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THROUGH-THE-WALL AC BUYING GUIDE

Through-the-wall air conditioners with a heat pump

Compare documented room wall-AC heat-pump models and check backup heat, power and installation limits.

A heat pump is different from electric resistance heat. Documented heating capability does not prove that a model will cover your winter heating load.
Find my AC →See 3 documented profiles ↓

3 profiles document heat-pump operation. Your room and electrical installation still need checking.

Reviewed 2026-10-13 · US room through-the-wall ACs

In this guide

Identify heat-pump operation, not just “with heat”

Some room wall ACs provide electric resistance heat; others use heat-pump operation, possibly with electric backup. Our heat-pump filter accepts documented heat-pump and heat-pump-with-backup records. It does not infer the technology from a generic heating label or cooling model-number digits.

Source 1Source 5Source 51Source 52

Check operating limits and backup behavior

Look up the exact manual’s outdoor-temperature limits, heating modes and backup controls. Do not carry a limit from another generation into the selected model. Ask how the unit should be used during your local winter conditions and what other heat source is required. This page does not calculate a seasonal heating bill or heating-load match.

Source 51Source 52

Read the correct electrical operating point

Nominal voltage, permitted supply, receptacle and protection are separate facts. The presence of electric backup is a reason to read the full heating requirements rather than rely on cooling running amps. In this catalog the GE branch-circuit rating remains unestablished; confirm it from exact-unit evidence before purchase.

Source 3Source 14Source 51Source 52

Cooling sizing does not size winter heat

The ENERGY STAR chart estimates room cooling. Heating output and heat loss need a separate comparison, including the documented conditions for the rated output. A unit near the summer cooling estimate may still fail the winter requirement. The finder records the heating choice but does not claim to calculate that winter demand.

Source 51Source 52Source 107

Retain only supported sleeve combinations

A room heat-pump AC is still subject to its exact native or replacement sleeve procedure, rear grille and required installation parts. These models are not PTACs or ductless mini-splits. Open a profile to check the named housing and sources, then use the finder to add your actual supply and room requirements.

Source 13Source 51Source 52Source 99

3 profiles with the requirement documented

Updated from the reviewed catalog: 3 document heat-pump operation; 0 need verification of that requirement. Your room, actual supply, sleeve and required parts still need confirmation. This is not a ranking or installation approval.

Documented for this scenario (3)

More checks neededGE

AJVQ12ACXWA

Nominal supply
115 V
Nominal cooling rating
12,000 BTU/h
Heating
Heat pump with electric backup
Plug
Not established
Specified circuit / fuse
Not established
CEER (nominal rating)
9.6
Inverter documentedWi-Fi documented

Installation: GE RAB26A · required kit included; GE RAB46B · required kit included

Kit inclusion refers to the listed installation parts. Confirm sleeve supply separately.

What matches (2)
  • Documented sleeve option: GE RAB26A, GE RAB46B. Installation conditions apply.
  • Documented heating type meets your choice; heating output and operating limits still need assessment.
Verify circuit rating, plug, outlet
Why these facts need checking
  • Required circuit / fuse rating is not established in the reviewed documentation. Check the exact unit nameplate or ask GE to confirm it before purchase.
  • Exact plug configuration is not established in the reviewed documentation. Check the exact unit nameplate or ask GE to confirm it before purchase.
  • Required receptacle is not established in the reviewed documentation. Check the exact unit nameplate or ask GE to confirm it before purchase.
Checks before purchase (5)
  • Confirm the actual supply voltage.
  • The manufacturer circuit/fuse rating is not established. Check the exact unit nameplate or ask GE to confirm it before purchase; your circuit answer cannot fill this gap.
  • Exact plug/receptacle configuration needs confirmation.
  • Room estimate or model capacity at the selected voltage needs checking.
  • Enter 100–2,500 sq ft for the ENERGY STAR chart. Other room sizes need an individual sizing assessment.
Sleeves, required parts and sources

GE RAB26A

Manufacturer sleeve association; listed conditions apply.

Supplied security bracket and screws · Required for the listed procedure · Included as reported in source

  • The exact-model manual recommends RAB26A with the RAG13A rear grille. Use the full sleeve/chassis instructions.
  • Confirm specified rear grille and airflow. A retained louvered grille must follow the 45-degree instruction; do not substitute a grille by dimensions.
  • Install the supplied security bracket with its flange behind the sleeve edge, as specified on printed page 16.
  • Confirm exact unit nameplate, grounded outlet and circuit; remaining unknown electrical fields must be resolved before recommendation.
  • For a new installation the sleeve is purchased separately from the chassis.
  • For heat-capable models, apply all page-16 combustible-material clearances: sides 1 in, front and exterior rear 20 in, above 39-3/8 in, below as the manual’s 4-7/8–6-3/8 in range. Resolve the applicable bottom clearance for the actual installation; do not select an endpoint as a general rule.

GE RAB46B

Manufacturer sleeve association; listed conditions apply.

Supplied security bracket and screws · Required for the listed procedure · Included as reported in source

  • The exact-model manual recommends RAB46B with the RAG13A rear grille. Use the full sleeve/chassis instructions.
  • Confirm specified rear grille and airflow. A retained louvered grille must follow the 45-degree instruction; do not substitute a grille by dimensions.
  • Install the supplied security bracket with its flange behind the sleeve edge, as specified on printed page 16.
  • Confirm exact unit nameplate, grounded outlet and circuit; remaining unknown electrical fields must be resolved before recommendation.
  • For a new installation the sleeve is purchased separately from the chassis.
  • For heat-capable models, apply all page-16 combustible-material clearances: sides 1 in, front and exterior rear 20 in, above 39-3/8 in, below as the manual’s 4-7/8–6-3/8 in range. Resolve the applicable bottom clearance for the actual installation; do not select an endpoint as a general rule.

Evidence for this model and installation

  • GE 26-inch inverter owner and installation manual ↗Cover lists all six exact AJ models and INVERTER. Printed/PDF pages 15–16: RAB26A/RAB46B with RAG13A, depth without front, supplied security bracket, grille and heat-model clearance requirements. No numeric branch-circuit requirement in the final English manual. · Checked 2026-10-13
  • GE AJVQ12ACXWA — manufacturing dates ↗Owner Center > Manufactured start/end dates; a fixed past end date indicates discontinued production, not lack of retailer stock. · Checked 2026-10-13
  • GE AJVQ12ACXWA — exact product specifications ↗Specs & Details: POWER / RATINGS, FEATURES, ACCESSORIES, WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS; only product specification fields retained. Hidden obsolete/out-of-stock template strings are not lifecycle/stock evidence. · Checked 2026-10-13

2025/2026 inverter generation; exact full SKU covered by 49-5001195

Manufacturer specifications ↗
More checks neededGE

AJVQ12DCXWA

Nominal supply
230 V
Nominal cooling rating
12,000 BTU/h
Heating
Heat pump with electric backup
Plug
Not established
Specified circuit / fuse
Not established
CEER (nominal rating)
9.5
Inverter documentedWi-Fi documented

Installation: GE RAB26A · required kit included; GE RAB46B · required kit included

Kit inclusion refers to the listed installation parts. Confirm sleeve supply separately.

What matches (2)
  • Documented sleeve option: GE RAB26A, GE RAB46B. Installation conditions apply.
  • Documented heating type meets your choice; heating output and operating limits still need assessment.
Verify circuit rating, plug, outlet
Why these facts need checking
  • Required circuit / fuse rating is not established in the reviewed documentation. Check the exact unit nameplate or ask GE to confirm it before purchase.
  • Exact plug configuration is not established in the reviewed documentation. Check the exact unit nameplate or ask GE to confirm it before purchase.
  • Required receptacle is not established in the reviewed documentation. Check the exact unit nameplate or ask GE to confirm it before purchase.
Checks before purchase (5)
  • Confirm the actual supply voltage.
  • The manufacturer circuit/fuse rating is not established. Check the exact unit nameplate or ask GE to confirm it before purchase; your circuit answer cannot fill this gap.
  • Exact plug/receptacle configuration needs confirmation.
  • Room estimate or model capacity at the selected voltage needs checking.
  • Enter 100–2,500 sq ft for the ENERGY STAR chart. Other room sizes need an individual sizing assessment.
Sleeves, required parts and sources

GE RAB26A

Manufacturer sleeve association; listed conditions apply.

Supplied security bracket and screws · Required for the listed procedure · Included as reported in source

  • The exact-model manual recommends RAB26A with the RAG13A rear grille. Use the full sleeve/chassis instructions.
  • Confirm specified rear grille and airflow. A retained louvered grille must follow the 45-degree instruction; do not substitute a grille by dimensions.
  • Install the supplied security bracket with its flange behind the sleeve edge, as specified on printed page 16.
  • Confirm exact unit nameplate, grounded outlet and circuit; remaining unknown electrical fields must be resolved before recommendation.
  • For a new installation the sleeve is purchased separately from the chassis.
  • For heat-capable models, apply all page-16 combustible-material clearances: sides 1 in, front and exterior rear 20 in, above 39-3/8 in, below as the manual’s 4-7/8–6-3/8 in range. Resolve the applicable bottom clearance for the actual installation; do not select an endpoint as a general rule.

GE RAB46B

Manufacturer sleeve association; listed conditions apply.

