Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern apartments and condos do not come with air conditioning units. Many apartments and condos that have air conditioning units are equipped with floor-to ceiling windows, which provide great views, but also a lot of heat and sunlight.
If your building is equipped with ductwork, then a central AC could be the best option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke with said that if the building does not have any ductwork, then a central AC system is a good option.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are an affordable and simple way to cool your 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 those on a budget or with older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they have certain disadvantages that must be considered prior to making a purchase.
Window ACs are confined to cooling a single room, so they’re not the best choice for larger homes. They also consume lots of energy, so it’s important to look for models with high energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. Additionally, they’re a security risk, as the windows are easily removed and give 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 have to put in accordions or even wood to block off any extra space around both sides of the window. You can install most window units yourself with a window installation set. Simply put the chassis in the frame and secure the sleeves. For larger models with a higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide on rails, and the sleeve is fixed to the frame with brackets.
To determine what size of unit you require, simply multiply the square footage of your space by the number of BTUs it requires to be comfortably cooled. Take into consideration whether the room is located in a high-rise building or gets lots of sunlight. A larger HVAC unit will be more expensive, but it can help you save money on energy over time. To ensure a longer-term solution we recommend that our HVAC experts suggest investing in central AC system. Although the initial cost is more expensive, it will pay off in the long run with lower monthly utilities and a longer life span than a variety of window units.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are standalone 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 the window to let out carbon dioxide and heat (not to be confused with the toxic gas carbon monoxide). The units are mobile and can be sized by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). For the best results, the unit should be designed to accommodate its intended room because larger units won’t provide enough cooling and could wear down faster than necessary.
These units are utilized typically in apartment buildings or converted homes that do not have ducting systems, and in which the central AC unit is the main cooling system. By installing an AC unit that is portable in one or more rooms, you will be able to reduce the load on the central system and save money and energy.
The most reliable portable units will also come with an option to dehumidify to lessen moisture, which is another common cause of hot spots and can make a room feel unbearably warm. The units should also include washable filters to maintain the performance of the unit and a remote control for easy operation. Choose ENERGY START-certified models that comply with efficiency standards to save electricity and money compared with non-certified units.
If you opt to opt for a portable option, it’s important to select a dual-hose model instead of a single-hose model. Dual-hose models permit outside air to be drawn into the condenser coils that are hot and then expelled through the other hose. This greatly increases the efficiency of the unit, and helps reduce the sound generated by the process. It is more expensive to purchase a portable unit with this feature, but it could be worth the cost in terms of savings and the comfort.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, often referred to as mini-splits are duct-free alternatives to central air conditioning. They consist of an outdoor unit as well as one or more indoor units and thin piping that is inserted into tiny holes in your walls. Ductless systems are an excellent option for condos as they can be used in areas where traditional HVAC ducts are not feasible. They are the perfect cooling solution for a lot of Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments, as homeowners don’t want to cut into walls and floors to install ductwork.
In a ductless unit, air is cool by the unit in the indoor as it passes through refrigerant-filled tubes from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter compared to other systems, meaning it’s possible to cool your space without disturbing others. Some ductless systems can also provide heating which means you can enjoy 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, apartments, and condos which aren’t equipped with ductwork. This type of system can also be used in multifamily housing because it is easily adaptable to different occupancy patterns.
Additionally the ductless system can be a lot more energy efficient than traditional systems, as it doesn’t have to push air over long distances. It also helps reduce your electricity bills. They are also smaller than forced air systems, which saves on the installation cost and space.
Ductless systems provide superior cooling efficiency, and can be customized to your personal preferences in temperature. With an air filtering system that filters out harmful air particles, they can also improve the air quality in your condominium. This can assist you in avoiding asthma and allergy symptoms, while maintaining the comfort of your home throughout the all year. If you’re looking to learn more about the benefits of installing a ductless system in your home, call us now! Our experienced technicians are ready to assist. We can assist you in choosing the best air conditioner for your situation by assessing your requirements.