Faulty Condo HVAC May Not Be Board’s Fault

T.O. from outside of Connecticut writes:

Dear Mister Condo,

Our condos have an HVAC system which is in an interior closet. The evaporator coil in the A/C breaks down frequently and the replacement costs are close to $3,200. The Board will not allow us to change to an HVAC system where the compressor would be on the lawn area. It seems unreasonable in view of the fact that our current HVAC system breaks down repeatedly due to the evaporator coil failing. Any suggestions?

Mister Condo replies:

T.O., thanks for writing. I am sorry you and your fellow unit owners are dealing with what sounds like a poorly engineered HVAC system. The Board is the decision-making body who could make the change you have suggested but, for whatever reason, they have decided not to. You and your fellow unit owners are the ones who have elected the Board. If they are not performing to your satisfaction, may I suggest you vote into office volunteer leaders who share your point of view? My guess is that there are mitigating factors (cost, noise, etc.) that have prevented the Board from taking the action you suggest. Unless they think paying big bills for failing evaporator coils is in the best interest of the association, they should at least consider your suggestion and provide an explanation of why they are unwilling to implement it. All the best!