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Installation / Through the wall AC

Through the wall AC in New York

A unit that sits in a sleeve through the outside wall. Easy to replace if the sleeve is already there; a real construction job if it isn't.

At a glanceNYC
Best for
Rooms with an existing sleeve
Power
Check the unit's voltage
New opening
Construction; ask about permits
National average
$1,900 to $4,150
Side view: an AC unit sits in a metal sleeve that passes through the outside wall, below a window that still opensWindowstays freeOutside wallSleevefixed in the wallUnitslides inInsideOutside

A good fit if

  • The wall already has a sleeve from an old unit
  • The windows are casements or can't take a window unit
  • You want the window to stay usable

Size your rooms

Replacing a unit

  • Match the sleeveMeasure the sleeve and note its brand. A new unit has to fit that sleeve, or the sleeve has to be replaced too.
  • SizeThe law sets a floor of 20 BTU per hour for every square foot of the room. Most units start at 5,000 BTU, so small bedrooms usually need the smallest size sold.
  • PowerCheck the new unit's voltage and plug against the outlet in the wall. Any electrical work needs a NYC licensed master electrician and a permit.

Cutting a new opening

  • It's constructionCutting through an exterior wall is construction. Ask a registered architect or engineer whether it needs a Department of Buildings permit before you start.
  • LandmarksOn a landmark, the Landmarks Preservation Commission requires a permit for through the wall units, and some building types need a public hearing. The law allows hardship extensions for landmarks and historic districts.

Costs

  • Typical totalNational averages run $1,900 to $4,150 for the sleeve, unit, and installation. The unit alone is about $900 to $1,500.
  • The piecesSleeve $120 to $250, wall work $300 to $800, electrical $150 to $400, labor $400 to $1,000, permits $50 to $200 where required.

Rebates and incentives

The state's through the wall heat pump program has closed pre-qualification for New York City. We found no Con Edison or NYSERDA rebate for a standard through the wall air conditioner.

See every unit type and incentive

Who pays for the install

Other ways to cool a room

  • Window ACUsually the cheapest way to cool one room.
  • Window heat pumpCools in summer and heats in winter, with real state incentives.
  • PTACA packaged unit that sits in a standard wall sleeve.

Check a license before you hire

Two free City lookups. Ask for the license number and check it yourself before anyone starts.

  • Home improvement contractorsThe City requires a Home Improvement Contractor license from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection for construction, repair, and remodeling work on residences. Ask whether your installer has one. Look up a contractor
  • ElectriciansElectrical work in NYC needs a licensed master electrician and a permit from the Department of Buildings. Search DOB licenses
  • Get it in writingAsk for a written quote that lists the unit, the bracket or sleeve, any electrical work, and who hauls away the old unit.

Lookups listed on the Department of Buildings' Know Your Construction Professional page. Checked October 21, 2026.