By making this introductory information available, we hope that owners
will consider the age and health of their Slant Fin units on a regular basis
and as a serious issue - and avoid the unanticipated expense, frustration,
and discomfort of a summer failure.
Overview
The Slant-Fin heat/air conditioning units were installed at Highview
II in 1982. They have a life-span of about 20 years. Even if your units seem
to be working well, they have probably had a lot of use and no longer produce
the full 16,000 btu's that they did when new.
Maintaining your Slant Fin units
Your Slant Fin units should be cleaned annually. They can clog with
dust and debris, affecting both heating and cooling. There is also a filter
that should be cleaned. There is a pan in the bottom that collects condensation
while the air conditioning is running. If the drain to that pan in your unit
becomes clogged or rusts out, you are responsible for any water damage resulting
to apartment ceiling beneath you. (Another reminder of the importance of
carrying Home Owners insurance that covers this type of damage to
others.)
The old units can be repaired or rebuilt. Compressors, fan motors,
and thermostats can all be individually replaced, but a complete rebuild
can cost as much as a new one - and the technology has changed so much over
the 20 years that you will still be left with an inefficient machine, costly
to operate by today's design standards. Your in-wall units are also necessary
for heating the apartment and life-span issues relating to the fan motors,
switches, and thermostats apply to winter heating as well as summer air
conditioning.
Shopping for a new/replacement unit
When you explore replacement, you will find that there are only a
few brands that fit the wall opening sleeves of Highview II. Owner satisfaction
has varied between brands and attentiveness of contractors. Some brands come
close to fitting the wall opening, but not exactly. Contractors estimate
a waiting time of 10-12 weeks from order to installation (possibly more time
during busy summer months).
These are expensive units to replace (see estimated prices below)
and you may find a difference of as much as $1,000 between dealers for the
same exact unit. (We have not bothered listing the high priced contractors.)
Whatever brand you buy, federal law mandates that new units run on less energy
to produce the same btu's, thermostats are designed to control room temperature
more accurately and new units are CFC-free and don't harm the atmosphere's
ozone layer.
Contractors & Costs
Although there are others available, these two contractors have supplied
the majority of replacements units at Highview II. Choosing a contractor
and a replacement unit is entirely the decision of a unit owner. If you wish
to discuss these replacement units with an owner who has purchased one, please
email the Board,
hv2board@highview2.com,
and we can probably connect you with a neighbor willing to discuss their
new unit.
Climaster, Inc.
Climaster manufactures and installs Ice Cap
50-25 38th Street, Long Island City, New York 11101
Contact person: Jeff Shaw
Telephone: 718-349-9903
Prices include delivery, installation, and removal/disposal of the
old Slant-Fin unit in accordance with EPA regulations. Prices do not include
sales tax. Prices do not include replacement of the heating coil. Climaster
can also provide the correct heating coil for approximately $300 (plus
installation).
| Model# |
BTU's |
Voltage |
Price. (effective April 2002) |
|
9,000 |
115v |
$1,636 (typical bedroom at 850 Howard) |
|
12,000 |
115v |
$1,669 |
|
16,000 |
208v |
$1,871 (typical living room at 850 Howard) |
Classic Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
Corp.
Classic Air installs Island Air, Ice Cap, or Adirondack Air. (They
are not a manufacturer.)
Sales Manager: Mr. Donato DeMar
Telephone: (718) 396-0043
Prices include delivery, installation, and removal/disposal of the
old Slant-Fin unit in accordance with EPA regulations. Prices do not include
sales tax. Contractor states that these units are covered under the
manufacturer's eighteen month(18) warranty on all parts and five(5) years
on the compressor.
| Model# |
BTU's |
Voltage |
Price. (effective April
5, 2002) |
| EZO9JK |
9,000 |
115v |
$1,850 |
| EZ12JK |
12,000 |
115v |
$1,950 |
| EZl5JK |
15,000 |
208v |
$2,050 |
| EZ18JK |
16,900 |
208v |
$2,150 |
What about a window AC unit?
Over the years, occasionally owners request permission to install
window air conditioners. Even as a temporary measure, all requests must be
denied according to the building's legal counsel. For any clarification or
concern, owners should contact the building's managing agent.
1) The prohibition of window AC units is a rule set forth in the
building's initial prospectus Rules & Regulations of 1983 ("no window
or through-the-wall air-conditioning appliances may be installed in any unit.").
At the time of purchase, each purchaser has agreed in writing to abide by
the building's Rules & Regulations. This written agreement is required
for purchase and signed in advance of the closing. There is a $100 per month
fine for each violation of this rule.
2) A violation of this rule is a breech of the building's liability
insurance policy. Management must act to assure the physical safety of Highview
II property for residents and guests, as well as any financial exposures
of common interest. (Bylaws Article V, Operation of the Property; Section
17, Right of Access.)
3) Individual unit property does not extend beyond the interior boundary
of walls, doors, and window openings. The building's exterior is common
property.
Once again, we hope that this information is helpful. If you find
any additional information on this topic that would be helpful to fellow
owners (or corrections), please email it to
hv2board@highview2.com.
