️ Drywall Saw or Circular Saw – to cut the wall opening
🧴 Caulk & Sealant Gun – for weatherproofing around edges
🧤 Safety Gear – gloves, goggles, dust mask
📦 Amana Wall Sleeve – standard 26” model
🧱 Support Bracket (Optional) – for older homes or brick walls

👉 Mark’s Tip: I laid all my tools out on a workbench before starting. Having them organized made the whole job smoother.

🪚 Step 1: Measure and Prepare the Wall Opening

The first step is all about accuracy. A sleeve that doesn’t fit snugly is a recipe for drafts and wasted energy.

Measure the dimensions of the Amana sleeve (26” wide x 15.625” high x 16.75” deep).
Mark those dimensions on the inside wall with a pencil.
Double-check measurements from both inside and outside.

⚠️ Safety Check: Use a stud finder to make sure you’re not cutting through wall studs, plumbing, or electrical wires.

👉 Mark’s Note: I almost made the mistake of cutting too small. Remember: it’s easier to trim a little more than to patch a big mistake.

🔨 Step 2: Cut and Frame the Opening

Once you’re confident in your measurements, it’s time to cut.

Use a drywall saw (inside) and circular saw (outside siding) to cut the opening.
If your wall is brick, you’ll need a masonry blade.
Frame the opening with 2x4s for added stability—this gives the sleeve something solid to anchor to.

👉 Mark’s Experience: I skipped framing the first time and the sleeve wobbled slightly. Once I added a wood frame, it was rock solid.

📏 Step 3: Insert the Amana Wall Sleeve

Now comes the fun part—sliding the sleeve into place.

Position the sleeve so it tilts slightly downward toward the outside (about ¼ inch). This ensures condensation drains outdoors.
Use a level to check both horizontal and vertical alignment.
Slide it in carefully to avoid scraping or bending.

👉 Mark’s Lesson: I originally forgot the slope, which caused water pooling inside. Luckily, I caught it before sliding in the AC.

🔧 Step 4: Secure the Sleeve

With the sleeve in place, it’s time to lock it down.

Drill pilot holes through the sleeve flanges into the framing.
Use screws to secure each side. Don’t over-tighten—this can warp the metal.
Re-check slope and alignment with the level.

👉 Mark’s Tip: A slightly warped sleeve can make your AC noisy later. Take your time here.

🧼 Step 5: Seal and Weatherproof

A good installation is all about sealing. Without it, you’ll get drafts, pests, and higher energy bills.

Apply silicone caulk around the entire outside edge of the sleeve.
Seal any interior gaps with foam insulation strips (if provided).
Smooth the caulk with a gloved finger for a neat finish.

👉 Mark’s Seasonal Routine: I check my caulking every spring. If it cracks or peels, I reapply before running my AC.

🌀 Step 6: Slide in the Amana AC Unit

With the sleeve in place, your Amana AC is ready to install.

Remove the AC from its packaging carefully.
Align it with the sleeve tracks.
Slide it in until flush with the wall.
Make electrical connections per the manual.

👉 Mark’s Reminder: Never force the unit. If it resists sliding in, double-check sleeve alignment.

🔍 Common Mistakes to Avoid

From my experience, here are the top mistakes DIYers make:

❌ Forgetting the drainage slope → leads to water damage.
❌ Using the wrong size sleeve → Amana requires 26” sleeves, not 27”.
❌ Leaving gaps unsealed → drafts increase energy bills.
❌ Over-tightening screws → warps the sleeve.
❌ Not checking wall structure first → cutting into wires/pipes is dangerous.

💡 Mark’s Extra Tips for DIYers

Over time, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make the process easier:

🎨 Use painter’s tape to outline your cut before sawing—it helps keep lines straight.
👥 Have a helper—sleeves are bulky and easier to install with two people.
⏳ Don’t rush sealing—spend time on caulking; it pays back in energy savings.
🪛 Keep a vacuum handy—cutting drywall and siding creates a mess fast.

📋 Maintenance After Installation

The sleeve itself doesn’t require much upkeep, but don’t neglect it:

🧹 Annual Cleaning: Vacuum dust, leaves, and debris inside the sleeve.
🧴 Re-Caulk Every 2–3 Years: Especially in climates with extreme weather.
🔍 Inspect for Rust: Touch up with rust-proof paint if needed.

👉 Mark’s Habit: I make sleeve cleaning part of my spring checklist when I prep my AC for summer.

🏗️ Professional vs. DIY Installation

If you’re comfortable with power tools and cutting walls, DIY is a great option. But some homeowners prefer hiring a pro.

DIY Cost: ~$120 (sleeve only)
Pro Install Cost: $250–$500 (labor + sealing)

👉 Mark’s Take: If you can follow instructions and measure accurately, you can save hundreds by doing it yourself.

🏠 Mark’s Final Thoughts

Installing my Amana wall sleeve was one of the most rewarding DIY projects I’ve done. It wasn’t complicated, but it required patience and precision. The payoff? A snug fit, no drafts, and lower energy bills.

If you’re considering it yourself: