What is Through Wall Unit?
Definition of Through Wall Unit in Construction
Any mechanical or electrical unit, device, that requires an exterior venting directly out of the component or is designed to be installed within the exterior facade. For example, an air – conditioner can be a self contained unit, that is mounted within the wall. The front, discharge side of the conditioner faces the interior of the structure, the rear side of the unit faces towards the exterior of the structure. Any venting, or exiting of gases, fumes, smoke, or exhaust air is forced out the rear of the self contained unit. This means that there is normally a louver or screen that is mounted on the exterior facade to facilitate this through the wall unit’s venting to the exterior . The coordination of the exterior louvers or screens is important to the overall appearance of the building’s facade. The architect in coordination with the mechanical engineer will determine the layout of the thru the wall units, based upon their usage in the structure, as well as the appearance on the facade of the building. In many instances, a thru the wall sleeve is installed during construction to allow the eventual installation of a thru the wall unit. This is commonly done for air conditioning units for residential multi- family projects. The owner does not want to finance the air conditioner, however, to make the residential unit more appealing , the initial construction of the facade will incorporate the thru the wall sleeves to accommodate an air conditioner, if the tenant wants to purchase the unit in the future. Through the wall units are not commonly used in commercial or industrial applications. Residential renovations or rehabilitations of structures, will incorporate this concept of a sleeve, to minimize the initial financial obligation, but allow the eventual installation of a mechanical unit in the future.