5 Must-Have Accessories for Your NYC Window AC Unit
The Best Accessories to Make Your Window AC More Efficient, Safe, and Quiet
Buying a window AC for your New York City apartment is just the beginning—getting the right accessories can improve performance, reduce noise, and keep your unit secure all season long. Whether you live in the Upper East Side, Midtown, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, Upper West Side, Astoria, Dumbo, Park Slope, Clinton Hill, Long Island City, Williamsburg, Harlem, or anywhere in-between, these must-have add-ons will make your AC quieter, safer, and more energy-efficient.
#1 - Sound Dampening Panels – Reduce AC Noise
NYC is already noisy enough—your AC shouldn’t add to the chaos. Whether you're living in a high-rise in Midtown, a brownstone in Brooklyn Heights, or a pre-war apartment in the Upper West Side, dealing with AC noise can be a real struggle. The constant hum, vibrations, and rattling can make it hard to sleep, work from home, or just enjoy a peaceful evening.
Luckily, sound dampening panels are a game-changer. These panels absorb vibrations and block excess noise, making your air conditioner run quieter while still keeping your apartment cool. If you live near a busy street in SoHo, a lively nightlife area in the East Village, or under the constant construction of Hudson Yards, installing sound dampening panels can dramatically reduce AC noise pollution inside your home.
For even better results, combine them with foam side panels to seal gaps around the unit and prevent outside noise from creeping in. This is especially useful for apartments facing Broadway in the Theater District, near bridges in Dumbo, or above train tracks in Long Island City.
#2 - Foam Side Panels – Better Insulation, Lower Bills
Most AC units come with flimsy accordion-style side panels that let in hot air and waste energy. If you live in a sun-drenched loft in Tribeca, a cozy studio in Greenwich Village, or a historic brownstone in Park Slope, you know how quickly an apartment can heat up in the summer—even with the AC running.
The problem? Those cheap, built-in side panels let hot air seep in and cold air escape, making your AC work overtime (and your ConEd bill skyrocket). Upgrading to foam side panels is a simple, affordable way to seal gaps, block drafts, and improve temperature regulation.
For those in Harlem, Washington Heights, or Astoria, where summer heat lingers in top-floor apartments, proper insulation can make all the difference between a cool, comfortable home and a room that feels like an oven. If you're in a pre-war apartment in Clinton Hill or a high-rise in Battery Park, where old windows or drafty frames make cooling difficult, foam panels will keep the cold air inside where it belongs.
Pair them with soundproofing panels for even better noise and temperature control—perfect for anyone living near the bustling streets of Chinatown, the nightlife of Hell’s Kitchen, or the never-ending honking of Flatbush Avenue.
🛒 Find Foam Insulation Panels Here!
#3 - AC Safety Brackets – Keep Your Unit Secure
NYC requires window ACs to be properly supported—and for good reason. With narrow sidewalks, busy streets, and countless pedestrians below, the last thing you want is your AC tipping out onto the street in Midtown, the Financial District, or along bustling Flatbush Avenue. Not only is it dangerous, but many NYC landlords and co-op boards won't even allow AC installations without a proper support bracket.
Depending on your AC unit and window type, Team Handy Dan, Your Insured Handyman, recommends the following options:
Single-Leg Brackets – Fits most standard AC units.
✔ Best for classic window ACs in SoHo lofts, East Village walk-ups, and pre-war Upper West Side buildings
✔ Provides extra stability without taking up much space
✔ Ensures your AC is securely in place and properly angledDouble-Leg Brackets – Extra stability for higher BTU models.
✔ Perfect for high-powered ACs in larger apartments or townhouses in Brooklyn Heights, Washington Heights, and Astoria
✔ Handles heavier AC models that standard brackets can’t
✔ Distributes weight evenly to reduce stress on older window framesDrill-Less Brackets – Perfect for renters who don’t want to put holes in their window frame.
