The Department of Buildings provides guidelines for the safe installation of window air conditioners. The guidelines are below. Even if your AC remained in a window over the winter, please check it to ensure that the installation is still secure.
Please do not ask our building staff to install ACs. If you do not feel confident in doing a proper installation yourself, there are many companies that will do this work for you.
NYC Department of Building Guidelines:
• Make sure the unit is installed securely. Support the unit from underneath, or firmly fasten it from inside with angles. You may use metal brackets, mounting rails, etc.
• Supporting metal brackets, interior angles, etc. should be structurally fastened to the building and must be strong enough for the size and weight of the AC unit.
• Objects or shims used to adjust the position of the AC unit must have an independent source of fastening or attachment.
• Secure leveling objects to prevent movement and shifting due to vibrations from the AC unit, wind and other weather conditions.
• Install the AC unit so it remains in place when the window is opened, or affix it so that the window can’t be opened accidentally.
• Tilt the unit slightly to provide water drainage, but don’t over tilt.
• Do not use loose objects, such as wood blocking, bricks, telephone books, gypsum board or cans, to support the leveling of an AC unit.
• Do not place anything (TV antennae, satellite dishes, plants, etc.) on top of an AC unit.
• Do not block fire escape windows or other exits with the AC unit.