The best AC options for a Brooklyn brownstone

Brownstones are some of the trickiest residential AC installs in the city. Plaster walls, narrow chases, no existing ductwork, and (often) landmark constraints on the exterior all push the project in specific directions. Here's how we usually break it down.

Option 1: Ductless mini-splits

This is the most common path. One outdoor condenser feeds 2–6 indoor heads, with refrigerant lines run through tight chases or along corner moldings. Pros: minimal demo, zone-by-zone control, heating included. Cons: head units are visible, and the condenser placement needs careful planning.

Option 2: High-velocity (small-duct) systems

Brands like Unico and SpacePak use 2-inch flexible ducts that snake through stud bays and ceiling chases. You get traditional vents (small round outlets), no wall-mounted heads, but more demo and a higher price tag.

Option 3: Hybrid — central downstairs, splits upstairs

For brownstones with a finished cellar or accessible chase, we often run conventional ductwork through the parlor and ground floors, then put mini-splits on the bedroom levels. Best of both worlds for many layouts.

Landmarks and condensers

If your building is in a historic district, exterior condenser placement requires LPC review or staff-level permits. Roof installs are usually easiest; rear-yard installs work if the noise footprint is acceptable and there's a clean line-set route.

Rule of thumb: budget $12k–$22k for a 2–3 head mini-split system. High-velocity runs $25k–$45k.

We can walk a brownstone and have a written proposal back in 48 hours. Most jobs ship within 2–3 weeks of approval.