An irritated homeowner turned to Reddit for legal advice after their HOA demanded that they remove their window air conditioning unit "due to aesthetic concerns."
The OP shared that they were dealing with a frustrating situation since nothing in the homeowners association bylaws or rules prohibited the unit, and yet they received a notice for an "unapproved structure modification."
They mentioned that they didn't want to remove the unit because without it, "that room would be borderline unusable" because poor airflow makes it extremely hot in summer.
They tried to cooperate with the HOA, submitting a request to the architectural review committee and politely explaining why they needed the AC unit. However, the request was denied, and the HOA did not formally respond after they asked for clarification. The OP listed a few options they'd considered to resolve the situation, including lawyering up and removing the unit.
Commenters recommended replacing the window unit with an indoor unit or ductless system — alternatives that could solve the cooling problem without causing HOA complaints or fines.
If you're in a similar predicament, TCD's HVAC Explorer can help you understand your heating and cooling options, including upgrades that improve airflow, reduce energy use, and lower monthly utility costs.
Additionally, insulation and heat pumps can help reduce air pollution because, according to Earth.org, they produce less pollution than traditional HVAC systems.
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Many HOA disputes — whether over solar panels or ductless heat pumps — start with homeowners who want to explore choices that often clash with established norms. By switching to energy-efficient HVAC systems instead of temporary solutions such as window AC units, folks can focus on long-term comfort and savings with fixes that address their needs without clashing with neighborhood standards.
Commenters sympathized with the OP, but many advised against challenging the association.
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How much do you use your AC during the summer months? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
All day 🥵 "No reason to try and die on this hill. If you sue and lose, it's likely you'll pay the HOA attorney as well. Even if you won, you're exposing the HOA to legal fees which every resident will pay," one Redditor pointed out.
"You won't win this. Buy an indoor unit," another commented.
Pairing an HVAC upgrade with solar can help you increase your savings, and TCD's Solar Explorer offers a starting point for system comparisons and connecting with vetted installers. To round things out, the free Palmetto Home app can make it easier to track upgrades and unlocks up to $5,000 in rewards that can be allotted for future home improvements.
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