Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern apartments and condos do not have built-in air conditioning units. Many of the apartments and condos with air conditioning units are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows which provide great views, but also a lot of sunshine and heat.
If your home is duct-worked and ductwork, central AC system might be a good option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke to said that if the building isn’t equipped with any ductwork, then a central AC system might be the best option.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a simple and cost-effective way to cool a condo without the need to install ductwork. They work by extracting warm air from a room and replacing it with cooler air, making them a fantastic choice for those on a tight budget or for older homes that do not have ductwork. However, they have a few drawbacks that should be considered before making the purchase.
Window ACs can only cool a single space, so they are not suitable for homes with larger spaces. It’s also important to pick models that have high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. They can also be an issue for security, since they are easily removed, permitting easy access to your home.
You may need to install accordions, or wood, to block out the extra space around the window. It is possible to install the majority of window units by yourself using the window installation set. Simply slide the chassis into the frame and then attach the sleeve. For larger models with 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 right size unit you need to purchase, simply multiply the square footage of your room by the number of BTUs that it needs to be able to cool comfortably. Take into consideration whether the room is an apartment building that is high-rise or receives a lot more sunlight. A bigger unit will be more expensive, but it will save you money on energy over time. Our HVAC experts recommend investing in a central AC to provide long-term solutions. Although the initial cost is much more expensive, it will eventually pay off over the years with lower monthly utility bills and a longer service life than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are cooling units that function like space heaters. They are designed to be plugged into an outlet, and a mini-duct or tube will be able to exit a window to vent heat and carbon dioxide (not to be confused with the harmful gas carbon monoxide). The units can be moved from room to room, and are typically sized based on their cooling capacity, which is defined by BTU ratings. For the best results, the unit should be constructed to suit the intended space as larger units will not provide enough cooling and could wear down faster than necessary.
These units are usually utilized in apartment buildings as well as converted homes that do not have ducting systems, where the primary cooling method is through the central AC unit. By installing an AC unit portable in one or more of your rooms, you can lessen the load on your central system, and save money and electricity.
The best portable units also have a dehumidifier setting to decrease moisture. This is a common reason for hot spots, and can make the room feel uncomfortable. The units should also have washable filters to maintain efficiency and a remote control for easy operation. Choose energy STAR certified models to save on electricity and money when compared to non-certified units.
If you decide to move your portable device, it is important to select a dual-hose model instead of a single-hose model. Dual-hose models draw outside air through the condenser coils and then blow it out 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 that has this feature, but it will be well worth the investment in terms of savings and ease of use.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits can be ductless replacements for central air conditioners. They comprise an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units that are connected with thin piping that runs like electrical wires through tiny openings in your walls. Ductless systems are a great choice for condos because they can be put in places in areas where traditional HVAC ducts are not possible. They are the ideal cooling solution for a lot of Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments because homeowners don’t want to cut through floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless unit, air is cool by the unit in the indoor by passing through refrigerant-filled tubing from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter in comparison to other alternatives, so it’s possible to cool your home without causing disturbance to others. Some ductless systems also offer heating, so you can have year-round comfort.
A ductless system can be ideal for many types of spaces, including sunrooms, bedrooms, and garages. They can also enhance the comfort of older homes condominiums, apartments, and homes that do not have ductwork. This kind of system is also ideal for multifamily housing, as it can easily adapt to different demands and occupancy patterns.
Additionally that, a ductless system could be much more energy efficient than conventional systems because it does not have to force air over long distances. It can also reduce your electricity bills. They are also smaller than forced-air systems, which can help them save on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems are an excellent choice to replace obtrusive window air conditioners in condominium buildings, because they offer superior cooling performance and more personalized temperature control. They can improve the air quality of your apartment, too with a highly efficient filtering system that removes harmful particles from the air. This helps you avoid asthma and allergies, while keeping your space comfortable all season. Contact us today if you’re ready to learn more. Our experienced technicians are ready to help. We will assess your needs and help select the most suitable air conditioning solution for your particular situation.