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      Through-the-wall air conditioners

      15 through-the-wall units are ENERGY STAR certified, from 8,000 to 16,800 BTU.

      The most efficient is the Friedrich WCVT10B10B (14.2 CEER). 2 also heat, and 9 of 15 need a 230 V outlet. Check your wall sleeve size first.

      All 15, ranked

      Filter by size, brand or features

      15 models, ranked by CEER (efficiency). Yearly cost at 750 hours and the U.S. average electricity price.

      #Features
      1Friedrich WCVT10B10B10,10014.2$9626.5"-
      2Midea MT08VB1also sold as 8 other model numbers8,00014.1$7724.1"-
      3Midea MT10VB1also sold as 9 other model numbers10,00014.1$9624.1"-
      4Midea MT10VB2also sold as 8 other model numbers10,00014.1$9624.1"230 V
      5Friedrich WCVT12B30A13,60013.9$13226.5"230 V
      6Midea MAT14R2FWTKalso sold as 8 other model numbers14,00013.9$13624.1"230 V
      7Wallmaster WCVT12B30B11,80013.9$11526.5"230 V
      8Midea MT12VB1also sold as 9 other model numbers12,00013.9$11724.1"-
      9Midea MT12VB2also sold as 8 other model numbers12,00013.9$11724.1"230 V
      10Friedrich WCVT12B10A13,50013.2$13826.5"-
      11Friedrich WCVT10B10A11,00013.0$11426.5"-
      12Friedrich WCVT10B30A11,10013.0$11626.5"230 V
      13Wallmaster WHVT14B33B14,30012.8$15126.5"Heat, 230 V
      14Friedrich WCVT16B30A16,80012.6$18026.5"230 V
      15Friedrich WHVT14B33A15,20012.0$17126.5"Heat, 230 V

      Before you buy

      Questions4
      What is the best through-the-wall air conditioner?
      On certified efficiency, the Friedrich WCVT10B10B: 10,100 BTU at 14.2 CEER. The best unit that also heats is the Wallmaster WHVT14B33B. Before choosing on efficiency, check that it fits the wall sleeve you have.
      What is the difference between a window and a through-the-wall air conditioner?
      A through-the-wall unit slides into a metal sleeve built into an exterior wall, so it does not block a window and seals better. Its sides are not vented (no louvers), so it can sit flush in the wall; window units need their side vents outside. A window unit can go in a wall sleeve only if the maker says so.
      Can I replace my through-the-wall unit with any brand?
      Only if the new unit fits your existing sleeve. Sleeve sizes vary by maker; many replacement units are sold to fit common sleeve sizes, often with an adapter kit. Measure the sleeve opening (width, height and depth) and compare it with the maker’s sleeve specification, not just the unit dimensions.
      How much does a through-the-wall air conditioner cost to run?
      A typical certified unit (12,000 BTU, 13.9 CEER) costs about $117 a year at 750 hours and the U.S. average electricity price.

      Related

      Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Room Air Conditioners (U.S. EPA), updated October 13, 2026.