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

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.



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