Removing an Air Conditioner Unit

Update your home by getting rid of an old air conditioner unit. Try more half-day projects with host Steve Watson from Don't Sweat It!

Don't Sweat It : Episode HDSWT-111 -- More Projects »

Before: Wall Eyesore

After: Smooth New Wall

Materials:

one 1/2" sheetrock
quick-dry joint compound
drywall tape
replacement shingles to match
2x4s
batt insulation
1 sheet of plywood
220-grit sandpaper

Tools:

miter box or circular saw
cordless drill
drywall saw
utility knife
mud knife
taping knife
wonder bar

Tip:

• Make sure to have appropriate siding or other material to patch the exterior of the house. If you can’t find an exact match, you can have paint computer-matched to your existing color.

Steps:

1. Remove trim on inside and cut away caulk on outside.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

2. Remove the front of the A/C unit (figure A). Next, remove the motor and fins from the inside (figure B). Finally, remove the metal shell, using a wonder bar to pry away from the opening (figure C).

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

3. Frame the opening with 2x4s (figure D). Measure and cut a piece of drywall to the opening dimensions. Screw into the 2x4 frame (figure E). Apply thin layer of joint compound (mud). Press tape into mud and cover with another layer of compound (figure F). Cover screw heads with compound to fill depressions. Spread a second layer of mud to joints, feathering out to minimize seams. Let dry and then sand mudded area smooth.

Figure G

4. Insulate the opening using at least R-13 fiberglass insulation (figure G). The paper side goes toward the interior of the home. Note: Don’t compress the insulation as you install it. The insulation value actually comes from the airspace between the fiberglass strands, not the actual fiberglass.

Figure H

Figure I

Figure J

5. Measure and cut a piece of plywood to the opening dimensions. Screw into the 2x4 frame (figure H). Nail in siding/shingles to match the existing exterior (figure I). Caulk around the edges of the siding/shingles to seal the seams (figure J).
6. Paint inside and outside as desired.

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Also in this Episode

Don't Sweat It : Episode HDSWT-111
•	Installing a Bathroom Vanity
•	Removing an Air Conditioner Unit
•	Constructing Bookshelves around a Fireplace

Shows A - Z

Removing an Air Conditioner Unit

Update your home by getting rid of an old air conditioner unit. Try more half-day projects with host Steve Watson from Don't Sweat It!

Tools

Related Articles

MOST POPULAR

Shows A - Z

Removing an Air Conditioner Unit

Update your home by getting rid of an old air conditioner unit. Try more half-day projects with host Steve Watson from Don't Sweat It!

Tools

Related Articles

MOST POPULAR

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