Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern condos and apartments do not have built-in air conditioning units. A lot of apartments and condos with air conditioning units are fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows which provide great views, but also a lot of sunshine and heat.
If your house is equipped with ductwork, then a central AC could be the best option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke with said that if the building doesn’t have ductwork, a central air conditioning system might be the best option.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are an inexpensive and simple method to cool your apartment without having to install ductwork. They remove warm air from the room and replace it with cooler air. This is a great option for those on a budget or older homes without ductwork. They do have some drawbacks that should be considered prior to buying.
Window ACs are limited to cooling a single room, so they’re not the best option for homes with a large number of rooms. It’s also important to choose models that have high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. They could also pose a security threat, as they are easily removed giving you easy access to your home.
Depending on the dimensions of the unit as well as the type of window it’s installed in, you may need to put in accordions or even wood to block out excess space around both sides of the window. You can install most window units yourself using an installation set for windows. Simply put the chassis in the frame and secure the sleeves. For larger models that have more BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide onto rails, and the sleeve attached to the frame with brackets.
To determine what size unit you require to purchase, simply multiply the square footage of your space by the amount of BTUs that it needs to be able to cool comfortably. To maximize efficiency, consider whether your room gets lots of sunlight or is on the upper floor. A larger HVAC unit will be more costly, but can help you save on energy costs over time. If you want to have a long-term solution we recommend that our HVAC experts suggest purchasing central AC system. The initial cost may be higher but it will pay off over time, with lower utility bills each month and a longer lifespan as compared to multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are standalone cooling systems that function as space heaters. The units are designed to connect to an outlet and a tube, or mini-duct, will be able to run out a window in order to let CO2 and heat out (not to be confused with the poisonous gas CO2). The units can be moved from room to room and are usually sized according to their cooling capacity, which is determined by BTU ratings. A unit must be sized in accordance with the space it is intended to be utilized in. The units that are too big won’t keep cool and wear out faster than necessary.
These units are used typically in apartment buildings or converted homes that don’t have ducting systems, and in which the central AC unit is the main cooling system. The use of portable AC units in a room or two could reduce the burden on your central system, saving energy and money.
The best portable units will also come with the option of dehumidifying to cut down on moisture, which is another frequent cause of hot spots. It can make a room feel uncomfortable warm. The units should be equipped with washable filters for optimum performance, and a remote controller to make the operation simpler. Select the ENERGY STAR certified models to save on electricity and money in comparison to non-certified models.
If you choose to go for a portable model it’s crucial to choose a dual-hose model instead of a single-hose model. Dual-hose models draw outside air through condenser coils, and then blow it out using the other hose. This significantly increases the effectiveness of the unit, and helps reduce the noise generated by the process. This feature may cost more however the savings and comfort could be worth the extra expense.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits are ductless alternatives to central air conditioners. 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 are a fantastic choice for condos, because they can be put in spaces that traditional HVAC ducts aren’t able to. This makes them the perfect cooling option for many Southwest Florida homes and condominiums, since homeowners often don’t want to cut through the walls and floors to install ductwork.
In a ductless system, air is cooled by the indoor unit by passing through refrigerant-filled tubing from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than conventional alternatives, so you can cool your space without disturbing others. Certain ductless systems also provide heating which means you can enjoy all year round luxury.
A ductless system can be ideal for many types of spaces, such as sunrooms, garages, and bedrooms. They can also increase the quality of life in older houses or apartments as well as condos that have not been fitted with ductwork. This kind of system can also be used in multifamily homes since it is easily adaptable to various occupancy patterns.
Additionally that, a ductless system could be a lot more energy efficient than conventional systems, since it does not need to force air across long distances. In turn, it can cut down on your energy bills by a significant amount. These systems are smaller than forced air systems, which saves on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems are an excellent alternative to obstructive window air conditioners in condo buildings because they provide superior cooling performance and more customized temperature control. With an air filtering system that eliminates harmful air particles, they could also improve the air quality of your apartment. This will assist you in avoiding asthma and allergy symptoms and maintain your condo’s comfort throughout the all year. Contact us today if ready to learn more. Our technicians are on hand to assist you. We can assess your needs and help you select the most suitable air conditioning solution for your unique situation.