Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern condos and apartments do not have air conditioning installed. Many condos and apartments that have air conditioning units are equipped with floor-to ceiling windows, that offer stunning views but also too much sunlight and heat.
If your home is equipped with ductwork, then a central AC could be the best option. If not, the HVAC contractors Brick spoke to say most board are now welcoming mini-splits with ductless technology.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a straightforward and inexpensive option to cool a condominium without the need to install ductwork. They remove warm air from the room and replace it with cooler air. This makes them a good option for people on a budget or older homes without ductwork. However, they do have a few drawbacks and must be considered prior buying.
Window ACs can only be used to cool a small area and are therefore not suitable for homes with larger spaces. They also consume plenty of energy, so it’s essential to select models with high energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. They can also be an issue for security, since they can be easily removed, permitting 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 need to put in accordions or even wood to block off any extra space around both sides of the window. Most window units come with a window installation kit which you can use to easily install them by sliding the chassis into the window and then attaching the sleeve on the outside of the frame. For larger models that have more 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 require to purchase, simply multiply the area of your room by the number of BTUs it needs to be comfortably cooled. Consider whether the room is located in an apartment building that is high-rise or receives lots of sunlight. A larger unit will be more expensive, but will help you save on energy costs over time. To ensure a longer-term solution, our HVAC experts suggest investing in a central AC system. Although the initial cost is much higher, it will pay off in the long run with lower monthly utility bills and a longer life span than a variety of window units.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a stand-alone cooling system that functions as a space heater. They are designed to be plugged into an outlet, and a mini-duct or tube can be run through an opening to vent carbon dioxide and heat (not to be confused with the toxic gas carbon monoxide). The units are portable and are measured by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). For the best results a unit should be sized to suit the intended space as larger units will not provide adequate cooling and can be more prone to wear down than.
These units are utilized most often in apartment buildings or homes that do not have ducting systems and in which the central AC unit is the primary cooling system. By using an AC unit portable in one or more rooms, you can lessen the burden on the central system and reduce the cost of electricity and money.
The best portable units also include a dehumidifier feature to cut down on humidity. This is a typical reason for hot spots and can make the room feel uncomfortable. The units should come with washable filters for optimum performance, and a remote controller to make operation easier. Find ENERGY STAR-certified models that meet efficiency standards to save electricity and money in comparison to non-certified units.
If you decide to go the portable route it is important to select a dual-hose model instead of a single-hose model. Dual-hose models draw outside air through condenser coils then blow it out using the other hose. This improves the efficiency and reduces the sound level of the unit. 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, also referred to as mini-splits, are duct-free alternatives to central air conditioning. They consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units and thin piping that is inserted into tiny holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a great choice for condos because they can be used in areas in areas where traditional HVAC ducts simply are not possible. This makes them the ideal cooling option for many Southwest Florida homes and condominiums, since homeowners often don’t wish to cut through walls and floors for ductwork.
In a ductless unit, air is cool by the unit in the indoor by passing through refrigerant-filled tubing coming from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than traditional models which means you can cool your room without causing disturbance to others. Certain ductless systems come with heating capabilities as well, so you can enjoy year-round luxury.
A ductless system can be suitable for various types of spaces, such as sunrooms, bedrooms, and garages. They can also improve comfort in older houses condominiums, apartments, and homes that have not been fitted with ductwork. This type of system is also suitable for multifamily housing because it can easily adapt to various occupancy patterns and requirements.
A ductless system is also more energy efficient than traditional systems because it doesn’t require the force of air over long distances. It can also reduce your electricity costs. These systems are smaller than forced air systems, which saves 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 customized temperature control. They can improve the air quality of your apartment, in addition, with an efficient filtering system that eliminates harmful particles from the air. This will help you avoid asthma and allergy symptoms and maintain your condo’s temperature throughout the year. Contact us today if you’re looking to learn more. Our technicians are ready to assist you. We can evaluate your needs and help determine the best air conditioning solution for your particular situation.