How to Mount an Air Conditioner Without an Outdoor Unit
Air conditioning can make you feel great when the weather isn’t, but if you don’t have an outdoor unit, it can be difficult to set up.
As it is not so common because most people do not use AC without an outdoor unit. I was so confused when I saw an AC without an outdoor unit. I did not know how to make it function. So, I consulted one of my friends. He guided me and I was finally able to solve this issue. I wrote everything for you in this article so that you would not face a similar situation to me.
Luckily, there are many ways to mount an air conditioner without an outdoor unit and still have great cooling throughout your home. Here are some of the usual methods for doing this.
Considerations
If you have a window that faces the direction of the sun and is large enough for your air conditioner, this may be the best solution for you. The key is to buy a window-mounted unit and then mount it on the inside of your window.
This type of unit will come with its own mounting brackets that you can use on your windowsill to hold it in place. These brackets are designed so that they can’t be seen from outside of your home when you close your curtains.
Requirements
-What you’ll need: a drill, a stud finder, a level, one or two drill bits (depending on the thickness of your drywall), some screws, and anchors.
-Find the center of the wall by measuring from each corner and drawing a line in chalk or pencil.
-Drill holes for anchors at the top and bottom of this line.
-Mark where your studs are with your stud finder.
-Mount the air conditioner on these marks and screw it into place with screws or anchor bolts.
Materials Needed
-Electrical outlet with GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection
-An electrician or handyman if you’re not confident in your skills.
-Screwdriver, drill, level, and other tools if you’re installing a new air conditioner without a bracket.
-Wall-mounted mount that securely fits your AC unit model (can be purchased at hardware stores).
Tools and Equipment
You’ll need a few tools and pieces of equipment to mount your air conditioner without an outdoor unit.
-A sturdy ladder or a tall step stool
-Cordless drill with screwdriver bit attachment and a socket wrench attachment
-6 drywall screws
-A stud finder (optional)
-Safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection for dusty work zones.
Step 1 – Stud Finding & Leveling
1) Find a stud in the wall that is horizontally level with where you want your air conditioner. Hammer in a nail and place a level on it to confirm.
2) If there are no studs available, you can use drywall anchors that come with drywall or plasterboard (they look like small metal hooks). You’ll need to drill into the wall at least half the depth of the anchor.
3) If there are no studs or anchors available, measure out about four feet from one corner of the room and use a carpenter’s level or string line for reference as you pound in nails.
Step 2 – Cut Out Hole for New A/C Unit
-Cut out the hole for your new air conditioner according to the dimensions of the unit. Remember, if you are mounting it near a window, you will need at least 2 inches of clearance on each side and top/bottom.
-Once you have your hole cut out and patched, put up drywall or plywood over the hole inside your house. If you are mounting it in a brick or stone wall, make sure to fill any holes with mortar before installing new materials.
Step 3 – Attach Bracket to A/C Unit
The bracket will come with screws that need to be inserted into the air conditioner’s holes, but it might take some wiggling and adjusting to get them in. Once they’re in, the screws should tighten against the unit and hold it securely.
If you want to hang your new air conditioner higher on the wall, try positioning one of its feet on a chair or something else with a level surface. It might be necessary for someone else to help you hold up the A/C unit as you attach its bracket.
Step 4 – Test Fit Before Attaching Air Conditioner
Test fit the air conditioner in the window before attaching it. This will allow you to make sure there are no obstructions or that it’s not too close to the window, which can make the seal unreliable.
You should also be able to see if there is any condensation on the back of the unit. If you live in a humid environment, this may be a problem and you should try another spot for your air conditioner or buy a new one with better seals.
Step 5 – Attach Bracket, Tighten Hinge Bolts, Add Hardware to Wall / Studs
If you are mounting the air conditioner without a backer plate on the wall, use a stud finder or look for any screws in the wall that might indicate where a stud is located. Mark the location with some painter’s tape and then drill pilot holes through the drywall at these locations so you can screw in lag bolts that will securely fasten your mounting bracket to the wall.
Gently turn all of your lag bolts until they’re tight enough that they won’t move when you put pressure on them from both sides, but don’t over-tighten them because this will damage your drywall and cause it to crack.
Step 6 – Plug In and Turn On
After you’ve installed the air conditioner, plug it into a grounded three-prong outlet. Most homes have one in their basement, but if you don’t, you’ll need to install one.
To turn on the AC, flip the breaker switch on your home’s circuit breaker panel or fuse box and make sure all power is off before touching any wires. Now press and hold the AC unit’s power button for a few seconds until it turns on. The unit will start up at high speed for about 30 seconds before automatically switching to low speed.
You may also be interested in: Fix Window Air Conditioner Is Not Draining Water
FAQ’s
Wall-mounted air conditioner without external unit
The first step in mounting your air conditioner without an external unit is to measure the space where you want your AC to be installed. You’ll need measurements for width and height. This will help you find a new hole in the wall that is the perfect size for your new AC.
Once you have your measurements, mark out where you want it on the wall by drawing two lines from corner to corner, one horizontal line, and one vertical line. Next, use a drill or screwdriver and make pilot holes at each of the corners of this square shape. After doing this, hammer nails into these pilot holes so that they go about halfway up into the drywall.
Can you have central air without an exterior unit?
If you live in a climate where it gets cold in the winter, chances are that you have central air conditioning. Central air conditioning units require a connection to a large outdoor unit and because of this, they must be mounted on the outside of your home.
However, if you live in a warmer climate where it doesn’t get too hot or cold, you can use a wall-mounted unit without needing any kind of outdoor installation.
Wall units are designed for indoor use and generally come with ducts and vents to help distribute the conditioned air throughout your home. Wall units can be installed anywhere as long as there is enough space for them to fit on your wall. They also don’t require any special venting and cooling systems so they’re much easier to install than outdoor units.
Is there an air conditioner that you don’t have to vent outside?
There are some wall-mounted air conditioners that don’t require you to have a hole in your ceiling or the outside of your home for exhaust.
However, these types of air conditioners usually lack features like dehumidifiers and will be more expensive than traditional models. If you’re looking for a cheap, quick solution, it might be worth it to spend the time finding out if there’s a hole in your roof where you can vent the hot air.
Conclusion
Wall-mounted air conditioners are a great option if you don’t have enough room for an outdoor unit. But installing one can be tricky, and not just because of the mounting brackets.
There’s also the electrical work, venting, and insulation that need to be done for a successful installation. Keep in mind that these units take up more space than window units so make sure you have enough wall space before beginning the installation process.