Supplied security bracket and screws · Required for the listed procedure · Included as reported in source

  • The exact-model manual recommends RAB46B with the RAG13A rear grille. Use the full sleeve/chassis instructions.
  • Confirm specified rear grille and airflow. A retained louvered grille must follow the 45-degree instruction; do not substitute a grille by dimensions.
  • Install the supplied security bracket with its flange behind the sleeve edge, as specified on printed page 16.
  • Confirm exact unit nameplate, grounded outlet and circuit; remaining unknown electrical fields must be resolved before recommendation.
  • For a new installation the sleeve is purchased separately from the chassis.
  • For heat-capable models, apply all page-16 combustible-material clearances: sides 1 in, front and exterior rear 20 in, above 39-3/8 in, below as the manual’s 4-7/8–6-3/8 in range. Resolve the applicable bottom clearance for the actual installation; do not select an endpoint as a general rule.

Evidence for this model and installation

  • GE 26-inch inverter owner and installation manual ↗Cover lists all six exact AJ models and INVERTER. Printed/PDF pages 15–16: RAB26A/RAB46B with RAG13A, depth without front, supplied security bracket, grille and heat-model clearance requirements. No numeric branch-circuit requirement in the final English manual. · Checked 2026-10-13
  • GE AJVQ12DCXWA — manufacturing dates ↗Owner Center > Manufactured start/end dates; a fixed past end date indicates discontinued production, not lack of retailer stock. · Checked 2026-10-13
  • GE AJVQ12DCXWA — exact product specifications ↗Specs & Details: POWER / RATINGS, FEATURES, ACCESSORIES, WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS; only product specification fields retained. Hidden obsolete/out-of-stock template strings are not lifecycle/stock evidence. · Checked 2026-10-13

2025/2026 inverter generation; exact full SKU covered by 49-5001195

Manufacturer specifications ↗
More checks neededGE

AKVQ12DXXWA

Nominal supply
230 V
Nominal cooling rating
12,000 BTU/h
Heating
Heat pump with electric backup
Plug
NEMA 6-20P
Specified circuit / fuse
Not established
CEER (nominal rating)
9.5
Inverter documentedWi-Fi documented

Installation: GE RAB24 · required kit included

Kit inclusion refers to the listed installation parts. Confirm sleeve supply separately.

What matches (2)
  • Documented sleeve option: GE RAB24. Installation conditions apply.
  • Documented heating type meets your choice; heating output and operating limits still need assessment.
Verify circuit rating
Why these facts need checking
  • Required circuit / fuse rating is not established in the reviewed documentation. Check the exact unit nameplate or ask GE to confirm it before purchase.
Checks before purchase (5)
  • Confirm the actual supply voltage.
  • The manufacturer circuit/fuse rating is not established. Check the exact unit nameplate or ask GE to confirm it before purchase; your circuit answer cannot fill this gap.
  • Exact plug/receptacle configuration needs confirmation.
  • Room estimate or model capacity at the selected voltage needs checking.
  • Enter 100–2,500 sq ft for the ENERGY STAR chart. Other room sizes need an individual sizing assessment.
Sleeves, required parts and sources

GE RAB24

Manufacturer sleeve association; listed conditions apply.

Supplied grille, seals, trim, grounding wire and 24-inch security brackets; use applicable parts · Required for the listed procedure · Included as reported in source

  • The exact-model manual recommends RAB24 with the supplied stamped aluminum outdoor grille.
  • Use the 24-inch sleeve brackets and the applicable sealing, grounding, grille and trim procedures on printed pages 15–24.
  • Confirm exact nameplate, grounded outlet and circuit; the sleeve association does not prove electrical suitability.
  • RAB24 sleeve is purchased separately; supplied trim/installation hardware is not a wall sleeve.
  • Use the applicable sleeve procedure: secure sound housing, required rearward slope, supplied grounding wire with toothed washers, seals and trim; do not leave required hardware unused.
  • Use the supplied 24-inch brackets for RAB24 or 26-inch brackets for RAB26A, with flanges behind the sleeve edge; attach both sides as specified on page 24.

Evidence for this model and installation

  • GE 24-inch inverter owner and installation manual ↗Cover lists all four exact AK models and INVERTER. Printed/PDF pages 15–19 and 23–24: bare chassis, RAB24/RAB26A, supplied hardware, rearward slope, grounding, GE rear grille, trim and correct 24/26-inch security brackets. RAB26A recommendation spells RAG13 (not RAG13A). No numeric branch-circuit requirement. · Checked 2026-10-13
  • GE AKVQ12DXXWA — manufacturing dates ↗Owner Center > Manufactured start/end dates; a fixed past end date indicates discontinued production, not lack of retailer stock. · Checked 2026-10-13
  • GE AKVQ12DXXWA — exact product specifications ↗Specs & Details: POWER / RATINGS, FEATURES, ACCESSORIES, WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS; only product specification fields retained. Hidden obsolete/out-of-stock template strings are not lifecycle/stock evidence. · Checked 2026-10-13
  • NEMA receptacle configurations — manufacturer reference ↗Printed/PDF page 12: labelled 5-15R, 6-15R and 6-20R face drawings. Used only to identify the matching receptacle drawn in an exact AC manual, never to infer the required breaker. · Checked 2026-10-13

