Air Conditioner Gripes

[Queen_Dopplepopolis]

So - in April, my apartment complex officials tell me that the AC will be turned on May 1st. I say, "Excellent!" It's not that the weather is that hot, but if you've ever visited Washington, DC in the spring time, you know that the pollen provides the world with a thick yellow dust that cakes EVERYTHING... including your home if you have to leave the windows open.

Now, it's May 10th. My AC still isn't on, my apartment is covered in pollen, and the high today is going to hit 80 F.

As such, I call and, as nicely as I possibly can (which is very nicely), ask if the AC will be turned on today. The woman on the other end proceeds to tell me that, "The County determines when we turn on the AC and - if it is going to get below 60 F at night - they will not allow the AC to be turned on."

Excuse me? Excuse me?!?!

For the past two years, we have had this fight with our apartment officials - this is the FIRST time I've heard anything about the County being involved with the AC. (Though I am aware from my personal research that, apartments with AC are required by law to turn on their units on or before May 15th).

I say, "Why wasn't I informed earlier that the County determines this date. I would appreciate it if you could provide me with a number and a name so that I can make a formal complaint."

She goes silent. "Um..." long pause, "let me talk to my manager."

When she gets back on the phone, she refuses to tell me who I need to contact and suggests I "buy a fan" to get through the next 5 days of 75-85 degree weather because - lord knows - if it drops to 59 outside, I'm going to need to turn my heat on.

 

[Cthulhu's Librarian]

I say, "Why wasn't I informed earlier that the County determines this date. I would appreciate it if you could provide me with a number and a name so that I can make a formal complaint."

I'd call the county officials and tell them that you were told by the apartment manager that they determine when the AC will be turned on. Give everyone you can the managers name, apartment building, and phone number. Make the apartment manager into a nusence until someone from the county calls them.

I had a fight with the apartment manager I had in New York (not over AC, but a bad smell coming through the heating ducts) until we finally made them into a problem with the city. When the city finally made them look into it, they found out the guy in the apartment below us had been dead for several months.

 

[Queen_Dopplepopolis]

I had a fight with the apartment manager I had in New York (not over AC, but a bad smell coming through the heating ducts) until we finally made them into a problem with the city. When the city finally made them look into it, they found out the guy in the apartment below us had been dead for several months.

*cue the Law and Order theme*

I'm really frustrated by the whole situation b/c I know it's just so that they can save a buck by not having any residents using the heating or the cooling... and it's not even the heat that bothers me, it's the humidity. Stupid DC - built on a swamp.

 

[WayneLigon]

Excuse me. You do her the favor of paying money to her and she refuses to tell you this thing? I think y'all need to have a short and explosive talk.

Of course, I don't understand an apartment complex that regulates this thing. Every apartment I've ever been in had a thermostat you could adjust yourself.

 

[Crothian]

Talk to the apartment people in person. Demands to talk to a manager. If you need to say that uyou don't think this is right and that you are thinking of contacting a lawyer to have your rights protected. Get the name of everyone you can and their bosses. Be polite but firm. If anyone helps you make a note of who was helpful and who wasn't. And once the AC is turned on don't give up, write letters to their bosses naming names on who was helpful and who wasn't. Sometimes being an ass works well.

 

[nakia]

The "county won't let us" line sounds fishy to me. How can the county regulate when people run their air conditioner? What if you have ashma or serious allergies and need to run it in the spring because of the pollen?

I'd follow Cthulhu's Librarian's suggestion and call the county, letting them know what you were told by your apartment complex. I'd also write a letter to your complex, even if you are going to go and talk to them in person. A letter is more formal, both parties will have a written record of what's going on and thus you don't have to play the "he said she said" game if it escalates further.

You could also talk to your neighbors and see if they have similar issues. Multiple letters and/or complaints will work better than just one.

 

[Queen_Dopplepopolis]

Of course, I don't understand an apartment complex that regulates this thing. Every apartment I've ever been in had a thermostat you could adjust yourself.

We can adjust it ourselves - once it is on... the temp. control works much the way that the heat and air works in a dorm: you have one or the other. But - actually getting it turned on is the problem.

We've seriously tried everything that we can, but it does no good to involve a lawyer because they aren't violating any laws (unless the 15th rolls around and they don't turn it on).

Which is part of the reason that we're moving very soon. *screams*

 

[Queen_Dopplepopolis]

The "county won't let us" line sounds fishy to me. How can the county regulate when people run their air conditioner? What if you have ashma or serious allergies and need to run it in the spring because of the pollen?

I've spoken with people in the complex that have had to stay in a hotel for this very reason. But, to quote the stupid apartment lady, "Air conditioning is a luxury. Heat is a necessity."

*spits*

 

[Cthulhu's Librarian]

But, to quote the stupid apartment lady, "Air conditioning is a luxury. Heat is a necessity."

Well, when it comes right down to it, she's right. I've lived in plenty of places that didn't have AC. Not fun, but survivable.

 

[Queen_Dopplepopolis]

Well, when it comes right down to it, she's right. I've lived in plenty of places that didn't have AC. Not fun, but survivable.

Oh - I know she's right. I've done it, as well... and - if I have my way - I'll never, ever have to do it again.

Nothing quite like sharing the living room floor with your mom b/c you don't have AC in the middle of summer, it's 95 F outside, and it's too hot to sleep upstairs in your bed.

I just find it incredibly annoying that I have it, but can't USE IT! *RAR!*