Best Through the Wall Heater and Air Conditioner Options

Quick Overview: This guide compares five through-the-wall heaters and combined heater/AC units suited for apartments, large rooms, and spaces that require permanent wall installation. Below is a summary table of the selected products to help you compare capacity and primary features at a glance.

Product	Type	Heating/Cooling Highlights	Ideal Coverage
Keystone 23,200 BTU Through The Wall AC	Through-the-wall AC with Supplemental Heat	23,200 BTU cooling / 16,000 BTU supplemental heat, smart remote	Up To 1,500 Sq.Ft.
Durastar 14,000 BTU Through The Wall AC	Through-the-wall AC	14,000 BTU cooling, dehumidifier, EER 9.4	550–700 Sq.Ft.
Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Through-The-Wall AC	Through-the-wall AC	12,000 BTU, washable filter, slide-out chassis	Up To 550 Sq.Ft.
ROVSUN 8,000 BTU Through The Wall AC	Through-the-wall AC with Heat	4-in-1 (Cool/Heat/Fan/Dry), 24-hour timer	Up To 350 Sq.Ft.
Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU Direct Vent Gas Heater	Direct-vent Natural Gas Wall Heater	25,000 BTU, sealed burn, safety pilot	Up To 825 Sq.Ft.

Keystone 23,200 BTU Through Wall AC

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This Keystone unit is a high-capacity through-the-wall air conditioner with supplemental heat. It lists 23,200 BTU cooling capacity and 16,000 BTU supplemental heating, designed to serve large spaces up to 1,500 sq.ft. The product includes multi-function modes: cooling, supplemental heating, dehumidification, and fan circulation.

Key operational details include a smart remote that measures room temperature and communicates regularly with the unit for improved temperature control. The supplemental heat mode is specified as not a primary heat source but for use when outdoor temperatures are within a defined range. The design is built for through-the-wall installation to provide a permanent, space-saving climate solution.

Durastar 14,000 BTU Through Wall AC

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The Durastar model is a 230V through-the-wall air conditioner offering 14,000 BTU cooling and features intended for medium-to-large rooms. It specifies an EER of 9.4 and includes dehumidifier, sleep mode, and an energy saver setting. A digital control panel and remote are included for convenience.

Important installation notes: this is a 230V unit requiring the appropriate outlet type (LCDI 6-15P) and will not operate on standard 115V circuits. The temperature range, sleep timer, and 6.5 ft power cord support typical through-the-wall applications. The unit provides a balance of cooling capacity and installed features for spaces in the 550–700 sq.ft. range.

Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Through-The-Wall AC

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The Frigidaire unit is specifically designed for through-the-wall installation and delivers 12,000 BTU of cooling power for rooms up to about 550 sq.ft. It includes a slide-out chassis to aid installation and maintenance, which simplifies seasonal servicing or cleaning.

Operational features include a washable mesh filter to capture dust and maintain efficiency, a remote control, timer, and sleep mode. The product’s form factor and service-friendly chassis make it appropriate for permanent wall installations where accessibility and regular filter cleaning are priorities.

ROVSUN 8,000 BTU Through The Wall AC

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ROVSUN’s compact through-the-wall unit offers 8,000 BTU of cooling with integrated heating functionality. It is presented as a 4-in-1 system (Cool/Heat/Fan/Dry) and is targeted at smaller rooms, dorms, or offices up to about 350 sq.ft. The unit supports three fan speeds and includes a 24-hour timer.

Controls are accessible via an LED control panel or included remote, providing flexible operation. The focused footprint and mode options make this unit suitable for users needing a combined small-space heating and cooling solution with straightforward controls and timer scheduling.

Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU Direct Vent Gas Heater

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This Comfort Glow unit is a direct-vent natural gas wall heater listed at 25,000 BTU and designed to heat spaces up to about 825 sq.ft. The heater uses a sealed burn system and includes safety features such as matchless piezo ignition and a safety pilot with a pressure regulator that stops gas flow if the pilot goes out.

