Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern apartments and condos do not have built-in air cooling units. A lot of condos and apartments that have air conditioning units are outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows which offer great views but also too much sunshine and heat.
If your home has ductwork, an central AC system is a good idea. If not however, the HVAC contractors Brick interviewed said that the majority of board are now welcoming ductless mini-splits.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners can be an inexpensive and simple method to cool your home without having to install ductwork. They work by removing warm air from rooms and replacing it with cooler air, which makes them a great option for people on a tight budget or for older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they come with certain disadvantages that must be considered before making the purchase.
Window ACs can only be used to cool a small area, so they are not suitable for homes with a larger area. It’s also important to choose models with high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. They could also pose an issue for security, since they are easily removed giving you easy access to your home.
Depending on the dimensions of the unit as well as the type of window it’s set in, you may have to install accordions or wood to block any space around both sides of the window. It is possible to install most window units yourself with an installation set for windows. Simply slide the chassis into the frame and attach the sleeve. For larger models that have a higher BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide onto rails, and the sleeve fixed to the frame with brackets.
To determine what size of unit you require, simply multiply the area of your room by the amount of BTUs it needs to be able to cool comfortably. Consider whether the room is an apartment building that is high-rise or receives plenty of sunlight. A larger unit is more expensive, but it can help you save money on energy over time. For a more long-term solution for your home, our HVAC experts recommend purchasing central AC system. Although the initial cost is more expensive, it will be able to pay for itself over time with lower monthly utilities and a longer life span than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a standalone cooling system that functions like an electric space heater. The units are designed to connect to an outlet, and a tube, also known as a mini-duct, is able to be run through a window in order to vent heat and CO2 (not to be confused with the poisonous gas CO2). The units can be moved from room to room, and are typically sized according to their cooling capacity, which is measured by BTU ratings. For the best results the unit should be constructed to accommodate its intended room as larger units will not offer adequate cooling and may wear down faster than necessary.
They are typically utilized in apartment buildings as well as homes that have been converted without ducting systems, in which the principal cooling method is the central AC unit. By using an AC unit portable in one or more of your rooms, you will be able to reduce the burden on the central system and save money and energy.
The most effective portable units include a dehumidifier feature to decrease the amount of 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, and a remote controller to make operation more simple. Choose ENERGY START-certified models that comply with efficiency standards to save electricity and money in comparison to non-certified units.
If you choose to go with a portable option it is important to select a dual-hose model instead of one-hose options. The dual-hose models allow air from outside to be drawn into the condenser coils heated to a certain temperature and then blown out via the other hose. This improves the effectiveness of the unit, and also helps to reduce the noise produced by the process. It may cost more to purchase a portable unit with this feature, but it will be worth it 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 are comprised of an outdoor unit, one or more indoor units and thin piping running through tiny holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a great option for condos since they can be put in places in areas where traditional HVAC ducts are not possible. They are the ideal cooling solution for many Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments, as homeowners do not want to cut through walls and floors to install ductwork.
In a ductless unit, air is chilled by the indoor unit when it travels through refrigerant-filled tubes from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter compared to other options, which means it’s possible to cool your room without causing disturbance to others. Certain ductless systems also provide heating, so you can have year-round peace and comfort.
The ductless system is suitable for a variety of spaces including garages, sunrooms, and bedrooms. They can also increase the comfort of older homes, apartments and condos without ductwork. This type of system is also suitable for multifamily homes, since it can easily adapt to different needs and patterns of occupancy.
In addition the ductless system can be more energy efficient than conventional systems, since it does not need to force air over long distances. This means that it can reduce your power consumption significantly. These systems are smaller than forced air systems, which saves on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems are superior in cooling performance and can be tailored to suit your individual preferences for temperature. They can improve the air quality in your condo, as well with a highly efficient filtering system that eliminates harmful particles from the air. This helps you avoid asthma and allergies and keeps your home comfortable all season. If you are ready to know more about installing a ductless system in your home, call us today! Our technicians are available to assist you. We will assess your needs and help you select the most suitable air conditioning solution for your specific situation.