X.K. Air Conditioner Installation

The member is responsible for air conditioning and heat pump units, including mounting, installation, and any holes in the wall except as provided by Section II of these rules, Maintenance Responsibilities.

GHI encourages through-wall air conditioner installations for portable air conditioning units rather than window installations due to aesthetic considerations and the loss of an operable window.

All air conditioner installations must first be approved in writing by GHI. Nameplate data and electrical requirements must be submitted for all installations. Air conditioner sizing calculation sheets are available from Technical Services. Reinstallation of a new air conditioner the same size as the old unit, providing all other requirements of this section are met, is automatic, and does not require written permission from GHI.

Central Units and Ductless Split Systems
1. Installation must be performed by a qualified technician.
2. Electrical plans must be submitted in accordance with section C.2.c.
3. Plans must include a disconnect switch on the outside near the condenser unit.
4. Installations on the serviceside are required in order to keep noise to a minimum on the gardenside; any alternate location requires written consent from adjacent neighbor(s).
Electrical Requirements for Portable Air Conditioners
1. Portable units (including window and through-wall installations) may be 110-120 v up to 8,000 BTU, one unit per existing circuit. Above that they must be 208/220 v units, on a separate circuit, or existing heater circuit. Outlets must be located in the same room and within 6' of the appliance. Extension cords may not run through doorways, walls, or beneath carpets, and they must be designed for appliances (no lamp cords).
2. GHI cannot guarantee the adequacy of the existing circuits for the electrical requirements of any cord-connected appliance, including air conditioners. If no existing circuit is adequate for the proper operation of an air conditioner, the member must install a dedicated (separate) circuit at his or her own expense.

Thru-The-Wall Installation
1. Installation must be self supporting and properly constructed according to the standard GHI detail (available from Technical Services) for the home type.
2. Exterior trim must be complete. Vinyl siding shall employ J-Channel and be properly caulked. Trim for masonry walls should use treated or painted wood, or some other suitable material, and be properly caulked.
3. All units must slope away from the wall to facilitate proper drainage.
4. When a new air conditioner is installed in an existing wall opening, the difference in size must be filled with wood capped with trim metal.

Window Installation
1. PLEASE NOTE: IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF AN AIR CONDITIONER IN A WINDOW COULD RESULT IN WINDOW DAMAGE FOR WHICH THE MEMBER IS RESPONSIBLE.
2. All window mounted air conditioner installations are considered temporary.
3. No holes or penetrations may be made in any window frame or sash. All holes or other damage must be repaired by the member.
4. All air conditioner units must rest on wood blocking above the bottom of the window frame in order to prevent damage to the window frame.
5. If the unit is able to rest on the wood blocking without the window closed and without additional support, no additional bracket is required.
6. If the unit is not capable of self support without closing the window, a bracket is required. Brackets may be factory or dealer supplied, custom design as specified by GHI, or of an original design as approved by GHI. Brackets for frame home windows may not attach to the exterior wall and thereby damage the vinyl siding.Plans are available from Technical Services for such a bracket.
7. Open window areas above the air conditioner unit installed in sliding windows must be properly sealed with clear lucite sheet (Plexiglass) and rope caulking (for easy removal) or some other secure method. A fitted frame with Plexiglass is advisable for first floor installations to deter easy entry.
8. All installations must slope away from the window.

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