Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern condos and apartments do not have air conditioning built in. Many of the 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 building has ductwork then central AC system might be a good option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke with said that if the building isn’t equipped with ductwork, a central air conditioning system is a good option.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a straightforward and inexpensive way to cool a condo without the need for ductwork. They remove warm air from the room and replace it with cooler air. This is a great option for people on a budget or with older homes that don’t have ductwork. There are some disadvantages and should be considered prior to purchase.
Window ACs can only cool a single room which is why they aren’t suitable for larger homes. It’s also important to choose models with high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. Furthermore, they pose a security risk because the windows are easily removed and allow an 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 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 an installation kit for windows which you can use to install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and then attaching the sleeve to the outside of the frame. For larger models with more BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide onto rails, with the sleeve attached to the frame with brackets.
To determine the amount of unit you will require, multiply the square footage by the amount of BTUs required to cool the room. Consider whether the room is a high-rise building or gets plenty of sunlight. A larger unit will be more costly, but can help you save money on energy over time. If you want to have a long-term solution we recommend that our HVAC experts recommend purchasing central AC system. The initial cost might be higher, but it will pay off in the long run with lower monthly utility bills and a longer life span as compared to multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are independent cooling units that function like space heaters. They are designed to be plugged into an outlet and a tube or mini-duct will be able to exit a window to vent carbon dioxide and heat (not to be confused with the harmful gas carbon monoxide). The units can be moved from room to room, and are typically sized according to their cooling capacity, which is defined by BTU ratings. A unit must be sized in accordance with the space it is intended to be utilized in. Oversized units won’t cool well and can be worn out more quickly than.
These units are utilized most often in apartments or converted homes that do not have ducting systems, and in which the central AC unit is the primary cooling system. By installing an AC unit that is portable in one or more rooms, you can lessen the burden on the central system and reduce the cost of electricity and money.
The most reliable portable units also have a dehumidifier mode to reduce the amount of moisture that is a common cause of hot spots and can make a room feel uncomfortable warm. The units should also have washable filters to ensure performance and remote controls for effortless operation. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified models that meet efficiency standards and save money and electricity when as compared to non-certified models.
If you opt to move your portable device, it is important to select a dual-hose model instead of a one-hose model. Dual-hose models allow outside air to be drawn into the condenser coils heated to a certain temperature and then expelled through the other hose. This improves the efficiency and decreases the sound level of the unit. 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 the comfort.
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 runs through tiny holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a great choice for condos, because they can be put in spaces where traditional HVAC ducts cannot. They are the ideal cooling solution for many Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments since homeowners don’t wish to cut into walls and floors to install ductwork.
In a ductless system, air is cool by the unit in the indoor when it travels through refrigerant-filled tubes from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than other models, so you can cool your space without disturbing others. Some ductless systems can also provide heating and cooling, allowing you to enjoy year-round peace and comfort.
A ductless system can be suitable for various types of spaces, including sunrooms, garages, and bedrooms. They can also increase the quality of life in older houses, apartments, and condos that have not been fitted with ductwork. This type of system can also be utilized in multifamily housing because it is easily adaptable to various kinds of occupancy patterns.
In addition the ductless system can be much more energy efficient than conventional systems because it does not need to force air over long distances. As a result, it can cut down on your power bills significantly. These systems are smaller than forced-air systems which means they can save on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems are a fantastic choice to replace obtrusive window air conditioners in condo buildings because they offer superior cooling performance and more personalized temperature control. They can improve the air quality of your apartment, too by utilizing a powerful filtering system that removes harmful particles from the air. This helps you stay away from allergies and asthma, while keeping your space cool throughout the season. Contact us today if you’re ready to learn more. Our knowledgeable technicians are available to help. We can assess your requirements and help you select the most suitable air conditioning solution for your specific situation.