Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern apartments and condos do not come with air cooling units. Many of the apartments and condos with air conditioning units are outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views but also too much sunshine and heat.
If your home is duct-worked, a central AC system might be a good option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke with told us that if your home doesn’t have ductwork, a central AC system is a good option.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a simple and affordable method of cooling a home without installing ductwork. They work by removing warm air from a room 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. There are some disadvantages that must be considered prior purchase.
Window ACs are able to be used to cool a small area, so they are not suitable for homes with larger spaces. It’s also important to choose models that have high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. They can also be an issue for security, since they can be easily removed, giving you easy access to your home.
You may have to put in accordions, or even wood, to block out the excess space around the window. The majority of window units come with an installation kit for windows which you can use to install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and attaching the sleeve to the outside of the window frame. For larger models that have a higher BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide on rails, and the sleeve is attached to the frame with brackets.
To determine the amount of unit you will require to purchase, multiply the square footage by the number BTUs required to cool the room. To maximize efficiency, consider whether your room gets plenty of sunlight or is located on an upper floor. A bigger unit will be more expensive, but it will save you money on energy bills over time. To ensure a longer-term solution we recommend that our HVAC experts suggest investing in central AC system. The initial cost might be higher but it will pay off in the long run with lower utility bills each month and a longer service life as compared to multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are cooling units that function like space heaters. They are designed to plug into an outlet and a mini-duct or tube will be able to exit an opening to vent carbon dioxide and heat (not to be confused with the toxic gas carbon monoxide). The units can be moved from rooms and are typically sized based on their cooling capacity, which is determined by BTU ratings. A unit should be designed according to the room it is intended to be utilized in. The units that are too big won’t keep cool and be worn out more quickly than.
These units are used most often in apartment buildings or homes that do not have ducting systems or in which the central AC unit is the primary cooling system. Utilizing a portable AC in one or more rooms could reduce the burden on your central system, saving energy and money.
The most effective portable units come with a dehumidifier option to cut down on humidity. This is another common reason for hot spots and can cause the room to feel uncomfortable. The units should also have washable filters to ensure performance and remote controls for simple operation. Select energy STAR certified models to save on electricity and money compared to non-certified units.
If you choose to opt for a portable option, it’s essential to choose a dual-hose unit instead of a one-hose model. The dual-hose models allow outside air to be drawn in through the condenser coils heated to a certain temperature and then expelled through the other hose. This improves the effectiveness of the unit, and also helps to reduce the noise generated by the process. This feature may cost more however the savings and comfort can be worth the extra cost.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits are ductless alternatives to central air conditioners. They consist of an outdoor unit, one or more indoor units, and thin piping running through small holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a great choice for condos because they can be installed in areas where traditional HVAC ducts are not possible. This makes them the perfect cooling option for a lot of Southwest Florida homes and condominiums, since homeowners often don’t want to cut into the walls and floors to install ductwork.
In a ductless system, air is cool by the unit in the indoor by passing through refrigerant-filled tubing from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than conventional alternatives and allows you to cool your room without disturbing other. Some ductless systems also offer heating, so you can have year-round luxury.
A ductless system is suitable for various types of spaces, including sunrooms, bedrooms, and garages. They can also increase comfort for older houses or condos that don’t have ductwork. This type of system could also be used in multifamily housing as it is easily adaptable to various kinds of occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is more energy efficient than traditional systems because it doesn’t need to force air over long distances. It can also reduce your electric bills. These systems are smaller than forced air systems, allowing you to save on the installation cost and space.
Ductless systems are an excellent choice to replace obtrusive window air conditioners in condominium buildings, because they offer superior cooling performance and customized temperature control. They can improve the air quality of your apartment, in addition with a highly efficient filtering system that removes harmful particles from the air. This can help you avoid allergies and asthma, while keeping your space at a comfortable temperature throughout the season. If you’re looking to learn more about the benefits of installing a ductless system into your apartment, contact us today! Our technicians are available to assist you. We can help you determine the ideal air conditioner for your situation by assessing your requirements.