Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern apartments and condos do not come with air conditioning units. The ones that do have floor-to-ceiling windows which offer stunning views, but let in too much light and heat.
If your building is equipped with ductwork, then central AC is a good option. If not however, the HVAC contractors Brick spoke to say most board are now welcoming mini-splits of ductless.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a straightforward and inexpensive way to cool a condo without the need for ductwork. They work by extracting warm air from a space and replacing it with cooler air, making them a fantastic choice for those with a limited budget or for older homes that do not have ductwork. However, they do have a few drawbacks and must be considered prior to buying.
Window ACs are able to be used to cool a small area and are therefore not suitable for larger homes. It’s also important to pick models with high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. They could also pose an security risk, since they are easily removed, giving you easy access to your home.
Depending on the size of the unit and the type of window it’s installed in, you may need to install accordions or wooden to block out excess space around the sides of the window. The majority of window units come with an installation kit for windows that can be used to easily install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and then attaching the sleeve to the outside of the window frame. For larger models with a higher BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide on rails, with the sleeve attached to the frame with brackets.
To determine what size of unit you require to purchase, simply multiply the square footage of your space by the amount of BTUs it requires to be able to cool comfortably. To maximize efficiency, think about whether the room gets plenty of sun or is on the upper floors. A larger unit is more expensive, but it can save you money on energy bills over time. If you want to have a long-term solution for your home, our HVAC experts suggest investing in central AC system. The initial cost might be higher, but it will pay for itself over time, with lower utility bills each month and a longer service life as compared to multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are cooling systems that work like space heaters. They are designed to plug into an outlet and a mini-duct or tube will run out of an opening to vent carbon dioxide and heat (not to be confused with the harmful gas carbon monoxide). They are portable and are measured by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit must be sized according to the space it will be utilized in. The units that are too big won’t keep cool and be worn out more quickly than.
They are typically in apartment buildings or homes that don’t have ducting systems, and in which the central AC unit is the main cooling system. By using a portable AC unit in one or more of your rooms, you can reduce the burden on the central system and save money and energy.
The most effective portable units come with a dehumidifier option to decrease moisture. This is a common reason for hot spots, and it can make the space feel uncomfortable. The units should have washable filters to provide the best performance, as well as a remote controller to make the operation simpler. Choose ENERGY STAR certified models to save money and electricity compared to non-certified units.
If you decide to go with a portable option it is important to select a dual-hose model rather than a single-hose model. Dual-hose models allow outside air to be drawn in through the condenser coils that are hot, then blown out through the other hose. This improves the efficiency of the unit and helps reduce the sound generated by the process. It might cost more to purchase a portable unit that has this feature, but it can be well worth the investment in terms of savings and ease of use.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits are ductless alternatives to central air conditioners. They are comprised of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units and thin piping running through small holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a great option for condos because they can be put in places where traditional HVAC ducts can’t. This makes them a great cooling option for many Southwest Florida homes and condominiums, since homeowners often don’t want to cut into walls and floors for ductwork.
In the case of 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 when compared to other systems, meaning it is possible to cool your room without causing disturbance to others. Certain ductless systems come with heating capabilities, too, so you can enjoy year-round comfort.
A ductless system can be ideal for many types of spaces, including sunrooms garages, and bedrooms. They can also enhance the comfort of older homes condominiums, apartments, and homes that do not have ductwork. This kind of system is also ideal for multifamily housing, as it can easily adapt to various demands and occupancy patterns.
In addition that, a ductless system could be a lot more energy efficient than conventional systems because it does not need to force air over long distances. This means that it can reduce your energy bills by a significant amount. They are also smaller than forced air systems, allowing you to save on costs of installation and space.
Ductless systems provide superior cooling efficiency, and can be tailored to your own temperature preferences. They can improve the air quality of your apartment, in addition, with an efficient filtering system that can remove harmful particles from the air. This can aid in avoiding allergy and asthma symptoms, while maintaining the comfort of your home throughout the season. Contact us today if ready to learn more. Our technicians are ready to assist you. We can help you determine the most appropriate air conditioner for your situation by assessing your requirements.