The fundamental problem is the lack of air flow, cooling or not. Rather than trying to solve this problem with only A/C units, maybe an add-on ventilation system would be superior. Tubes with vents, one fan. It's not technically central A/C but perhaps this would be rejected, too?

 

I think the locations of your units are good. Especially the kitchen. Both will catch humidity from bath. Another might be needed in the living room.

How often does the place need to be refreshed? You don't want continuous outside air do you? You would have to increase BTU and run continuously. What floor are you on? Automated louvers might do it.

You would need to do a temperature survey of place before considering strategy. After plotting temps in sealed compartment, crack certain windows and note effect.

Either figure it now or fight it for years.

 

The fundamental problem is the lack of air flow, cooling or not. Rather than trying to solve this problem with only A/C units, maybe an add-on ventilation system would be superior. Tubes with vents, one fan. It's not technically central A/C but perhaps this would be rejected, too?

That's a good idea, and it will work with drop-ceilings.

 

Oh, and be aware that modern A/C units fling water, they don't just drip drain. They throw the condensed water into the fan and blow it through the condenser coils for added efficiency. Clever, but if you have nearby neighbors they may not appreciate the shower.

 

if you have nearby neighbors

Nearby neighbors, in an apartment building? in NYC?
Not likely.

But seriously, pedestrians in NYC have probably figured out that air conditioners drip and spray. I don't think that's going to be any more of a problem for this guy than a million others. From what I hear, the more obvious problem would be about how to bolt the A/C down well enough to discourage thieves.

 

I'm not sure I like the venting of the A/C over the kitchen stove. Bedroom 1 or the LR might make more sense, if those windows are available.

Yea. It's shame they never invented a window AC unit with an off switch. Gosh that would be handy for this sort of application. Oh well. Maybe in another 100 years or so someone will figure out how to do it.

Heck maybe in 200 they might even make one with a remote control. How handy would that be!?!

 

Oh, and be aware that modern A/C units fling water, they don't just drip drain.

So a 70+ year old concept is modern? What century are you from anyway?

 

The last one! But I didn't say the concept is modern, only that most machines you can buy today use that old technology.