How many watts does the TCL 12,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner - Cool/Heat use?

It draws 1,570 watts (7 amps at 208/230 V) while cooling at full power, per its retailer's specification for this exact model. At the US average electricity price that is about $0.29 an hour; once the room is cool the compressor cycles, so most hours cost less.

What size room does the TCL 12,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner - Cool/Heat cool?

It is rated to cool a room up to 550 sq ft (12,000 BTU · 3.5 kW).

Do I need a professional to install the TCL 12,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner - Cool/Heat?

Not to replace a unit, but usually yes for a new opening. Sliding it into an existing wall sleeve it fits is a job you can do yourself (it is heavy, so plan on two people), with no refrigerant work. A new installation means cutting an opening through an exterior wall and fitting a sleeve, which is contractor work and usually needs a building permit.

Through-the-wall unit Heats too

TCL · Model H12T9XH

12,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner - Cool/Heat

A through-the-wall air conditioner rated at 12,000 BTU for rooms up to 550 sq ft. It heats in winter too and installs in a wall sleeve.

$649.99

Live price at Sylvane

Price checked Oct 27, 2026

Buy at Sylvane In stock

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Will it cool your room?

Room size 550 sq ft ≈ 51.1 m²

Fits your 550 sq ft

This unit's cooling matches your 550 sq ft room.

Compare wall units by the sleeve they fit

At a glance

Best for replacing a through-the-wall unit in an existing wall sleeve.

Cooling

12,000 BTU

Size

Average

Noise

Install: Slides into a wall sleevePermission: A new wall opening usually needs a permit

Performance

Cooling capacity: 12,000 BTU · 3.5 kW
Power while cooling: 1,570 W (7 A at 208/230 V), about $0.29 an hour
Heating capacity: 11,600 BTU
Room coverage: up to 550 sq ft
Energy Star: Not published
CEER: Not published
Annual energy (cooling): Not published

Noise, size & features

Model number: H12T9XH
Indoor noise: Not published
Outdoor noise: Not published
Indoor unit: 24.21 x 14.53 x 20.28 in
Outdoor unit: None
Refrigerant: R-32
Wi-Fi / app: Not published
Outdoor unit needed: No
Power supply: 208/230 V, NEMA 6-20P plug
Wall sleeve: Needs a sleeve at least 26 x 15¾ in.
Warranty: 1-Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty

Heating capacity, supply voltage, plug, cooling power, cooling current, refrigerant and warranty are from Sylvane's published specifications for this exact configuration, checked Oct 18, 2026.

Power while cooling: From the maximum cooling draw its retailer lists for this exact model. An hour's cost is at that draw and the US average electricity price of 18.44¢/kWh (U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.A (residential average, May 2026)). The compressor cycles once the room is cool, so most hours cost less.

Will it fit your wall sleeve?

TCL says its through-the-wall units fit standard 26-inch sleeves: its manual asks for a sleeve (not supplied by TCL) at least 26 inches wide and about 15¾ inches high, and TCL strongly recommends insulating the gap if the sleeve is slightly larger. A sleeve shallower than 20 inches still works, but the unit then sits further out into the room. Source: TCL: choosing a wall sleeve

Every through-the-wall AC and PTAC by the sleeve it fits

What is good

Uses R-32 (GWP 675), the low-GWP class new US residential equipment moved to.

Installation & the rules that apply

This is a through-the-wall air conditioner. It sits in a sleeve built into an exterior wall, so the window-unit mounting and bracket rules do not apply to it. Swapping it into an existing sleeve is a like-for-like replacement; cutting a new opening changes the building's exterior wall, which usually needs a building permit and, in a condo, co-op or historic building, approval first.

Installation

Slides into a wall sleeve

Refrigerant

R-32

United StatesUS: local mechanical and electrical permits (vary by city)Reviewed June 2026Permit required

United StatesUS: historic district Certificate of AppropriatenessReviewed June 2026Permit required

United StatesUS: HOA / condo CC&Rs and architectural reviewReviewed June 2026Permit required

United StatesUS: NEC Article 440 dedicated circuit and disconnectReviewed June 2026Allowed with conditions

United StatesUS: AIM Act refrigerant transition off R-410A to A2L (700 GWP cap)Reviewed June 2026Good to know

See all United States rules

Common questions about the TCL 12,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner - Cool/Heat

How many watts does the TCL 12,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner - Cool/Heat use?: It draws 1,570 watts (7 amps at 208/230 V) while cooling at full power, per its retailer's specification for this exact model. At the US average electricity price that is about $0.29 an hour; once the room is cool the compressor cycles, so most hours cost less.
What size room does the TCL 12,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner - Cool/Heat cool?: It is rated to cool a room up to 550 sq ft (12,000 BTU · 3.5 kW).
Do I need a professional to install the TCL 12,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner - Cool/Heat?: Not to replace a unit, but usually yes for a new opening. Sliding it into an existing wall sleeve it fits is a job you can do yourself (it is heavy, so plan on two people), with no refrigerant work. A new installation means cutting an opening through an exterior wall and fitting a sleeve, which is contractor work and usually needs a building permit.
Does the TCL 12,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner - Cool/Heat heat as well as cool?: Yes. It also heats, rated 11,600 BTU of heating output.