Central A/C or Window A/C for low income rentals.

[Will Wu]

Hello, I have multiples rental 2/1 apartments Florida rented for low income tenants ($650). Most of them have central A/C but I found out that these are really pain in the neck and very expensive maintenance. The tenants don't change or clean their filters, the coils get dirty and we have to spend $150 to clean the coils. Plus the A/C needs maintenances and repair on average the A/C company will charge $125 to $200 to fix it. Considering the low rent that is very large expense. I'm planning to change all the central A/C by just disabling them and put windows A/C that cost $110 at Walmart. I have other units using windows A/C and never had any complaints and I don't have to call the A/C guy to fix. I will rather buy a new one and install it. Do you think this make sense?

[Marshall Downs]

What you're saying makes sense, justremember that the window units create gobs of condensation. If it is just falling on the ground, not much of a concern, but I've seen a/c units wreak havoc on roofs, awnings, sills, etc. Just make sure they are properly installed.

One recommendation if you want to keep central a/c is to find a technician who works for an HVAC contractor and hire them off hour/weekend for a fraction of the price. I regularly get furnaces installed for $250-$500  labor which is a great break for me but much more than they make per hour.