Q. I have an old, nonworking air conditioner that was placed inside the wall in a family room that was added onto my home prior to my purchase. All the windows in the room are the roll-out casement type that do not open up and down. Should I just replace the unit in the wall? How can this be done so that when that unit is no longer functioning, it can be replaced easily?

Who can do this for me? I have talked to air conditioning companies and handymen and no one seems to be willing to tackle this.

I should add that there is no other vent in the room so it must be cooled by airflow from the connecting room.

A. It is not uncommon to see this type of arrangement in a room addition. Not being able to see what you have in the wall will limit my ability to answer your entire question.

I do have a suggestion for replacing your nonworking unit. Several companies make air conditioners designed specifically for installation into a wall opening. They are similar to the units you might see in a motel and are designed to be easily maintained.

You mention that you’ve had several handymen and HVAC look at your unit but refuse to work on it.

I suspect that there may be additional issues with your installation. I would suggest you contact a full-service remodeling company. Replacing your unit may involve repairs to the interior and exterior walls that the other guys weren’t willing to tackle, but a remodeling contractor would. Visit nari.org or remodelingkc.com for a list.