Aren't there air conditioners that vent through a small duct or tube that you stick through the window? Not ideal, but if you could use a corner for this and hide it with a plant or something ... The AC sits on the floor, I believe. Good luck!

I have a Portable air conditioner that I LOVE. It ain't gorgeous, but it works incredibly well:
http://www.heatcontroller.com/series.php?prod=ca&sid=14&c=17

Your only option besides the ugly window mount units is probably to use a "portable air conditioner". Like the above poster said, you only need a tube (about the size of a dryer vent) that vents to the outside, usually it's about a 3" tube and some of them come with window adapters, or you could make your own adapter or hole to the outside if you're allowed such modifications to the building.

Some of them are pretty compact and work fairly well, in fact they are frequently used for "spot cooling" in computer server rooms.

You can look here for an idea of how it works but I would suggest googling around or looking at them in a store if you can.
http://www.portableairshop.com/

you're right re: the mini splits. we were told that there is only a certain length of cooling line you can use - both going up and down would be too far for you. all around the world, and even here in chicago, you can see the compressors mounted on relatively small brackets to the sides of buildings, so i'm surprised to hear about the scaffolding. but i think it would be too much work/hassle given your arrangement.
that said, the mini split system works great when it's in the right set up.

I am surprised at the others commenting about good experiences with portable units; I have found them very inefficient ($$ wise and cooling wise).

First, assuming you would be allowed to put a condensor on the roof, you might try checking with some more professionals about the mini-split systems. They do all have vertical limits, but some (Carrier, I believe) have vertical limits in excess of 100 feet, which should cover 7 stories.

Otherwise, your options depend a lot on your apartment. If you have a rear-facing wall you might consider installing a sleeve high on the wall and installing a sleeve unit. Or, you could install those console type units that you likely encountered if you ever had a post-war rental in NYC. Either option would require you to cut a hole in your wall, which may not be permissible, and neither is very attractive.

A traditional central air system also could easily permit a condensor on your roof, but will require some closet/overhead space to install an air handler and, likely will require exposed ducting. And, very expensive (I am still living with window units and have not changed my windows because I was given a $40,000 estimate for central air).

As far as I understand it, none of the above alterations to the physical structure of the apartment building would be allowed by most NYC coop and condo boards. They tend to be very restrictive, and in most buildings (even the very posh ones) only window units are allowed (and even those tend to be restricted in terms of installation and other issues). Good luck.

Maybe just take it as a given you will have to use an in-window a/c but install at the top of the window which somehow just reads less cluttered. Choose curtains or pull down shades that can cover the a/c when not in use.

I've got one of the portables in my bedroom. It's not very inefficient -- you can figure a good one that's 7500 btu will provide a solid 5000btu of cooling. You never say how large the space is you want to cool, but take it from me, you can get by with a couple portables for now whle you evaluate your options. I got mine from target, for about $350, it's energy star. Another con is they're louder than window units -- but in my bedroom I just freeze the room before bed, then shut it off and use a fan.
I actually figure I save energy by only spot cooling where I am.

Oh, i just re-read. i take it back. If you can use window units, you should while you save for a better solution. In my case I don't have the option of window units because my windows are sliders.

I'm perplexed.
Shouldn't you have thought about this BEFORE you purchased your apartment?

Hi, Jessica,
I am an interior designer in Manhattan, and believe me, every client I have has this problem! I suggest you get professional advice - my landmarked building in midtown allows thru-the-wall a/c, unless there is stonework (rather than brick) under the window. I've just had one installed (in my absence, so I haven't tried it out yet), because the portable I had was just not doing the job. Pricey at about $6000 including the necessary architect fees, but well worth it both for myself and for resale. I'd be glad to give you the name of the contractor if it doesn't violate AT etiquette!
Cheerio and good luck!

In addition to whether there is stonework around your windows, you need to find out if there are structural columns in the walls. My lower Manhattan co-op was going to enlarge all the through the wall sleeves to accommodate properly sized (20,000 BTU) A/Cs and we ran into the column problem. The building is 100 years old but it is still something to ask about.

I ended up having the Super seal up the sleeve, which was in the worst possible place - straight ahead of you when you walked through the front door!

Hi - this is Jessica. Thanks for all your comments.

Everydaydiva - I would LOVE to know who your contractor is, particularly if he was really good.

Thanks!

Hi, Jessica - I am going to be back in my teeny NY abode this Saturday, so I'll see the installation and how well the system works (hopefully freeze-my-***-off-cold!). The contractor is Hamilton Air: 212 682 2710. I'll let you know how it goes!
Kittie

Hi, Jessica - just returned from NY and reporting on the installation of the thru-wall AC. I'll just give you the facts. I arrived on Sat. evening. The unit was installed, but there was no outlet for the weird-pin plug, so I couldn't use it. One of the wood-blind cords was trapped inside the unit so I had to cut the cord off to lower the blind, and was concerned that the wooden knob and cord remnant would be a fire hazard. A piece of my custom-built radiator cover (now redundant and moved out of the way of the installation) was broken off, so I had to junk it and not sell it as planned. There was no product manual or warranty. I called the installer's emergency number, which was merely an answering service that took a message. When I called the installer Monday, I was told it was my responsibility to have the outlet installed (which nobody had informed me about), and that a technician could come out on THURSDAY to remove the blind cord. On explaining that I have MS and that excessive heat triggers attacks, a technician arrived by 5pm. My lovely contractor got his equally lovely electrician to install the outlet Monday afternoon.
However, the AC unit is fantastic and cools beyond my wildest dreams. Moral - absolutely worth doing, but I would strongly recommend someone be present for the installation, which takes 3 days, and be prepared to clean the thick film of brick dust off all surfaces several times (a whole pack of Swiffer dusters did the trick!).
Best,
Kittie

Kittie,

Thanks so much for the information! I have made an appointment with the same people and they are coming next Tuesday. I will let you know how it all goes!

Jessica

Jessica,
So glad the info was helpful, and that you are on the way to a bearable NY summer!
One final piece of advice - my mistake was the temporary abandonment of the strategy which has served me well for years: ie. assume the rest of the world are idiots and can't be depended on to do their job right! Also, you cannot overestimate the clinging power of brick dust...
Best of luck,
Kittie

Hi everyone. I'm new to this site and love it so far! I have a question about air conditioners. I moved to NYC last year and brought along with me a portable A/C that a few of you have mentioned above. I barely used it and now I need to sell it. Does anyone know of any place, aside from craigslist or ebay that I can sell this thing? I've been looking for some stores who buy electronics etc but not having much luck!
Thanks! Christine

My sanctuary/abode is a second floor rear 2 bedroom apt on the historic Monument Ave in Richmond, VA. Though I miss having a back yard (landlord's domain) for my hairy son (dog) to roam in, I love it's character and quaintness. Now..for the big (not really) question. I am in desperate need of creative ideas for covering the side vents of my window units. They must be cat proof (my main problem). Any ideas?? Thanks for your input!

(I'm a newbie to AT. Love this site.)