November 8, 2025
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Construction

CountBricks: Cost to Install Through-Wall Air Conditioner

James Miller
Head of Sales

The Real-World Cost to Install a Through-Wall Air Conditioner

Homeowners often ask our project consultants two questions: “How much will it cost?” and “How long will it take?” When it comes to through-wall air conditioners, CountBricks delivers accurate answers in minutes. By combining AI-driven takeoffs, real-time material pricing, and on-site voice documentation, CountBricks removes the guesswork from residential construction projects.

What Makes a Through-Wall Unit Different?

Unlike traditional window units or split systems, a through-wall air conditioner is permanently set into a framed opening in your exterior wall. The installation requires structural alteration, weatherproofing, and dedicated electrical service—tasks best handled by experienced residential construction pros like CountBricks.

Typical Cost Breakdown

The total price you see on a CountBricks estimate isn’t a single line item. It’s a collection of carefully quantified components:

• Equipment cost – the actual through-wall AC unit, sleeves, and exterior grille

• Structural framing – cutting, headers, jack studs, and reinforcements

• Electrical work – dedicated circuit, breaker upgrade, and wiring

• Interior finishes – drywall repair, insulation, paint, trim, and caulk

• Exterior finishes – flashing, siding repair, masonry infill, or stucco patch

• Weatherproofing – vapor barrier, waterproof membrane, and sealant

• Permit & inspection fees – based on local jurisdiction

• Site protection and clean-up – dust control, debris haul-off, and disposal

Price Ranges You Can Expect

CountBricks projects across the country average between $1,800 and $3,600 for a standard 8,000–12,000 BTU through-wall unit in a wood-frame exterior wall. Masonry walls, high-efficiency units, and high-rise condominium rules can push totals to $4,500 or more. Our AI engine tracks live supplier feeds, so material surcharges and seasonal promos are reflected instantly in your quote.

Why Labor Rates Matter

Labor is typically 55-65 percent of the total install price. Crafting a clean opening without compromising structural integrity is time-intensive. CountBricks only partners with licensed, background-checked carpenters and electricians. Their actual labor hours feed directly into our estimating software as they dictate notes through the CountBricks mobile voice interface—no paper, no double data entry, no hidden mark-ups.

How CountBricks Generates Your Estimate in Minutes

1. You speak with a CountBricks specialist via our secure voice portal.

2. Our AI captures room dimensions, wall type, electrical panel capacity, and client preferences in real time.

3. Blueprint or photo uploads are processed for precise takeoffs.

4. Real-time pricing from partnered suppliers auto-populates material costs.

5. Regional labor multipliers calibrate the budget to your ZIP code.

6. A branded PDF proposal—with line-item clarity—arrives in your inbox within ten minutes.

Hidden Costs Homeowners Overlook

• Panel upgrades when existing service is maxed out

• HOA architectural approvals and resubmittals

• Masonry lintel installation in brick or CMU walls

• Asbestos or lead paint remediation in pre-1978 homes

Value Engineering Without Cutting Corners

CountBricks estimators can instantly run “what-if” scenarios: swapping a 20-amp circuit for a 15-amp where code allows, choosing cellulose over fiberglass insulation, or opting for PVC trim that needs less paint. Because the data is live, you see the price swing in dollars—before committing.

Timeline From Demo to Cool Air

• Day 1: Permit pulled, materials ordered, pre-construction walkthrough

• Day 2: Wall opening, framing, and unit sleeve installed

• Day 3: Electrical rough-in, insulation, and initial inspection

• Day 4: Interior/exterior finish, weather seal, final inspection, client sign-off

Many projects finish faster, but CountBricks schedules with padding so you’re never left waiting on inspections or deliveries.

DIY vs. Hiring CountBricks

Home centers sell through-wall ACs, tempting handy homeowners to tackle the job themselves. However, structural cuts, load calculations, and electrical codes expose you to costly mistakes. CountBricks provides licensed crews, warranty coverage, and verified workmanship. More importantly, our transparent estimate shows exactly where each dollar goes, so you’re paying for value—not uncertainty.

Get Started Today

Ready for reliable comfort and a predictable budget? Start your voice consultation now or upload your plans at CountBricks.com/services. Our team will deliver a detailed estimate for the cost to install a through-wall air conditioner—no surprises, just measurable accuracy.

Are you a construction professional? Use AI to build and edit full estimates, quotes and bids.

Case Study: Saving 18 Percent on a Midtown Retrofit

When the Nguyen family decided to convert their upstairs playroom into a guest suite, a through-wall air conditioner was the simplest way to add cooling without tearing into ductwork. They turned to CountBricks for a rapid estimate and seamless execution.

Project Snapshot

• 10,000 BTU Energy Star through-wall unit

• 2×4 wood exterior wall with vinyl siding

• Electrical panel at 80 percent capacity

• HOA required exterior color match

CountBricks Solution

1. Voice Consultation: In nine minutes our estimator captured wall construction details, HOA restrictions, and electrical constraints.

2. AI Takeoff: The homeowner’s iPhone photos produced precise cut-out dimensions. Our software flagged a non-load-bearing stud bay, eliminating the need for a header and saving both lumber and labor.

3. Live Pricing: A regional insulation rebate appeared in the CountBricks supplier feed, instantly reducing material cost by $112.

4. Dynamic Scheduling: Crews were slotted during a light inspection window, shaving a full day off the schedule.

Final Outcome

• Total install cost: $2,385—18 percent under the client’s original budget

• Installation duration: 2.5 working days

• Post-install blower-door test confirmed no new air leakage

• HOA approval secured on first submission thanks to CountBricks color-matched grille rendering

What This Means for Your Project

Whether you’re cooling a bonus room or upgrading an entire multi-unit property, CountBricks leverages real-time data to cut waste and accelerate timelines. Our proprietary platform translates field voice notes directly into line items, so nothing gets lost between conversation and invoice. Start your own success story at CountBricks.com/consultation and discover how much you could save on the cost to install a through-wall air conditioner.