how does one go about replacing an in-wall A/C unit ?

[rh71]

I think it's safe to say it's a DIY kind of job since people walk out with the units from any appliance store. Does it get removed from the inside or outside? It's on the 2nd floor - would be an interesting challenge if it goes outward. :|

 

[LordThing]

Most wall ACs are the same as window ACs. That being said, there is normally a metal lip near the front of the unit that normally prevents it from sliding out of the window. Not knowing how your unit is mounted ( I said unit....I said mounted), I can only assume the stuck it in the wall then framed it in. If you can remove the molding (if there is any) around the inside of the AC and check out to see how they mounted it, then you might be able to remove it. If the unit is flush in with the wall/panneling, then you are in for a long haul of either removing panneling to get to the air unit or going outside and seeing if you can force the unit forward.

Be careful, and if this is a rental location, either make them replace the failed unit or purchase another unit and have them replace it (possibly reducing your rent for that month to cover the cost of a new AC).

 

[rh71]

It's a private home.

The spacing is made for an a/c unit so it's not particularly flush against the wall. My thought is that it should come inward for removal, but it looks like it can go both ways really.

You said in-wall units are the same as window units. I'd like to know if that's really true for all cases since all the types I come across say "window" and not "wall". Can anyone confirm ?

 

[LordThing]

From my limited purchasing and installing of AC units, the only difference I saw between a window and a wall air conditioner was the included hardware or mounting requirements needed. Often in-wall ACs are larger and heavier thereby would not work very well with just tension brackets.

 

[teckmaster]

window and wall units are different but you can put a window unit in the wall. The wall units don't have the brackets like the window ones do. They have spots for mounting. I'm looking at cutting a hole in my wall now and adding an air conditioner in it since I have an extra window unit. Not sure if I wanna throw the window unit in or go and buy one that belongs in the wall.