Installing Central AC on a top floor apartment
Hi, I would ideally like to get central AC installed before this summer. I live on the top floor of a brownstone in a landmark neighborhood. I’ve have heard different ideas about what does / does not need to be done. We’ve been told that the work can start right away and the opposite, that…
Hi,
I would ideally like to get central AC installed before this summer. I live on the top floor of a brownstone in a landmark neighborhood. I’ve have heard different ideas about what does / does not need to be done. We’ve been told that the work can start right away and the opposite, that we need to get an architect to do landmark filing and work permits which will take a while before we get anything started.
In terms of units, I’ve been told to put the AC package on the roof and then also heard that the weather proofing related to that can be really tricky and that it is not recommended and we should pu the unit. I like th eidea of a package on the roof, but certainly don’t want a leaky roof.
Do you have an AC package on your roof? How has hat worked out? Any recommendations of folks to work with? Both AC and roofers?
In terms of architects, how do they need to be involved? Do you have any recommendations?
Any other advice is appreciated, too.
Many thanks!
We installed a 3 zone fujistu split in our brownstone.
works great, only issue is the run from the fan/intercooler in our bedroom has ducting so short that we cant run it while we are sleeping but apart from that works great.
The condenser unit that you are referring to needs to be supported on steel between masonry. Assuming that your roof is flat, you can fabricate steelwork across the corner of the two parapet walls as a cradle to support.
In the event of a fire, they won’t allow the danger of machinery supported on wood structures to collapse and fall through burning building.
Also consider the future servicing needs, which often prevents a hanging solution on masonry wall, there being no place to stand to make a service call, even if there is a way to mount it initially.
Yes, you need a permit and yes, Landmarks will need to review it too. You can put the unit on the roof, hang it off the back of your building and even stick it through a hole in the wall similar to a through wall unit. You will need an architect or mechanical engineer to create the drawings and file. There are several of us here on the board not sure about engineers though.