Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern condos and apartments do not have built-in air cooling units. Many of the condos and apartments that have air conditioning units are outfitted with floor-to ceiling windows, which provide great views, but also a lot of sunlight and heat.
If your building has ductwork then central AC system is a good idea. But if it doesn’t however, the HVAC contractors Brick interviewed said that the majority of board are now accepting mini-splits of ductless.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a cheap and easy way to cool your condo without the need for ductwork. They work by removing warm air from rooms and replacing it with cooler air, which makes them a great option for those on a tight budget or for older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they do have a few drawbacks that must be considered prior to purchasing.
Window ACs can only cool a single room which is why they aren’t suitable for larger homes. They also consume plenty of energy, so it’s essential to select models with high energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. In addition, they pose a security risk because windows can be easily removed and allow easy access to your home.
Depending on the size of the unit and the type of window it’s set in, you may have to put in accordions or even wood to block off any extra space around both sides of the window. It is possible to install the majority of window units yourself with an installation set for windows. Simply place the chassis inside the frame and secure the sleeves. 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 the right size unit you need you simply need to multiply the square footage of your space by the number of BTUs it requires to cool it comfortably. Take into consideration whether the room is in a high-rise building or gets lots of sunlight. A larger HVAC unit will be more costly, but can help you save money on energy over time. Our HVAC experts recommend investing in central AC to provide an investment that will last for a long time. Although the initial cost is more expensive, it will be able to 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 standalone cooling device that functions as the space heater. They are designed to plug into an outlet, and a tube or mini-duct will be able to exit the window to let out heat and carbon dioxide (not to be confused with the harmful gas carbon monoxide). The units can be moved from room to room, and are usually sized according to their cooling capacity, which is determined by BTU ratings. For the best results, the unit should be designed to fit in the space it is intended for as larger units will not provide enough cooling and could be more prone to wear down than.
These units are utilized most often in apartment buildings or homes that don’t have ducting systems or where the central AC unit is the main cooling system. Utilizing portable AC units in a room or two can reduce the workload on your central system, saving electricity and also money.
The best portable units also include a dehumidifier feature to reduce moisture. This is another common reason for hot spots, and it can make the space feel uncomfortable. The units should come with washable filters for optimum performance, as well as a remote controller to make operation more simple. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified models that meet efficiency standards and save electricity and money compared with non-certified units.
If you choose to go the portable route it is important to select the dual-hose model over one-hose options. Dual-hose models allow air from outside to be drawn into the condenser coils that are hot and then expelled through the other hose. This increases the efficiency and reduces the sound level of the unit. It may cost more to purchase a portable unit that has this feature, but it will be worth it in terms of savings and ease of use.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, also known as mini-splits, are ductless alternatives to central air conditioning. They consist 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 as they can be installed where traditional HVAC ducts aren’t feasible. They are the perfect cooling solution for a lot of Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments since homeowners do not want to cut through the floors and walls to install ductwork.
In the case of a ductless cooling system the indoor unit cools air as it passes through the tubing that is filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter in comparison to other options, which means it’s possible to cool your home without disturbing other people. Some ductless systems also offer heating, so you can have all-year-round comfort.
A ductless system can be ideal for a variety of spaces, including sunrooms, garages, and bedrooms. They can also enhance comfort in older houses condominiums, apartments, and homes which aren’t equipped with ductwork. This type of system could also be utilized in multifamily housing because it is easily adaptable to different occupancy patterns.
In addition that, a ductless system could be much more energy efficient than conventional systems, as it does not have to push air over long distances. It can also reduce your electricity bills. They are also smaller than forced air systems, allowing you to save on the installation cost and space.
Ductless systems are a great option to replace the obtrusive window air conditioners in condo buildings, due to their superior cooling performance and more personalized temperature control. With an air filtering system that filters out harmful air particles, they can also improve the air quality of your condominium. This will help you avoid allergy and asthma symptoms while ensuring your condo’s temperature throughout the all year. If you’re looking to know more about installing a ductless system into your home, call us now! Our technicians are available to assist you. We can help you determine the most appropriate air conditioner for your situation by assessing your requirements.
