Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern condos and apartments do not have air conditioning systems integrated into them. The ones that do have floor-to-ceiling windows which offer amazing views, but let in too much sun and heat.
If your home has ductwork then central AC system is a good idea. HVAC contractors Brick spoke with said that if the building doesn’t have ductwork, a central air conditioning system could be ideal.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners can be an affordable and simple way to cool your apartment without the need for ductwork. They work by removing warm air from a space and replacing it with cooler air, making them an ideal choice for those on a tight budget or older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they have certain disadvantages that must be considered prior to making the purchase.
Window ACs can only cool a single room and are therefore not suitable for larger homes. They also consume plenty of energy, which is why it’s crucial to choose models that have high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. They could also pose an security risk, since they are easily removed giving you easy access to your home.
You may need to install accordions, or even wood, to block the extra space around the window. Most window units come with an installation kit for windows that you can use to easily install them by sliding the chassis into the window and affixing the sleeve on the outside of the window frame. For larger models that have higher BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to move back and forth on rails, and the sleeve is attached to the frame using brackets that hold it to the window.
To determine the size unit you’ll need by multiplying the square footage by the amount of BTUs needed to cool the room. To maximize efficiency, think about whether your room gets a lot of sunlight or is located on an upper floor. A larger unit is more costly, but can help you save money on energy over time. Our HVAC experts suggest buying a central AC to provide an investment that will last for a long time. Although the initial cost is much higher, it will pay for itself in the long run with lower monthly utility bills and a longer lifespan than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are cooling systems that function as space heaters. They are designed to be plugged into an outlet and a tube or mini-duct can be run through an opening to vent heat and carbon dioxide (not to be confused with the poisonous gas carbon monoxide). The units are mobile and can be sized by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit should be designed according to the room it is intended to be used in. The units that are too big won’t keep cool and get worn out faster than.
These units are utilized mostly in apartment buildings or homes that don’t 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 burden on your central system, and save money and electricity.
The best portable units will also come with a dehumidifier mode to reduce moisture, which is another frequent reason for hot spots and can make a room feel unbearably warm. The units should also have washable filters to ensure the performance of the unit and a remote control for easy operation. Select energy STAR certified models to save on electricity and money when compared to non-certified units.
If you decide to go the portable route, it’s important to choose a dual-hose model rather than a single-hose option. 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 significantly increases the efficiency of the unit and it helps to minimize the sound generated 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
Mini-splits can be ductless replacements for central air conditioners. They consist of an outdoor unit, and one or more indoor units, which are connected via thin piping that functions as electrical wires through small holes in your walls. Ductless systems are an excellent option for condos since they can be installed in spaces where traditional HVAC ducts cannot. They are the perfect cooling solution for many Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments because homeowners don’t want to cut into the floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless unit, air is chilled by the indoor unit by passing through refrigerant-filled tubing coming from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter in comparison to other alternatives, so it’s possible to cool your room without disturbing others. Certain ductless systems come with heating capabilities, too which means you can enjoy all year round luxury.
The ductless system is suitable for a variety of spaces including garages, sunrooms, and bedrooms. They can also enhance the comfort of older homes condominiums, apartments, and homes that are not equipped with ductwork. This kind of system can also be used in multifamily housing because it is easily adaptable to various types of occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is also more energy efficient than traditional systems because it doesn’t have to push air over long distances. It also helps 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 provide superior cooling performance and customized temperature control. With an air filtration system that filters out harmful air particles, they can also improve the air quality of your condo. This can assist you in avoiding allergies and asthma while ensuring your condo’s temperature throughout the season. Contact us today if you’re interested in learning more. Our skilled technicians are waiting to assist. We can assist you in choosing the best air conditioner for your particular situation by assessing your needs.