Window Air Conditioner Use
 

I understand window "mounted" AC units are not allowed.

My question is regarding "portable" air conditioners where it vents out the window via a hose that is flush with the window and remains behind the window screen.

Are those allowed? It's not mounted to the window, rather sits on the floor inside the house and does not stick out of the window. You can just see the hose openings behind the window screen.

Thoughts?

Are there photos on line of what this unit would look like from the exterior of your home? If so, submit the photos to the ARC for approval. They may not be able to envision what it would look like from the exterior of the window point of view without photos. Good luck.

I've been doing it for about 8 years in garage along with other neighbors. Yes you will have people say NO NO NO.
We have even have a unit in bedroom for cooling so we don't need to cool the whole home to approx 72°. It's basically out of sight out of mind and makes very little noise.

It is a portable device, like a space heater or portable fan. It does not have any outside parts. It does not change the house exterior in any way. I would plug it in and use it.

According to the deed restrictions, window air conditioners are prohibited. What you describe does not seem to be a window air conditioner since it is not mounted in the window. Sure, a window needs to be left open to vent the warm air but that's what a lot of us do in the spring and fall anyway.

As others have said, I would just plug it in and use it.

That's how I read it as well.

We've bought and thrown away 2 different brands of portable ACs. After about 1 season of use they both started to leak. We paid about $500 for each unit. Would appreciate knowing which ACs, at which price point have worked/lasted for people. Thanks

I mean this in the most constructive way possible. Take 10 $50 bills and fan yourself with them in a vigorous manner. That is more cooling and satisfaction than you will get out of the unit you are speaking about. They are not meant to take on the monstrous job of cooling anything in Florida. I'll bet you it couldn't make an Iguana fall from a shower curtain rod in your bathroom. Just don't do it.

Agree. We have one for our enclosed lanai but we live in a CYV so it’s out of sight. In fact in a 3 bedroom CYV the master bedroom and another bedroom is unseen behind the wall so there is nothing unsightly for a neighbor to complain about even if you had a window unit. (“What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”)

I believe this revolves around how well you get along with your neighbors. I have a next-door neighbor that is less than hospitable. She takes every opportunity to be the troll in our area. If you have one like her, you may have a problem. If fortunate not to have one, I would not worry at all.

How do you vent your unit? I’d like to have one in the garage too.

Recommendations as to best one to buy?
 

Inquiring minds want to know!
:024:

Portables work well in garages
 

I have a portable in my garage. It keeps things reasonably cool and dry. I vented it out the wall (6” hole saw through cinder block to a dryer type vent). You have to crack the window open to balance the exhaust air, but I’m quite happy at less than $400 all in.

An adjustable window adapter is supplied approx 6in high adjustable to about 48 inches.
Set up is easy water tank needs to be emptied or drain hose attached. We have installed insulation to garage door. Garage temperature on a 96° day around mid to upper 70’s with greatly reduced humidity to 60%.

You can still get Covid but it will be less severe and reduces risks of dying. Still 500 a day die. It was worth it to get shots.