I don't get how so many large buildings in NYC and Beijing (two cities that I've personally visited) use independent little AC units like the PTAC or minisplit types. A couple per apartment, peppered over the outer walls. Engineers intuition says surely a large central unit would be more efficient and effective.
Is it because of personal ownership reasons? Counterintuitive physics? Heat dissipation limitations on the roof?
Is it because of personal ownership reasons? Counterintuitive physics? Heat dissipation limitations on the roof?
Can someone with more knowledge clue me in?