Didn't know that. I guess it's a tradeoff. Which would cost more - the incremental cost of the stand-alone unit or the installation charge? Dunno.

Don't buy what that person linked. They're terrible efficiency. If you're worried about installation and are considering getting a more efficient not to mention quieter unit I highly recommend https://www.midea.com/us/air-conditioners/window-air-conditioners/8000-btu-u-shaped-air-conditioner-maw08v1qwt

They're a little confusing the first time you install but are also braced by a mounted window bracket and have the window between the front and back of the unit, making it physically impossible to fall out with the window shut. The bracket also makes installation easier once you've read the instructions and done it once.

They're also much quieter and lighter than traditional units.

These are incredibly inefficient. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-mBeYC2KGc for details

Thank you for the suggestion! The installation fees would already breakeven with the cost of this air conditioner so I will seriously consider one of these!

The AC units are both mine! If they stored them, I’d 100% agree it’s worth it, but as of now the $90 is just for installation/removal. (Maybe I’ll ask if I can keep them in the shared basement, so thank you for the idea)

I’m 90% sure we’re not supposed to do it ourselves, probably for liability reasons.

Yes agreed - removing isn’t as much of an issue, but I would be a little nervous to reinstall it and knowing me I’d probably end up dropping it out of the window. But I guess I can probably ask some friends who are stronger than me to help out.

Editing to add that I’m pretty sure the lease agreement says we’re not supposed to do it ourselves but I don’t know how closely they keep tabs on these things considering they manage multiple buildings

I know the story well! Now the big question is what will happen to the house now that he's gone. Apparently he did end up owning the property and family is preparing to sell it. There was a petition going around last month about turning it into an arts center.

Sad. You know the story about the house? AFAIK, Peter was squatting in that house when it was located on Blanche Street, and when MIT decided to develop the area he won a court settlement in which MIT moved the house to its current location. I don't know if Peter owned the house, or was allowed to live there and MIT maybe owns the land and building.

Yeah, I think it was pretty sudden. Happened on the last night of an awful 5-day heat wave.

Get an AC unit that sits in the room w/ only the vent in the window.

https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-BPACT08WT-Portable-Conditioner/dp/B01DLPUWL2/ref=sr_1_3?content-id=amzn1.sym.cdff5709-1ad3-49fb-b3a2-fd145c65c07d%3Aamzn1.sym.cdff5709-1ad3-49fb-b3a2-fd145c65c07d&keywords=ac%2Bunit%2Bportable%2Bfor%2Broom&pd_rd_r=bd29f7dc-9fbc-4801-a441-5549c1bd44f8&pd_rd_w=mpOs9&pd_rd_wg=l5tCF&pf_rd_p=cdff5709-1ad3-49fb-b3a2-fd145c65c07d&pf_rd_r=EF1C4J5J5SDW01G728FQ&qid=1673887325&sr=8-3&th=1

If it's just a window unit, you could... take it out yourself?

Are they your AC units or the management companies? $90 to install/remove and store is honestly not that bad if they’re the companies.

Does the lease prohibit you from doing it yourself?

Otherwise if they’re like most management companies in the area ignore the request and they’ll likely forget about it. But be warned This has been a very mild winter so far, keeping those units in might be a bad idea if it gets bad out. Worse case you can wrap towels around them.

Really? In August? I knew Peter, but not that well.

I think it's across the street. Peter Valentine lived at 37 Brookline (the purple fence house) but he passed away in August.

Zero. Call the utilities directly. The only thing you need to do is get gas/electric in your name. If the realtor can't help you there, then ask what the fuck you are paying them for? This is their bread and butter and they should be helping you.

He's really awful. Often the religious crap is blaring so loud you can hear it on the next block.

Please report it to the Cambridge Police.

Yep

Okay thanks. Actually didn’t realize this was considered assault.

Was it a house with crazy murals all over the fence? Corner of Brookline and Franklin? He is well known.

I moved out of the area last year but that does sound familiar. It’s also the block across from the purple fence, if that’s more memorable than the street names.

@ OP - please report.

Is that the block with the apartment that plays bible verses from a stereo into the street when it’s warmer out?

Was this on Brookline between Auburn and Franklin?

I think MeetUp.com is a good starter because it deals with your interested. When I first moved here, I joined a world music group and went to a couple of the outings that were scheduled. It was a good way to connect w/ people around a shared interest.

I'm sorry

Sounds like an all-out assault