How to Fill an Opening From a Wall AC

Remove The Air Conditioner

• 1

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

• 2

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

• 3

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

Cover The Inside Hole

• 4

  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.

• 5

  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.

• 6

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

• 7

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

• 8

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

• 9

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

• 10

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

Cover The Outside Hole

• 11

  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.

• 12

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

• 13

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