Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern apartments and condos do not have air conditioning installed. A lot of apartments and condos with air conditioning units are outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, which provide great views, but also a lot of sunlight and heat.
If your home is equipped with ductwork then a central AC is a good option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke with said that if your building does not have ductwork, a central AC system could be ideal.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a simple and affordable option to cool a condominium without the need to install ductwork. They take warm air out of the room and replace it with cooler air. This makes them an ideal choice for those on a budget or for older homes that do not have ductwork. However, they have certain disadvantages that must be considered before making the purchase.
Window ACs can only cool a single space which is why they aren’t suitable for larger homes. They also consume plenty of energy, so it’s crucial to choose models that have high energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. They can also be an issue for security, since they are easily removed permitting easy access to your home.
You may need to install accordions or even wood to block out the excess space around the window. It is possible to install most window units yourself using a window installation set. Simply slide the chassis into the frame and then attach the sleeves. For larger models with larger BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide on rails, and the sleeve fixed to the frame with brackets.
To determine the amount of unit you will need by multiplying the square footage by the amount of BTUs needed to cool the room. To maximize efficiency, think about whether the room gets a lot of sunlight or is located on the upper floor. A larger unit is more expensive, but it will save you money in energy costs over time. To ensure a longer-term solution we recommend that our HVAC experts recommend purchasing central AC system. Although the initial cost is higher, it will be able to pay for itself over time with lower monthly utilities and a longer lifespan than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are independent cooling units that function like space heaters. The units are designed to connect to an outlet and a tube, also known as a mini-duct, will run out the window to vent heat and CO2 (not to be confused with the poisonous gas CO2). The units are portable and can be determined by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit should be sized according to the room it will be utilized in. Oversized units will not keep cool and get worn out faster than.
These units are most often employed in apartment buildings and homes that have been converted without ducting systems. The primary cooling method is through central AC unit. By installing a portable AC unit in one or more rooms, you will be able to reduce the load on your central system and reduce the cost of electricity and money.
The most effective portable units have a dehumidifier setting to reduce the amount of moisture. This is a common reason for hot spots and can make the room feel uncomfortable. The units should be equipped with washable filters to ensure optimal performance, as well as a remote controller to make operation more simple. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified models that meet efficiency standards to save electricity and money as compared to non-certified models.
If you choose to go with a portable option, it’s important to choose the dual-hose model over a single-hose option. Dual-hose models draw outside air through condenser coils then blow it out using the other hose. This improves the efficiency of the unit and helps reduce the noise generated by the process. It is more expensive to purchase a portable unit with this feature, but it could be worth the cost in terms of savings and comfort.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, also known as mini-splits, are ductless alternatives to central air conditioning. They are comprised of an outdoor unit as well as one or more indoor units and thin piping that is inserted into tiny holes in your walls. Ductless systems make a great choice for condos because they can be put in places where traditional HVAC ducts are not possible. This makes them a great cooling option for many Southwest Florida homes and condominiums, since homeowners often don’t want to cut into the walls and floors to install ductwork.
In a ductless cooling system, the indoor unit cools the air as it passes through the tubing that is filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than conventional alternatives and allows you to cool your space without disturbing other. Certain ductless systems have heating capabilities, too to provide all year-round luxury.
A ductless system is suitable for various types of spaces, such as sunrooms, garages, and bedrooms. They can also enhance the comfort of older homes condominiums, apartments, and homes that have not been fitted with ductwork. This type of system could also be used in multifamily housing as it is easily adaptable to different occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is also more energy efficient than traditional systems since it doesn’t require the force of air over long distances. It can also lower your electricity bills. These systems are also smaller than forced-air systems, which can help them save on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems provide superior cooling efficiency, and can be adapted to suit your individual preferences for temperature. With an air filtering system that eliminates harmful air particles, they could also improve the air quality of your condo. This helps you avoid asthma and allergies, while keeping your space at a comfortable temperature all year. If you’re ready to learn more about the benefits of installing an ductless system in your condominium, contact us today! Our experienced technicians are ready to help. We can assess your requirements and help you choose the best air conditioning solution for your unique situation.