Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern apartments and condos do not have air conditioning systems built in. A lot of apartments and condos with air conditioning units are equipped with floor-to ceiling windows, that offer stunning views but also a lot of heat and sunlight.
If your building has ductwork, central AC system could be ideal. But if it doesn’t however, the HVAC contractors Brick interviewed said that the majority of board are now welcoming mini-splits of ductless.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a cheap and easy way to cool your condo without having to install ductwork. They take warm air out of the room and replace it with cooler air. This makes them a good option for people on a budget or older homes without ductwork. However, they have some drawbacks that need to be considered before making the purchase.
Window ACs are limited to cooling a single room, so they’re not a good option for homes with a large number of rooms. They also consume plenty of energy, making it essential to select models with high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. They could also pose an issue for security, since they are easily removed, permitting easy access to your home.
Depending on the size of the unit and the kind of window it’s placed in, you may have to put in accordions or even wood to block any space around both sides of the window. The majority of window units come with a window installation kit which you can use to easily install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and then attaching the sleeve to the exterior of the window frame. For larger models with higher BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to move between rails. The sleeve then gets fixed to the frame by brackets that secure it to the window.
To determine the size unit you’ll require by multiplying the square footage by the number BTUs required to cool the room. Consider whether the room is located in an apartment building that is high-rise or receives a lot more sunlight. A larger unit is more expensive, but it could save you money on energy over time. Our HVAC experts suggest purchasing central AC for long-term solutions. Although the initial cost is more expensive, it will be able to pay for itself over the years by reducing monthly costs and a longer life span than a variety of window units.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are independent cooling units that function like space heaters. The units are designed to plug into an outlet and a tube, or mini-duct, will run out the window to vent heat and CO2 (not to confuse with the toxic gas CO2). The units are portable and are sized by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). For the best results, the unit should be designed to fit in the space it is intended for because larger units won’t provide enough cooling and could wear down faster than necessary.
They are most often in apartment buildings or homes that do not have ducting systems or where the central AC unit is the primary cooling system. Using a portable AC in one or more rooms could reduce the burden on the central system, which can save electricity and also money.
The best portable units will include a dehumidifier mode to reduce moisture, which is another common cause of hot spots and can make a room feel unbearably warm. The units should be equipped with washable filters for optimum performance, and remote controls to make the operation simpler. Choose the ENERGY STAR certified models to save money and energy compared to non-certified units.
If you decide to go portable, it is essential to choose a dual-hose unit instead of a single-hose model. Dual-hose models allow air from outside to be drawn into the hot condenser coils and then expelled through the other hose. This improves the efficiency of the unit, and helps reduce the noise generated by the process. This option may cost more, but the savings and comfort can make it worth the extra money.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, often referred to as mini-splits, are ductless alternatives to central air conditioning. They comprise an outdoor unit, and one or more indoor units that are connected with thin piping that is shaped like electrical wires through small openings in your walls. Ductless systems are a great choice for condos, because they can be placed in spaces that traditional HVAC ducts aren’t able to. They are the ideal cooling solution for many Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments because homeowners don’t want to cut through the floors and walls to install ductwork.
In the case of a ductless cooling system the indoor unit cools air as it travels through tubing filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter in comparison to other alternatives, so it is possible to cool your room without disturbing others. Certain ductless systems come with heating capabilities, as well which means you can enjoy all year round comfort.
A ductless system can be ideal for a variety of spaces, including sunrooms garages, and bedrooms. They can also increase the quality of life for older homes, apartments and condos without ductwork. This kind of system can also be utilized in multifamily homes since it is easily adaptable to various types of occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is more energy-efficient than traditional systems since it doesn’t need to force air over long distances. It also helps reduce your electric bills. They are also smaller than forced air systems, saving on costs of installation and space.
Ductless systems are an excellent option to replace the obtrusive window air conditioners in condominium buildings, because they provide superior cooling performance and personal temperature control. With an air filtration system that eliminates harmful air particles, they could also improve the air quality of your condominium. This can help you avoid allergies and asthma while also keeping your space comfortable all season. Contact us today if ready to learn more. Our experienced technicians are ready to help. We can help you determine the ideal air conditioner for your needs by assessing your requirements.
