Central Air

I think the trend is toward tougher scrutiny, particularly with regard to acoustics. Some very good coops seem to be reconsidering whether to allow CAC at all - and if they do, new restrictions and fees are to be expected. This uncertainty puts buyers in an awkward position: if you want a prewar coop with central air, the only way to be 100% sure is to buy an apartment that already has it.

Another trend to watch is the emergence of shared, rooftop condenser/compressor facilities in prewar buildings. The Mirabeau (165 W91) went this route, and I think we'll see more of it. Obviously, it's easier to implement that kind of system in a new condo conversion than in an established coop.

Thanks for the information West81st. We're past closing so we will hope for the best. We have enough amps, but I'm nervous. Incidentally, looks like prices in the Mirabeau are rising nicely (like everywhere but more palatable when in your neighborhood).

Check out the pictures of 430 E. 57th Street, 9-D to see how beautifully central air conditioning can be integrated into a prewar. One unit is hidden above the washer/dryer, msking use of the same ductwork. The ceiling needs to drop in the maid's room but is regular height in other rooms. The other unit is in the ceiling of a walk in closet, with duct work in the bedroom area hallway where losing a bit of height is not an issue. No need to drop all of a gorgeous prewar ceiling.

Thanks. You're right, it takes away nothing. This board is very set in its ways and does not seem sensitive to the increase in value argument. I'm worried about the limit to the value without it as the windows are rather small already.

We installed a mini-split system that provided 4 cooling zones to our 3BR prewar co-op. The installation wasn't cheap but you barely notice it. I posted pics to a previous thread and they're still up on my Flickr account:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21018820@N05/

The system is super quiet -- totally imperceptible -- and efficient.

Earo's is gorgeous.

I've been following an upstairs neighbor's 5-ton/57K-BTU split-system installation. It's two Aerosys through-wall/under-window condensers and two ceiling-hung air handlers. Ductwork is in dropped ceilings, each half serving three big rooms.

The apartment had been previously renovated, so already had the electrical capacity. The mess is in running the refrigerant lines, which're maybe 3" thick with their insulation. One run is 80' from condenser to air handler. Most of that is in dropped ceilings, but still lots of plaster work.

The AC part of the job is $6,000 per ton, and another $20K+ for all the ancillary work.

NWT: nice.

I'm now fantasizing about doing the same thing, copying their specs for the half that'd cover my apartment. But the $30K+ would turn into hundreds of thousands, what with all the other projects that need doing.