HVAC dilemma - AC is out and so is my guy

[Nick Brubaker]

Hello all,

I have a rental property at which the tenant just told me the AC is no longer working. The problem is the guy who installed the condenser and warranted it and who would give me the best price is out of town on vacation until Tuesday.  Cost-wise and to avoid voiding any warranty I would like to have the original guy take care of it, but it's freakin hot these days as well (Atlanta).  What would you all suggest?  My HVAC guy suggested maybe finding a separate portable unit - maybe window unit or fan - that can suffice until next week?  Would that be reasonable?

Thanks. 

Nick

[Jim Goebel]

@Nick Brubaker

Window units are great to buy time.  If you're doing rentals at scale prepare to own a few.  They give you that few weeks you need to get the best deal and move forward on the work on your terms.  A lot of AC guys/companies hate them because they love bidding projects when folks under over a barrel.

Depending on the size of your rental property and ability to set expectations, usually one or two window units suffice.

Easy to install; shouldn't take more than an hour to install a couple.  Need to verify window opening sizes, and of course, make sure they're installed sloping away from the house, otherwise you'll get condensation flowing back towards your window, and into the house.