Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern condos and apartments do not have air conditioning installed. Many of the condos and apartments that have air conditioning units are fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, which provide great views, but also too much heat and sunlight.
If your building is equipped with ductwork, then central AC could be the best option. But if it doesn’t however, the HVAC contractors Brick interviewed said that the majority of board are now accepting ductless mini-splits.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a cheap and easy way to cool your home 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. However, they come with some drawbacks that need to be considered before making the purchase.
Window ACs are able to cool a single space, so they are not suitable for homes with a larger area. It’s also important to choose models that have high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. They can also be a security threat, as they can be easily removed, giving you easy access to your home.
You may have to put in accordions, or wood, to block out the extra space around the window. It is possible to install most window units by yourself using the window installation set. Simply slide the chassis into the frame and secure the sleeve. For larger models with higher BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide across rails. The sleeve then gets attached to the frame using brackets that attach it to the window.
To determine the size unit you’ll require to purchase, multiply the square footage by the number BTUs required to cool the room effectively. Take into consideration whether the room is an area with high-rises or receives plenty of sunlight. A bigger unit will be more expensive, but it can save you money in energy costs over time. Our HVAC experts suggest investing in a central AC to provide long-term solutions. Although the initial cost is much more expensive, it will pay for itself over the years by reducing monthly costs and a longer service life than a variety of 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, also known as a mini-duct, will be able to run out a window in order to let CO2 and heat out (not to confuse with the poisonous gas CO2). They are mobile and can be determined by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit should be designed according to the room it is intended to be used in. Oversized units won’t cool well and can be worn out more quickly than.
They are typically utilized in apartment buildings as well as converted homes that do not have ducting systems. The principal cooling method is central AC unit. Using portable AC units in a room or two can help reduce the load on your central system, saving electricity and money.
The most reliable portable units come with a dehumidifier option to reduce the amount of moisture. This is another common reason for hot spots, and can cause the room to feel uncomfortable. The units should come with washable filters to provide the best performance, as well as a remote controller to make the operation simpler. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified models that meet efficiency standards and reduce energy and cost when compared with non-certified units.
If you choose to go portable, it is crucial to choose an hose-to-hose system instead of a single-hose model. Dual-hose models allow outside air to be drawn into the condenser coils heated to a certain temperature and then blown out via the other hose. This increases the efficiency and lowers the noise of the unit. This option may cost more however the benefits and comfort be worth the extra cost.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits can be ductless replacements for central air conditioners. They are made up of an outdoor unit, one or more indoor units and thin piping that is inserted into small holes in your walls. Ductless systems are an excellent option for condos because they can be installed in spaces that traditional HVAC ducts aren’t able to. This makes them the perfect cooling option for a lot of Southwest Florida homes and condominiums as homeowners do not wish to cut through the floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless cooling system the indoor unit cools the air as it moves through tubing filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter when compared to other systems, meaning it’s possible to cool your room without disturbing other people. Certain ductless systems come with heating capabilities as well which means you can enjoy all year round peace and comfort.
The ductless system is ideal for many areas like garages, sunrooms, and bedrooms. They can also enhance the comfort of older homes, apartments, and condos that have not been fitted with ductwork. This type of system is also suitable for multifamily housing, as it can easily adapt to different occupancy patterns and requirements.
Additionally that, a ductless system could be more energy efficient than traditional systems, as it doesn’t have to force air across long distances. As a result, it can reduce your energy bills by a significant amount. They are also 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 customized to suit your individual preferences for temperature. With an air filtration system that eliminates harmful air particles, they can also improve the air quality in your condominium. This can help you avoid asthma and allergies and keeps your home cool all season. Contact us today if looking to learn more. Our technicians are ready to assist you. We can assist you in determining the best air conditioner for your situation by assessing your requirements.