Of all different types of air conditioners, most homeowners prefer wall-mounted units for being a reasonable budget option. Indeed, wall mounted AC models are great cooling and heating choices for open-plan areas and rooms of a certain size. Plus, they are easy to install through an external wall. Before you decide which wall-mounted air conditioner you should buy, however, the purchase cost is one of the most critical factors to consider. This guide will help you determine that and also give you extra tips to make the most informed decision as a buyer.
Price range of wall-mounted AC units
So how much are wall mounted air conditioners? Everything depends on the required BTUs (British Thermal Units) – meaning, how much power you need. In general, wall-mounted air conditioners cost anything between $400-$1,200. Here is a table demonstrating the wide range of prices for the most common size wall-mounted AC units.
| Capacity | Cost |
| 8,000 BTU | $330 – $750 |
| 10,000 BTU | $390 – $780 |
| 12,000 BTU | $420 – $850 |
| 14,000 BTU | $500 – $1,000+ |
Several factors affect the cost, including
- Efficiency. Energy Star models cost between 15%-30% more than other wall-mounted units lacking that rating.
- Supplemental heat. It may cost you up to $150 more to get a wall-mounted AC unit that includes a space heating element.
- Extra features such as a dehumidifier, human presence sensor, Wi-Fi control, sleep mode, Demand Response Enabling Device, restart delay, etc.
Running costs of a wall-mounted AC unit
A medium-sized AC model will cost you around $500 on average per year. However, the total sum can vary depending on the model. The yearly cost to run small devices (up to 4KW) usually ranges between $250-$490. For medium-sized units (4-6KW), these costs climb to about $550, while larger appliances (over 6KW) may need approximately $600 annually to run. Keep in mind that an inverter AC is even more efficient and cost-effective to run than conventional AC models.
Picking the right wall-mounted AC unit for your space
As mentioned above, your total square footage that needs to be cooled will determine the required capacity your wall-mounted air conditioner should feature. Below is a ballpark guide to give you an idea of how many BTUs you really need.
| Square Footage | Needed BTUs per Hour |
| 100-150 | 5000 |
| 150-250 | 6000 |
| 250-300 | 7000 |
| 300-350 | 8000 |
| 350-400 | 9000 |
| 400-450 | 10000 |
| 450-550 | 12000 |
| 550-700 | 14000 |
| 700-1000 | 18000 |
| 1000-1200 | 21000 |
| 1200-1400 | 23000 |
Keep in mind that:
- If your area gets direct sunlight, you will need to increase your air conditioner’s capacity by 10%.
- For heavily shaded areas, reduce the unit’s capacity by 10%.
- Add 600 BTUs for every additional individual in the area.
The best time to buy an air conditioner
The peak hot season in your location should definitely be avoided. Not only are prices too high at that time, but you may also need to wait a couple of weeks (at least) before an installer can install your new unit. Try to shop around before the peak season, so you have your air conditioner up and running when you need it the most. Alternatively, you may want to consider getting old stock (available after the season ends) that is usually offered at a discounted price.