✔ Best for rental apartments in the Upper East Side, Long Island City, and Dumbo, where landlords prohibit drilling into windows
✔ Uses pressure and adjustable clamps for a secure, damage-free fit
✔ Easy to install and remove when moving out or upgrading your AC
Properly securing your AC is not just about safety—it’s NYC law. In busy areas like the Meatpacking District, Times Square, or even along Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, an unsecured AC could lead to major fines (or worse, an accident).
Not sure which bracket is right for your setup? Let Team Handy Dan, Your Insured Handyman, handle the installation! Contact us today!
#4 - Winter AC Covers – Protect Your Unit from the Elements
Leaving your AC in the window year-round? While it might seem like the easiest option, New York winters can be brutal—especially if you live in Harlem, Midtown, or near the windy waterfront in Battery Park City. A weatherproof AC cover is a must-have to protect your unit from snow, rain, and debris while keeping cold drafts from sneaking into your apartment.
If you live in the Upper West Side, Park Slope, or Fort Greene, where older buildings often have drafty windows, a poorly sealed AC can turn your apartment into an icebox come January. A properly fitted AC cover keeps cold air out, helping you stay warmer and cut down on winter heating costs.
Why You Need an AC Cover in NYC
✔ Prevents Water Damage – Heavy rain and snow in Astoria, Williamsburg, and the Bronx can cause moisture buildup, leading to rust and mold inside your AC.
✔ Stops Cold Air Leaks – If you live near Union Square, the Financial District, or Long Island City, where skyscrapers create strong wind tunnels, a cover blocks icy drafts from creeping in through gaps.
✔ Extends the Life of Your AC – Protects your unit from falling leaves in Prospect Park, dust from subway vents in SoHo, and grime from the elevated trains in Queens.
✔ Keeps Pigeon Poop Out! - Pigeons may rule the streets of NYC, but they don’t have to take over your AC unit! Get a weatherproof AC cover to keep your unit clean, efficient, and poop-free.
If you don’t plan to remove your AC for the winter, a heavy-duty, insulated AC cover is the next best thing. Pair it with foam side panels for extra insulation, especially if your apartment faces cold, open-air courtyards in Chelsea or has north-facing windows in Williamsburg.
🛒 Find AC Covers for Winter Here and Here!
#5 - AC Cleaning Spray – Keep Your Unit Fresh
Living in New York City means dealing with dirt, dust, and who-knows-what floating through the air—and all of it ends up inside your AC unit. Whether you’re cooling off in a high-rise in Midtown, a brownstone in Park Slope, or a studio in the East Village, your AC collects dust, grime, and even mold over time.
That’s why regular cleaning with an AC spray is the best way to keep your unit running efficiently, smelling fresh, and circulating clean air—instead of blasting old dust straight into your face.
If you haven’t cleaned your AC in months (or ever), here’s what’s probably happening inside your unit:
🤢 Dust & Dirt Buildup – Reduces efficiency, forcing your AC to work harder and use more electricity (hello, higher ConEd bill).
🤧 Allergens & Mold – If you live near Central Park, Astoria Park, or Prospect Park, all that outdoor pollen and dust gets trapped inside and can trigger allergy flare-ups.
😷 That Gross, Mildewy Smell – If you’ve ever turned on your AC and thought, “Ew, what is that smell?”—congrats, you’ve got mold and bacteria growing inside your unit!
Don’t worry—Team Handy Dan, Your Insured Handyman, has the easiest fix for all of these problems: AC cleaning spray!
✔ Removes Dust & Grime – Cleans the internal coils and fins, so your AC runs more efficiently.
✔ Kills Mold & Bacteria – Stops that musty, mildew smell before it takes over your apartment.
✔ Improves Airflow – A clean AC pushes cooler, fresher air into your space, making it feel crisper and less humid.
✔ Extends the Life of Your AC – Regular cleaning prevents overheating and breakdowns, especially for older units in pre-war buildings in the Upper West Side or Greenwich Village.
🛒 Grab an AC Cleaning Spray Here!
📅 Need help installing or securing your AC? Contact Team Handy Dan, Your Insured Handyman!