NYC New LAW on A/C Installation!!!!

This is part of Local Law 11/98, which concerns safety related to lack of maintenance in building facades; periodic inspections are required in which a professional submits a report to the city . There is a requirement that “appurtenances” to the façades be secured, which includes window AC units. Lately, the city has been cracking down on unsafely installed window AC units, thus the new focus on proper installations. Many buildings have had their inspection reports rejected by the city lately. This ends up being a big pain for the co-op or landlord, so it’s in your best interest to do the installation properly from a liability standpoint, and most co-ops and landlords are updating their rules to require an installation that allows the windows to still be operable when the unit is in place. A lot of old installations have the unit bolted to one of the window panes, however in many windows, the panes can be removed pretty easily for cleaning, and whoops… your AC unit drops out. SO, there is no real ‘grandfathering’ of this requirement for older installations. But, you might just wait until your landlord or co-op makes you update your installtion.

See the following explanation (and nice picture of a good installation!):

http://www.randpc.com/AskTheEngineer/genAsktheEngineerWindowAC.asp

Also:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/pdf/ac_tips.pdf


Most property management companies are requiring tenants to remove their a/c's and have them professionally installed.

For professional installation by a licensed & insured service visit www.nychandyman.biz

A/C MAINTENANCE IS A MUST!!!!!!!!

Schedule Your Window A/C Maintenance

Summer is finally here and before we know it, summer will be breathing hot air down around us. NYC HANDYMAN recommends that anyone utilizing window air conditioners for their comfort cooling needs consider scheduling a maintenance check on their units as soon as possible to ensure the unit is operating to its maximum capacity. A maintenance check will not necessarily stop failures, but it can minimize problems and keep units performing within their maximum operating capabilities. Scheduling early also provides time to resolve any issues that might arise from the inspection before the weather gets too hot.

Maintenance checks include the following elements:
• Cleaning the evaporator and its filter if necessary
• Cleaning any dirt and debris blockage from the condenser
• Checking the discharge air temperature for proper parameters
• Cleaning the drain pan
• Addressing specific reported problems
• Performing an over all inspection of system components

NYC HANDYMAN mechanics will share their professional opinion on whether the unit is repairable or needs to be replaced, and discuss possible options with you. If removing the unit is the only option, keep in mind that air conditioners are considered hazardous waste, and when discarding older units or units that are not repairable, the refrigerant and the oil must be properly recovered and disposed of according to EPA guidelines. NYC HANDYMAN has procedures in place to dispose of your unit properly, avoiding any environmental violations or potential fines.

To prevent an extensive waiting time, NYC HANDYMAN suggests that the departments service their window air conditioners early in the season, rather than wait for mid summer. Those departments who have window units that are exposed to near-by construction work are especially encouraged to get those units cleaned due to the extensive dust and dirt in the air.

To schedule a maintenance check for your window air conditioning unit, submit an online request through the service website www.ezfurnitureassembly.com

NYC WINDOW A/C INSTALLATION TIPS FROM NYC BUILDINGS DEPT

Please note that the new law that is in effect NOW requires you to put a support brace NY State approved, in any window that will support any A/C above the first Story


WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER INSTALLATION TIPS
Before Purchase/Installation
􀀹 Calculate the size of room to be cooled, so that you buy an a/c with enough capacity.
􀀹 Obtain authorization for installation from building management.
􀀹 Make sure that electrical service is adequate.
􀀹 Make sure that the window and window frame are in good condition.
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
􀀹 Follow the manufacturer’s instructions included with the unit.
􀀹 Make sure the unit is installed securely. Support the A/C unit from underneath or firmly fasten it from inside with angles. Metal brackets, mounting rails, etc. may be used for a safe installation.
􀀹 Supporting metal brackets, interior angles, etc. should be structurally fastened to the building envelope and are to be strong enough for the size and weight of the A/C unit.
􀀹 Objects utilized to adjust the position (for example, shims) of the A/C unit must have an independent source of fastening or attachment.
􀀹 Secure leveling objects in order to prevent movement and shifting due to vibration from the A/C unit and wind and weather conditions.
􀀹 Install the A/C so that it remains in place when the window is opened and or affix it so that the window cannot be opened accidentally.
􀀹 Tilt the unit slightly to provide water drainage; however, do not over tilt.
PERMITS
A work permit or equipment use permit is generally not required for the installation of a common window A/C unit, unless the unit exceeds three tons/36,000 BTU/hr. See section 27-184 (a) of the Building Code (found online under the Reference Materials link at www.NYC.gov/buildings) for more details.
AVOID
∅ DO NOT USE loose objects, such as wood blocking, to support the leveling of an A/C unit.
∅ DO NOT USE bricks, telephone books, gypsum board or cans for leveling under the A/C unit.
∅ DO NOT BLOCK fire escape windows or any other exit with an A/C unit.
∅ DO NOT PLACE anything (TV antennae, satellite dishes, plants, etc.) on top of an A/C unit.
Maintenance
It’s important to periodically check on the position of the A/C and the condition of the window

frame to make sure that the A/C remains supported and secure.



If you prefer to let the professionals handle it visit ez Furniture Assembly & Interior Innovations at www.ezfurnitureassembly.com