Sticking outside in all their boxy metallic ugliness, dripping onto passers-by, and blocking light and views indoors, window mounted air conditioners are as ubiquitous a feature of NYC apartment life as fire escapes and water towers.  (For more info, check out BrickUnderground's guide to all things window a/c).PTACs are usually installed when a building is constructed and hooked up to a building’s hot-water system.  Hot water produced by the boiler flows into the PTAC, and circulates the resulting heat into the apartment.  The PTAC has a separate chamber containing coolant that produces cool air.  They are vented to the outside through a cutout below the window typically covered with a metal grill, similar to a through-wall a/c, says Gary Cottam of Cottam Heating & Air Conditioning. 2. Choosing the right through-wall unitFriedrich, LG, GE, Amana, and Frigidaire are the most popular brands.  There are standard calculations  to determine the number of BTUs you need--room size, ceiling height, amount of sunlight, number of occupants, and proximity to the kitchen.

And don’t forget to jot down the voltage and amperage of the electrical plug, along with the capacity of the outlet the a/c will use.  If you’re buying a unit that requires more electrical power than your existing outlet can handle, you’re going to need an electrician to upgrade your wiring.  And that will require lots of permits along with permission from your landlord, or co-op or condo board.3. Installing a through-wall a/c where none has gone beforeAlthough cutting an opening through the masonry of an exterior wall is physically a relatively simple undertaking that costs around $2,000, like most things connected with New York City real estate you’ll have to get the requisite building and construction permits, permission from your landlord, co-op, or condo board, and maybe even an architectone ac unit vs two,  says Ranjit Singh, president of Cool Air Inc.Arline Kob, a principal at Key Real Estate Associates, which manages co-ops in New York, says that she’s “never known a co-op board to allow the installation of a through-the-wall unit where none exists.”  why is my window ac unit frozen

The board would be concerned about façade uniformity and breaking the seal of the building’s exterior. If your board is through-wall-friendly, you will be expected to install an exterior grille that matches existing ones and lines up to them, says property manager Michael Wolfe of Midboro Management.  The grilles will also need to be flush with the building's facade and the building's architect or engineer will need to review the proposed installation.window ac units with thermostatIn addition, says Kob, "the resident and future buyers, not the co-op, would be responsible for maintaining the newly installed sleeve and the wall into which it was cut.  That includes damage to surrounding apartments that may result.”If you live in a landmarked building or district you’ll have to get the go ahead from the Landmarks Preservation Commission too.  Good luck with that, especially if the altered wall will be visible from the street. 

“Landmarks would never allow it,” says Kob.Because a PTAC is hooked up to the building’s water, the units need to be rigorously maintained to get rid of clogs that can cause leaks. These can go unnoticed for long periods of time, causing floors and walls to buckle and often damaging apartments below the one in which it’s housed. Damage from PTAC units is, in fact, among the most common apartment insurance claims in New York City, says Jeff Schneider of Gotham Brokerage, with an average claim size of $5,000.In addition, PTAC units are prone to the musty, mildew-y odor known as 'dirty sock syndrome', which is generally thought to be caused by bacteria and mold accumulating on heat pumps.  The PTAC’s dual heating and cooling functions make them susceptible to it. Frequent professional cleaning can help sometimes, but the problem has no good solution; the very nature of the PTAC unit makes it susceptible.  Summer's coming: Here's what you need to know as a/c season nearsThe Appliance Doctor: Quick fixes for impatient New Yorkers in a high-end appliance worldIs spending $350 to get your a/c cleaned worth it?

Care for some mold with that a/c?Dear Ms. Demeanor: Irreconcilable air-conditioning differences3 ways to get around a/c-unfriendly window barsAsk an Expert: Best apartments for central a/c?The cost of cool: Tipping advice for a/c seasonWhy you mite not want to use your a/c just yet Please, REGISTER the service to get the warranty Receive a time and cost estimation for services that will fit your needs and your budget Information you should know. SQ10N10 Power Consumption Rebate Information regarding the special SQ10N10 Power Consumption Rebate recently announced. It's Heating Up - Wall Unit AC Installation in Massachusetts It's heating up out there! We are here for all of your wall unit ac installation service needs in Massachusetts. Call Casey HVAC Today!Take control of your home or business' temperature with affordable wall-unit ACs installation in Massachusetts.In home comfort is most important to you and correctly sized equipment is especially important to us.

Our experienced heating and air conditioning installation professionals will properly determine the correct size equipment to maximize the amount comfort needed to provide you with the tranquil space you’re looking for.Or Call Us Today At508.580.7753We help homeowners keep their homes cool and businesses keep their employees and customers comfortable. Purchasing an air conditioning system for your home or business is an investment that will provide you with years or even a lifetime of comfort. Whether you are seeking a wall unit air conditioning for your home or business for the first time or want to repair, replace a broken or outdated system, let us advise you with the correct solution. We offer a variety of total home and business comfort solutions for you to ensure the maximum energy efficiency for your Massachusetts home or business. Let our team of experienced Massachusetts air conditioning and heating professionals find and install the correct system to meet your needs. From wall-unit ac to full central air conditioner installation throughout Massachusetts, we are here to help you.