Air conditioning in rental properties

If you want to choose the right AC system, there’s no need to understand the (fairly complex) cooling process inside the unit. However, it’s worth getting to grips with the basic principle behind air conditioners: the appliance sucks in warm air and cools it down using a refrigerant. In the process, it generates currents of cold and warm air, with cooled air directed into the room and warm air out of it.

Now, here’s the crux of the matter: how can an air conditioner within an enclosed space get rid of warm air?

There are two different solutions for this: split air conditioning systems and monoblock air conditioning systems.

Split air conditioning systems

Split air conditioning systems consist of two components – the indoor appliance (distributor), which is installed in the apartment, and the outdoor appliance (compressor), which is attached to the façade of the building. These two are connected by pipes for the coolant, with warm air being dispersed outside and cold air circulated inside.

These split air conditioning systems are a very powerful, permanent solution, but they have a major disadvantage: you need to make a hole in the wall so the connecting pipes can run between the indoor and outdoor appliances. However, this is an alteration to the building – and you can’t simply do this to a rented property as a matter of course.

Are split air conditioning systems allowed in rental properties?

For this reason, you should never just go ahead and install a split air conditioning system: always ask the management company for permission to do so in advance. Apart from anything else, it’s quite possible that they simply might not want this change to be made. There are also official aspects to be considered, too. As the outdoor appliance alters the façade, a permit may be required, depending on the canton.

In addition, neighbours may be bothered by the unit’s noise and appearance, which also impacts the decision.

Monoblock air conditioning systems

In contrast to split air conditioning systems, monoblock air conditioning systems have the indoor and outdoor components installed in a single unit. This has the benefit that they can be moved from one room to another without any major effort.

However, the catch is that the mode of operation is the same, i.e. the warm air still has to get outside somehow. 

To achieve this, monoblock air conditioning systems are equipped with an exhaust hose that you place through a window that’s ajar. The silly thing about this is, of course, that warm air flows back in through this gap – special window seals with Velcro or zippers provide a helping hand here.

Are monoblock air conditioning systems allowed in rental properties?

Tenants are usually free to use a monoblock air conditioning system in a rental apartment. Do note, however, that moisture sometimes drips from the hose: of course, this mustn’t ruin the façade or hit your neighbours or any objects, flowerpots, etc. underneath you.

The disadvantage of these devices is their limited performance and their significantly higher energy consumption – which is quickly reflected in your electricity bill.

Air coolers as an alternative to AC systems

Air coolers are the “baby brother” of air conditioning systems: they work according to the evaporation principle and consist (in simple terms) of a water tank and a fan. After you’ve filled the tank with cold water or ice cubes, warm air is then channelled past it – so the water evaporates and a cool draught of air blows towards you.

However, it should be noted that an air cooler’s performance is not comparable to that of an air conditioner. If this is nevertheless enough for you, it’s worth giving this alternative a try: it’s inexpensive, uses less electricity and requires no coolant.