How To Fill An Opening From A Wall AC

By  Tom Ross

Things Needed

  • Utility knife

  • Pry bar

  • Handsaw

  • Measuring tape

  • 2-by-4 foot boards

  • Electric drill

  • Drywall screws

  • Drywall compound

  • Drywall tape

  • Joint compound knife

  • 220-grit sandpaper

  • Wall treatment of choice

  • R-13 fiberglass insulation

  • Shingles, siding or wall treatment of choice

Tip

Use joint compound according to label instructions. It is available at home improvement stores.

Warning

Do not compress the insulation when placing it in the hole. Insulation works on the principal of air trapped between the particles of fiberglass.

Fan mounted in sealed window of buildingJupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Removing an air conditioner from the wall leaves a large hole that needs covering immediately. While a hole through the wall of your home appears daunting, it is only moderately difficult to cover up. Very few tools and materials are needed to cover the hole. Carpentry or drywall experience is helpful but not an absolute requirement. A person with basic handyman skills who has the necessary tools and materials available can generally finish the project in one full day.

Remove The Air Conditioner

Step 1

Remove the trim from around the front of the air conditioner and cut off the caulking that adheres to the wall.

Step 2

Take off the front-facing panel, then pull out the motor assembly.

Step 3

Use a pry bar to remove the metal jacket that the air conditioner slides into.

Cover The Inside Hole

Step 1

Build a frame around the opening with 2-by-4 foot boards cut to fit the dimensions of the hole. Recess the 2-by-4 foot frame 1/2-inch into the opening.

Step 2

Cut a 1/2-inch thick sheet of drywall to fit the dimensions of the opening and screw it to the 2-by-4 foot frame with drywall screws.

Step 3

Press joint compound into the openings around the drywall cover and push drywall tape into the joint compound.

Step 4

Apply another layer of joint compound to the seams and smooth them with a joint compound knife.

Step 5

Cover the screw depressions with compound and smooth them out with the joint compound knife.

Step 6

Allow the compound to dry and then sand it smooth with 220-grit sandpaper.

Step 7

Paint or wallpaper the wall or apply the wall treatment of your choice.

Cover The Outside Hole

Step 1

Place a piece of fiberglass insulation with an R-factor of 13 into the opening from the outside. Make certain the paper side of the insulation goes toward the inside of the house.

Step 2

Cut a sheet of plywood to fit the opening on the outside wall. Attach the plywood to the frame with drywall screws.

Step 3

Cover the plywood with shingles, siding or whatever treatment you have on your house.

References

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