Air Conditioners For Condos
A majority of modern apartments and condos do not have air conditioning systems installed. Many of the apartments and condos that have air conditioning units are equipped with floor-to ceiling windows, which offer great views but also a lot of sunlight and heat.
If your home has ductwork then central AC system might be a good option. But if it doesn’t however, the HVAC contractors Brick spoke to say most board are now welcoming mini-splits with ductless technology.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners can be an inexpensive and simple method to cool your home without having to install ductwork. They work by removing warm air from rooms and replacing it with cooler air, making them a great option for those on a tight budget or for older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they do have some drawbacks that need to be considered before making the purchase.
Window ACs can only cool a single space and are therefore not suitable for homes with a larger area. They also consume lots of energy, which is why it’s essential to select models with high energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. Additionally, they’re a security risk, as windows are easily removed and give an easy access to your home.
Depending on the dimensions of the unit as well as the kind of window it’s placed in, you may need to install accordions or wood to block off any extra space around one or both sides of the window. It is possible to install most window units by yourself using an installation set for windows. Simply place the chassis inside the frame and attach the sleeve. For larger models that have more BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide onto rails, with the sleeve attached to the frame with brackets.
To determine the size unit you’ll require to purchase, multiply the square footage by the number BTUs needed to cool the room. To maximize efficiency, think about whether the room receives a lot of sunlight or is on the upper floors. A larger unit will be more expensive, but will help you save on energy costs over time. For a more long-term solution, our HVAC experts recommend purchasing central AC system. Although the initial cost is much more expensive, it will pay for itself in the long run with lower monthly utility bills and a longer life span than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a stand-alone cooling device that functions as an electric space heater. They are designed to be plugged into an outlet, and a tube or mini-duct will run out of the window to let out heat and carbon dioxide (not to be confused with the harmful gas carbon monoxide). The units are mobile and can be sized by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit should be designed according to the room it will be utilized in. Oversized units won’t be able to cool effectively and may get worn out faster than.
These units are used mostly in apartment buildings or converted homes that don’t have ducting systems, and in which the central AC unit is the primary cooling system. Utilizing portable ACs in one or more rooms can reduce the workload on the central system, which can save electricity and money.
The best portable units also have a dehumidifier mode to reduce moisture, which is another frequent reason for hot spots and can make a room feel uncomfortably warm. The units should come with washable filters for optimum performance, and a remote controller to make the operation simpler. Choose energy STAR certified models to save on electricity and money in comparison to non-certified models.
If you decide to go the portable route it’s crucial to choose a dual-hose model instead of a single-hose model. Dual-hose models allow air from outside to be drawn into the condenser coils that are hot, then blown out through the other hose. This improves the efficiency and decreases the noise of the unit. This feature could cost more however the savings and comfort could make it worth the extra expense.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits are ductless alternatives for central air conditioners. They consist of an outdoor unit, and one or more indoor units which are connected via thin piping that is shaped like electrical wires through small holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a great option for condos since they can be used in areas where traditional HVAC ducts are not possible. They are the ideal cooling solution for a lot of Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments because homeowners don’t wish to cut into walls and floors to install ductwork.
In a ductless system, air is chilled by the indoor unit when it travels through refrigerant-filled tubing from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter when compared to other alternatives, so it is possible to cool your space without disturbing others. Certain ductless systems have heating capabilities, as well, so you can enjoy all year round comfort.
The ductless system is perfect for many spaces including garages, sunrooms and bedrooms. They can also improve the quality of life for older homes condominiums, apartments, and homes that do not have ductwork. This kind of system is also ideal for multifamily homes, since it is able to easily adapt to different demands and occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is more energy efficient than conventional systems due to the fact that it doesn’t have to push air over long distances. In turn, it can lower your power bills significantly. They are smaller than forced-air systems which helps them reduce the cost of installation and space.
Ductless systems offer superior cooling performance, and they can be tailored to suit your individual preferences for temperature. They can improve the air quality of your apartment, too by utilizing a powerful filtering system that eliminates harmful particles from the air. This can aid in avoiding allergy and asthma symptoms, while maintaining your condo’s temperature throughout the year. If you are ready to know more about installing a ductless system in your home, call us today! Our knowledgeable technicians are available to assist. We will assess your needs and help choose the best air conditioning solution for your particular situation.