2025/2026 inverter generation; exact full SKU covered by 49-5001293

Manufacturer specifications ↗

Sources for this guide

  • [1] WallMaster 2026 brochure — exact model specificationsFriedrich · Printed page 5 / PDF page 5: inverter model specifications and model sizing list · BR_WM_REV 07-15-25 · Checked 2026-10-12
  • [3] WallMaster 2026 brochure — electrical requirementsFriedrich · Printed page 6 / PDF page 6: exact B-suffix model groups, circuit/fuse ratings and NEMA plugs · BR_WM_REV 07-15-25 · Checked 2026-10-12
  • [5] WallMaster 2026 brochure — standard featuresFriedrich · Printed page 8 / PDF page 8: compressor type and built-in Wi-Fi; broad performance ranges are not used as model specifications · BR_WM_REV 07-15-25 · Checked 2026-10-12
  • [13] Uni-Fit R-32 installation manual — WSE and preparationFriedrich · Cover / PDF page 1 exact models; printed/PDF page 8 packing list; printed/PDF pages 14–16: WSE table, generic sleeve preparation, required rear grille, sealing and grounding · 93011015_03 · Checked 2026-10-13
  • [14] Uni-Fit R-32 installation manual — receptaclesFriedrich · Cover / PDF page 1 exact voltage groups; printed page 17 / PDF page 17, Table E.1: receptacle and circuit ratings for corresponding UCT/UET voltage groups · 93011015_03 · Checked 2026-10-13
  • [51] GE 26-inch inverter owner and installation manualGE Appliances · Cover lists all six exact AJ models and INVERTER. Printed/PDF pages 15–16: RAB26A/RAB46B with RAG13A, depth without front, supplied security bracket, grille and heat-model clearance requirements. No numeric branch-circuit requirement in the final English manual. · 49-5001195 Rev.0 / 06-26 · Checked 2026-10-13
  • [52] GE 24-inch inverter owner and installation manualGE Appliances · Cover lists all four exact AK models and INVERTER. Printed/PDF pages 15–19 and 23–24: bare chassis, RAB24/RAB26A, supplied hardware, rearward slope, grounding, GE rear grille, trim and correct 24/26-inch security brackets. RAB26A recommendation spells RAG13 (not RAG13A). No numeric branch-circuit requirement. · 49-5001293 Rev.0 / 09-26 · Checked 2026-10-13
  • [99] Uni-Fit 2026 — native sleeve and new installationFriedrich · Printed page 6: USC/USEZ required for new installation, sold separately; sleeve and finished-opening dimensions; included trim ring. · BR_UNI-FIT_REV 02-19-25 · Checked 2026-10-13
  • [107] ENERGY STAR room air conditioner buying guidanceUS EPA ENERGY STAR · Buying Guidance > Properly Sized Room Air Conditioners: 100–2,500 sq ft table, 8-foot ceiling basis, shade/sun, additional occupants and kitchen adjustments. Higher ceilings require individual assessment; the CADR wording is not used for AC sizing. · Checked 2026-10-13
Add my room & installation →How we check evidence →

Choose by another requirement

How to choose a through-the-wall air conditioner

A practical US buying guide: room capacity, actual power, heating, wall sleeve and the parts needed for installation.

Read the guide →

Choosing a through-the-wall AC for a new installation

Choose the AC, its specified sleeve and installation package before deciding on the wall opening.

23 profiles with criteria documented · Read the guide →

How to replace a through-the-wall AC and keep the sleeve

Identify the existing housing, find documented replacements and check the power and grille before ordering.

8 sleeve identities · Read the guide →

115-volt through-the-wall air conditioners: what to check

Compare documented 115 V models, cooling capacities and outlet requirements before choosing a wall AC.

14 profiles with criteria documented · Read the guide →

230-volt through-the-wall air conditioners with electric heat

Compare 230 V electric-heat profiles and check heating output, power and sleeve requirements.

8 profiles with criteria documented · Read the guide →

Inverter through-the-wall air conditioners: documented options

Find models with a documented inverter compressor and compare their installation and power requirements.

12 profiles with criteria documented · Read the guide →

Choosing a through-the-wall AC for a small bedroom

Compare the room-chart estimate with the smallest documented wall ACs and understand oversizing checks.

2 profiles need checking · Read the guide →

Choosing a quiet through-the-wall AC for a bedroom

Use documented indoor-noise figures carefully, with fan modes, sizing and installation checks.

9 profiles with criteria documented · Read the guide →