Introduction
Some townhouses in Northwood IV and V have individually controlled central air conditioning. Residents may install air conditioners of 12 amps or less, a minimum of 5,000 BTUs and a maximum of 12,000 BTUs, using platforms provided by Northwood Community Apartments. Air conditioners must be registered and a fee is charged. The number of air conditioners is determined by the number of bedrooms in the townhouse or apartment (i.e., 2 air conditioners are allowed in a 2 bedroom apartment or townhouse). A separate application form is required for each air conditioner. Residents who install their own window air conditioner accept full responsibility for installation and removal and for any damage incurred during such installation or removal.

Installation
University provided platforms must be used for air conditioner installation.

Facilities maintenance staff is available to install resident-owned window air conditioners. The fee is $35, and includes installation, a platform, installation materials, and removal. Installation requests are made at the time of registration at the Community Center and are coordinated by desk staff. Installation will occur within five business days.

Residents who install their own window air conditioners accept full responsibility for installation and removal and for any damage incurred during such installation and removal. Only removable parts of the window may be removed, such as screens, and sliding window, but not the frame. Residents are responsible for the replacement of all window hardware upon removal of the air conditioner unit.

All window air conditioners must be supported by platforms provided by Housing. Residents who install their own air conditioners can pick up a platform from the Community Center. Proof of air conditioner registration is required to pick up a platform. Northwood IV & V residents should store their platforms in their basements, and may leave them there when vacating. Northwood I, II & III residents can store their platforms in their storage units, or return them to the Community Center during normal business hours. Residents who request installation by Facilities do not need to pick up a platform.

When extension cords are used, they must be three-wire grounded, in good condition, and have at least a 14 gauge rating.

All air conditioner units must be plugged into a GFI (three-prong) outlet. If the outlet is for two-prongs, only, contact the Community Center front desk and make a request for a GFI outlet. There is no fee for GFI installation.

When filling open spaces between the air conditioner and the window edge, a hard WATERPROOF MATERIAL such as Plexiglas, plastic, or plywood (minimum 1/16” thick) must be used. All edges should be sealed with a removable WATERPROOF MATERIAL.

Costs for 2007-2008
Air conditioner use rates are based on BTU ratings and are calculated in one month increments. The number of months of use is determined at the time of registration. If a resident removes an air conditioner prior to the original removal date, a refund will be issued if the unit is removed on or before the 15th of the month, and for any subsequent unused month thereafter. (For example, if an air conditioner is registered through September and is removed on August 14, a refund will be given for one half of the August rate, and all of September.) Residents will be charged the full month rate if the unit is removed after the 15th of the month. A one month minimum installation fee is required, regardless of removal date. A $35.00 per month late fee is charged to any resident who does not remove their air conditioner when their registration expires. Use rates are not affected by factors such as weather, occupancy, or actual usage following installation.

All air conditioner registration fees will be assessed to resident/student accounts. This will expedite the refund process, when applicable.

Questions
Please direct questions regarding this process to the staff at Northwood Community Apartments.

Application
You may complete the application at the Community Center front desk, at 1000 McIntyre Drive. The application is also available online:

Online Application