Homeowners associations (HOAs) have rules and regulations they expect their members to observe. HOAs use these rules to maintain property prices and encourage peaceful living among its members. However, some rules and regulations can affect your air conditioner (AC) installation and service.

Below are some things that HOAs care about that might affect your AC's issues.

Appearance

You have to do your part to contribute to the community's curb appeal if you are a member of an HOA community. Most HOAs have rules and regulations that determine the changes members can make to their property's interior. The regulations are necessary since exterior changes affect curb appeal.

Such rules affect the type of AC you can install. For example, your HOA might forbid you from installing an AC with a gigantic external unit. Some HOAs also consider window AC units unsightly. In such cases, unobtrusive mini-split systems may suit your situation better.

Noise

Your HOA can also restrict the noise levels your AC can generate. Noise control encourages peaceful coexistence among community members and protects the members' comfort and health.

ACs have multiple moving parts that inevitably generate noise while operating. AC noise depends on the AC's:

• Make and model
• Size
• Maintenance
• Installation locator

The HVAC market has extremely quiet ACs. Generally, ducted systems are louder than portable or window units. Noise ratings also vary among the ducted models.

HVAC manufacturers usually indicate noise ratings for their products, so you just need to know your HOA rules on AC noise and buy a model that fits the regulations. After that, you just need to maintain the system and its noise won't be an issue.

Location

HOAs care about AC installation for two main reasons. First, the installation location determines the outside unit's visibility, affecting the overall curb appeal. Secondly, location installation determines how much of the system's noise affects your neighbors.

For example, some HOAs won't allow you to install an AC on the front yard, window, or anywhere the system would be visible from the street. Many HOAs encourage backward AC installations to hide the units from view. Therefore, you should consult your HOA to confirm the installation location before installation.

As you can see, you should not design or buy an AC without first consulting your HOA rules and regulations. Many HVAC contractors will happily consult with your HOA to ensure your installation doesn't breach the rules. Thus, you should engage an AC contractor right from the system design stage.

Contact a home air conditioning installation service near you to learn more.