How can I remove an old AC window unit, seal the wall for shelving, and replace tile beneath a ridiculous sink in need of major repair in my guest house bathroom?
Asked by Estela Manzanares 
6 months ago
Last Updated: May 13, 2024
Has anyone ever tackled removing an old AC window unit and sealing up the wall for shelving? The bathroom here is in desperate need of some serious renovations, and that noisy old AC has got to go!
Luckily, there’s a newer unit in the guest house that does the trick. This is going to be my home sweet home for a while now, and I’ve taken on some big DIY projects before, but never anything involving patching a hole that goes from inside to outside.
Oh, and any advice on removing the tile beneath the AC (behind the most ridiculous sink ever)? I’d be forever grateful for any tips!
I have a bathroom sink that’s similar. It’s a 12 inch round vessel sink on a 12″ wide vanity.
Oh my goodness I’d be up for trading! I don’t have any counter space, the sink faucet is right next to the basin so you can only wash one hand at a time, brushing teeth is a challenge (still mastering it)… and the sink is so close to the wall that washing my face is impossible 🤣 learned that the hard way!
There’s actually no storage under the sink, just the plumbing.
We’re currently in the process of remodeling the bathroom, and we’re planning to move the sink to the right side against the wall. It will have the same layout as before, just reversed. The banjo counter above the toilet has been a lifesaver, but we’re also adding a wall niche for extra storage.
Lou, that sounds like it could definitely be a challenge. The funny thing is, when we first moved in, the bathroom didn’t even have a sink. We had to use the kitchen sink, which wasn’t exactly convenient.
Lou oh, and dealing with the AC is actually quite simple. If it’s built into the wall, you should be able to slide the AC unit out of the casing and into the room. Once that’s done, you can remove the casing and patch up the wall.
Built-in storage is definitely the way to go! I’m really eager to start building some here soon. Since I just moved in, there’s a ton to do and my budget for non-essential items is pretty much $0.
The previous owner’s idea of “craftsmanship” is a bit lacking, in my opinion.
Oh, I completely forgot to include a picture of the AC unit 😅 I don’t really know much about these things, except for that one apartment I had in college with central heating and air.
This is the small monster. I’m not sure what a shell is or the proper way to seal the hole it will leave. I have no idea if the wall is sealed around it (if it is, I guess the sky’s the limit?)… but if the inner wall is exposed after removing it, are there any precautions I should take to protect everything from the elements?
Lou Ampersand it seems like there might have been a different unit in its place before, and now this one is there. That air conditioner should come out of the wall easily, I can’t imagine there’s anything holding it in place. Then you’ll need to take apart whatever else is left behind that I marked in red. To seal up the wall, assuming you’re in the States, just grab some 2x4s, a sheet of interior wall paneling, and some exterior Hardie board siding to cover up the hole. Do you have a photo of the back of the air conditioner from the outside? That would be helpful
Hey, thank you so much!! Oh my gosh, that’s incredibly helpful! Google was absolutely no help haha I was curious about the “frame” they put around it (or if it was for a larger unit like you mentioned). Not sure if it has any purpose. Hopefully, it comes off easily. They seem to have used a lot of wood glue in there 😆
I’m in the US, and I can get a picture of the outside of it tomorrow for sure. It’s too dark out now, and there are no lights over there. I’d have to walk all the way around on the field side, and it’s a bit too spooky for me this late 😅
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This is the back of it, according to this.
Hey Lou, I think you can easily push that out and fix the hole.
I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you so much once again! 🎉