4 Steps for Choosing The Best Window AC for Your NYC Apartment
How to Choose the Right Window AC for Your NYC Apartment
New York City summers are no joke, and if your apartment isn’t already equipped with air conditioning, you’ll need to choose the right AC unit fast. But not all window ACs are the same, and the wrong unit could mean poor cooling, sky-high electricity bills, or an AC that doesn’t even fit your window.
Whether you live in a studio in the East Village, a pre-war brownstone in Brooklyn Heights, or a high-rise in Midtown, this 4-step guide will help you pick the best window AC for your space.
Step 1 – Choose the Right BTU Size for Your Apartment
The first mistake many NYC renters make? Buying an AC that’s too powerful or too weak for their apartment. BTU (British Thermal Units) measures cooling power, and size matters when choosing an AC for your space.
What BTU Size Do You Need?
🏠 Small Studio (200-400 sq. ft.) – 6,000-8,000 BTU
Best for apartments in Alphabet City, East Village, or the Lower East Side
Works for small spaces with one or two windows
🏠 One-Bedroom (400-700 sq. ft.) – 8,000-12,000 BTU
Ideal for Williamsburg lofts, Harlem brownstones, or Astoria rentals
Good balance of cooling power and energy efficiency
🏠 Large Apartment (700-1,000+ sq. ft.) – 12,000-15,000 BTU
Needed for Upper West Side pre-war apartments, Park Slope townhouses, and larger Brooklyn homes
May require a dedicated circuit to handle power demand
🛒 Shop Small-Space ACs (6,000-8,000 BTU) Here and Here
🛒 Find High-BTU ACs for Bigger Apartments!
Step 2 – Pick the Right Type of AC Unit
Not all window ACs are created equal. Depending on your apartment type, noise level preference, and energy efficiency needs, you should choose the right AC style:
Traditional Box Window ACs – Reliable & Budget-Friendly
Best for renters in Bushwick, Hell’s Kitchen, and Queens apartments
Brands to consider: Frigidaire, GE, LG, Haier
Affordable and easy to install
🛒 Shop Traditional Window AC Units Here!
Midea U-Shaped AC – Quiet & Energy-Efficient
Perfect for high-rise apartments in Midtown, Chelsea, and Battery Park City
Noise-blocking design reduces indoor AC sound
Saves up to 35% more energy than standard ACs
Through-the-Wall ACs – Permanent Cooling Solution
Needed for Upper East Side co-ops, West Village townhouses, and Long Island City condos
Brands to consider: Friedrich, Keystone, Koldfront
Must be installed in a built-in wall sleeve - CHECK YOUR MEASUREMENTS!!!
Step 3 – Check Your Window Type & Building Rules
NYC is a patchwork of different buildings—from pre-war brownstones to glassy high-rises. Before you buy an AC, check your window type and landlord rules.
Common NYC Window Types & AC Compatibility
✔ Double-Hung Windows (Most Common in NYC) – Works with traditional box ACs and Midea U-shaped ACs
✔ Casement Windows (Common in Tribeca & Brooklyn Heights) – May require a casement window AC
✔ Sliding Windows (Found in Some Queens & Bronx Apartments) – Need special AC brackets or modifications
💡 Live in a historic building in Greenwich Village, SoHo, or Brooklyn Heights? Some co-ops and landlords ban window ACs and require through-the-wall units instead.
📅 Not sure what type of AC fits your window? Team Handy Dan, Your Insured Handyman, can help with installation and recommendations!
Step 4 – Don’t Forget Essential AC Accessories
A great AC is only as good as its installation. To keep your unit secure, efficient, and quiet, you’ll need the right accessories:
Safety Brackets – Keep Your AC Secure
NYC requires window ACs to be properly supported—especially if you live in a high-rise in Midtown, the Financial District, or Long Island City.
🛒 Check Out AC Brackets Here (single leg) and Here (double leg)
Foam Insulation Panels – Better Temperature Control
Most AC units come with flimsy accordion side panels that let hot air in and waste energy. Upgrading to foam side panels can help seal gaps and improve cooling efficiency.
🛒 Find Foam Insulation Panels Here!
Weatherproof Covers – Protect Your AC in the Winter
If you leave your AC in the window year-round, a weatherproof cover will protect it from NYC snow, rain, and pigeons (yes, really).
🛒 Shop AC Covers Here and Here (Midea U-Shaped)
Final Thoughts – The Best AC for Your NYC Apartment Depends on Your Space
Whether you’re cooling down a studio in the Lower East Side, a loft in Williamsburg, or a large apartment on the Upper West Side, the right AC unit makes all the difference.
🚀 Need help choosing, installing, or securing your AC? Contact Team Handy Dan, Your Insured Handyman, for fast, professional AC installation anywhere in NYC!