Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern apartments and condos do not come with air conditioning units. Those that do tend to have floor-to-ceiling windows that offer amazing views, but let in too much light and heat.
If your house is equipped with ductwork then a central AC is a good option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke with said that if your building isn’t equipped with any ductwork, then a central AC system could be ideal.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are an easy and cost-effective way to cool a condo without installing ductwork. They remove warm air from the room and replace it with cooler air. This makes them an ideal choice for people on a budget or with older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they come with some drawbacks that need to be considered before making the purchase.
Window ACs can only cool a single room, so they are not suitable for homes with a larger area. They also consume lots of energy, making it important to look for models with high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. They can also be an security risk, since they can be easily removed, allowing easy access into 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 out excess space around one or both sides of the window. The majority of window units come with a window installation kit that you can use to install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and attaching the sleeve to the exterior of the window frame. For larger models with a higher BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide between rails. The sleeve then gets connected to the frame with brackets that attach it to the window.
To determine the size unit you need you simply need to multiply the square footage of your space by the number of BTUs that it needs to cool it comfortably. Consider whether the room is located in a high-rise building or gets a lot more sunlight. A bigger unit will be more expensive, but it could save you money on energy bills over time. To ensure a longer-term solution for your home, our HVAC experts recommend investing in a central AC system. The initial cost could be higher, but it will pay for itself over time with lower utility bills each month and a longer life span than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a stand-alone cooling device that functions like the space heater. The units are designed to connect to an outlet and the tube, or mini-duct, will run out a window in order to let CO2 and heat out (not to be confused with the toxic 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 a unit should be sized to suit the intended space as larger units will not provide enough cooling and could get worn out faster than needed.
These units are used mostly in apartment buildings or converted homes that don’t have ducting systems or where the central AC unit is the main cooling system. By using a portable AC unit in one or more of your rooms, you will be able to reduce the load on the central system and reduce the cost of electricity and money.
The best portable units also come with a dehumidifier option to reduce moisture. This is a common reason for hot spots and can make the room feel uncomfortable. The units should also come with washable filters to ensure performance and a remote control for easy operation. Find ENERGY STAR-certified models that comply with efficiency standards to reduce energy and cost when compared with non-certified units.
If you decide to go portable, it is crucial to choose a dual-hose model instead of a single-hose model. Dual-hose models draw air from outside through the condenser coils and then blow it out through the other hose. This significantly increases the efficiency of the unit, and also helps to reduce the noise produced by the process. It might cost more to purchase a portable unit that has this feature, but it could be well worth the investment in terms of savings and the comfort.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits can be ductless replacements for central air conditioners. They are comprised of an outdoor unit, one or more indoor units, and thin piping that is inserted into small holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a great option for condos since they can be put in spaces that traditional HVAC ducts aren’t able to. They are the perfect cooling solution for many Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments since homeowners don’t want to cut into the floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless system air is cool by the unit in the indoor as it passes through refrigerant-filled tubing coming from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than other models and allows you to cool your home without disturbing others. Certain ductless systems also provide heating which means you can enjoy year-round comfort.
The ductless system is perfect for many areas including garages, sunrooms, and bedrooms. They can also improve comfort for older houses condominiums, apartments, and homes that do not have ductwork. This kind of system can also be utilized in multifamily housing as it can easily be adapted to different types of occupancy patterns.
Additionally, a ductless system can be much more energy efficient than conventional systems, since it doesn’t have to force air across long distances. As a result, it can reduce your power bills significantly. These systems are smaller than forced air systems, allowing you to save on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems provide superior cooling efficiency, and can be customized to suit your individual preferences for temperature. With a filtering system that filters out harmful air particles, they can also improve the air quality of your condominium. This can help you avoid asthma and allergies while also keeping your space comfortable all season. Contact us today if ready to learn more. Our knowledgeable technicians are available to assist you. We can assist you in determining the most appropriate air conditioner for your situation by assessing your needs.