Window units in apartment buildings

[Ryan Dyess]

I am wondering what everyone's experience is with window units in apartment buildings? This 24 unit has window units built into the siding, not secured in the window so they have it as a more permanent solution. What is your experience with longevity, problems, ability to cool effectively (Midwest), etc etc?

[Scott Mac]

Hi Ryan,

They are probably not window units, they are probably sleeve units (or at least they should be).

Sleeve units are front and rear openings only, window units have openings on the sides also, and are not recommended for sleeve installs.

Inventory them all regarding where they are at, (Unit Data) manufacturer, serial number, and age (figure it out on the internet).

You should also include in your inventory, (Replacement Data) sleeve size, plug type (there are different plug types they can have), BTU and amperage draw includes heater function or not.

Unless you have whole house surge protection the electronic ones MIGHT not last as long as the Mechanical ones, if you have a choice Mechanical (old fashioned controls) type seem to be more Robust.

HUD gives a service life of 10 years for window and sleeve units.

On a 28 unit building, if it were mine, I would have on hand (a replacement pile of) 2 or 3 replacements of each separate type (based on the Replacement Data types) ready to go. So as to make the Failed A/C experience as much less miserable as possible (get it done quickly (depending on the season--at midnight if need be). 

Guard the replacement piles strongly from theft -- by the installers and everyone else--keep them in your garage under a tarp or something.

Also know that breakers have a service life and if you have an A/C breaker that keeps tripping it might need to be replaced vs the A/C  unit.

During the A/C review, make sure all of the ones that need filters have them in place and are clean. Not using required filters cuts down on service life. If they are missing replace them. Many just wash out in sink water every month or so and can be popped back in.

Renters sometimes steal sleeve and window units when they move out and claim all sorts of wild reasons why they are missing. 

A fair charge for this is the remaining service life in years based on the original cost plus labor to install new unit.

When you inventory the existing A/C Units ask the renters how the apartments feels A/C wise. Are they cooling enough on the hottest days, is the bedroom cool enough at night, etc....Then you will know how they are working in your unique building. Ask if they have any other issues also--you never know what needs fixing.

Avoid giving renters remote controls for these--it will bring no more rent and it's just one more headache on a unit turn.

When you buy, look at warrantees for commercial use, and realize the unit might sit in your replacement pile unused for the warrantee period (a downside to replacement piles).

Just my 2 cents.