The wall-mounted design is compact and intended for permanent installation. Because it uses natural gas, the unit requires proper venting and professional installation per manufacturer guidelines and local codes. Safety features and sealed combustion make it suitable for homes that prefer a gas-based whole-room heat source without using ductwork.

Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Through-The-Wall Heater

Use the following considerations to match a through-the-wall heater or combined heater/AC unit to your needs. Each factor affects performance, installation, and operating cost.

1. Type: Electric, Gas, Or Supplemental Heat

• Electric Wall Heaters (including PTC ceramic) offer quick, clean heat and are suitable for bedrooms or apartments with electrical capacity. They are often plug-in or hardwired and may include smart controls.
• Gas Wall Heaters provide high BTU output and lower operating cost per BTU in areas with inexpensive natural gas but require venting and professional installation.
• Through-The-Wall AC With Supplemental Heat combines cooling and backup heating in one chassis. Supplemental heat is typically not intended as the primary heat source in cold climates but can be effective for seasonal use and temperate regions.

2. Heating Capacity And Room Size

• Match BTU outputs to room area: smaller rooms (≤350 sq.ft.) may only need 6,000–8,000 BTU equivalents, medium rooms require 10,000–14,000 BTU, and large spaces or open-plan areas need 18,000–25,000 BTU or more.
• Consider ceiling height, insulation, and sun exposure. Poor insulation or high ceilings increase required capacity.

3. Power Requirements And Voltage

• Verify electrical requirements: many through-the-wall ACs use 230V circuits and require dedicated breakers. Confirm outlet type (e.g., LCDI plug) and ensure compatibility before purchase.
• Gas heaters need appropriate gas line connections and venting; electric models may need firm electrical capacity planning.

4. Installation Type And Space Constraints

• Permanent Through-The-Wall Installation requires cutting an exterior wall opening and sleeve or masonry work. Some units ship with trim kits or slide-out chassis for ease of maintenance.
• Check depth, width, and recommended wall sleeve dimensions. A slide-out chassis simplifies servicing and filter access.

5. Venting And Safety

• Gas units require direct venting and compliance with local codes. Confirm the unit’s sealed combustion or safety pilot features.
• Electric and combo units should include safety mechanisms, such as overheat protection, and clear instructions for ventilation and condensate management.

6. Controls, Timers, And Smart Features

• Remote controls, digital displays, and timers add convenience. Some models include smart remotes that sample room temperature and adjust operation more accurately.
• Smart connectivity (Wi‑Fi or app control) provides scheduling and remote operation. Evaluate whether networked control is necessary for your setup.

7. Energy Efficiency And Modes

• Look for energy saver modes, EER ratings for cooling units, and programmable thermostats to reduce operating cost.
• Multi-mode functions (dehumidify, fan-only) increase off-season usability and comfort control.

8. Maintenance And Filter Access

• Washable filters and slide-out chassis simplify regular maintenance. Regular filter cleaning preserves efficiency and indoor air quality.
• Consider the ease of locating replacement parts and factory service if needed.

9. Installation Costs And Professional Requirements

• Factor in installation costs: concrete or masonry walls, electrical upgrades for 230V units, or gas line and venting work for gas heaters can materially add to total expense.
• Some installations require licensed professionals; check local regulations regarding gas and electrical connections.

10. Comparison Perspectives

• Performance Perspective: Match BTU to room and expected temperature extremes; higher BTU offers faster recovery but can cycle frequently in small rooms.
• Cost Perspective: Project operating costs based on local electricity vs gas rates and expected seasonal runtime.
• Installation Perspective: Evaluate permanent wall penetration complexity versus simpler window alternatives; through-the-wall units offer neater, more secure installations.
• Reliability & Safety: Verify safety features—sealed combustion for gas, appropriate electrical protections for high-voltage units, and manufacturer-specified operating ranges for supplemental heat modes.

Final Notes: When selecting a through-the-wall heater or combination unit, balance room size, power and venting availability, installation complexity, and the desired year-round functionality (cooling + heating). Review manufacturer installation guides and local codes before proceeding with purchase or installation.