Owner FAQ #13: Can I have an air conditioner?
Yes, if it complies with Bylaw -9-“... Altering Exterior View” (1) (h) for Installation of an air conditioning unit visible from the exterior of a strata lot.
In practice, this means a portable one can be used without strata permission as long as it does not obviously show the input & exhaust ports except through an existing window or patio door opening. Consult with council first!
Dual hose portable air conditioners:
Pros: More efficient, cools the room faster and more evenly.
Cons: More expensive, can be difficult to install.
Single hose portable air conditioners:
Pros: Easier to install, budget-friendly.
Cons: Less efficient than dual hose models
Exterior window mounted AC units are doable with restrictions:
- Must be manufacturer rated at a noise level that is 55 decibels or lower.
- Only one AC exterior mounted unit is allowed per townhouse, preferably on the top floor.
- No mounting screws or fasteners into exterior surfaces to prevent water envelope damage
- No permanent mount, only temporary installation between April 1st and October 1st.
Click here to apply for the installation of an exterior window mounted AC unit.