Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern condos and apartments do not have air conditioning built in. Many apartments and condos with air conditioning units are equipped with floor-to ceiling windows, which offer great views but also too much heat and sunlight.
If your building has ductwork and ductwork, central AC system might be a good option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke to told us that if your home doesn’t have ductwork, a central AC system could be ideal.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are an easy and cost-effective method of cooling a home without the need to install ductwork. They take warm air out of the room and replace it with cooler air. This makes them a good option for those with a tight budget or with older homes that don’t have ductwork. They do have some drawbacks, which must be considered prior to purchasing.
Window ACs can only cool a single room which is why they aren’t suitable for homes with a larger area. They also consume plenty of energy, so it’s important to look for models with high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. They could also pose an security risk, since they can be easily removed, giving you easy access to your home.
Depending on the size of the unit and the type of window it’s installed in, you may need to install accordions or wooden to block off any extra space around one or both sides of the window. You can install most window units yourself with a window installation set. Simply place the chassis inside the frame and attach the sleeve. For larger models that have higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide across rails. The sleeve then gets attached to the frame using brackets that hold it to the window.
To determine the size unit you need, simply multiply the area of your room by the amount of BTUs it needs to be able to cool comfortably. To maximize efficiency, consider whether the room receives a lot of sun or is on the upper floor. A larger unit will be more expensive, but it can help you save on energy costs over time. Our HVAC experts recommend buying a central AC to provide long-term solutions. Although the initial cost is higher, it will be able to pay for itself over time with lower monthly utility bills and a longer service life than multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are independent cooling systems that function as space heaters. They are designed to plug into an outlet and a mini-duct or tube can be run through a window to vent heat and carbon dioxide (not to be confused with the poisonous gas carbon monoxide). The units can be moved from room to room and are typically sized based on their cooling capacity, which is determined by BTU ratings. To get the best results, the unit should be designed to suit the intended space because larger units won’t offer adequate cooling and may be more prone to wear down than.
These units are most often used in apartment buildings and homes that have been converted without ducting systems. The principal cooling method is central AC unit. Using a portable AC in one or more rooms could reduce the burden on the central system, which can save energy and money.
The best portable units will include the option of dehumidifying to cut down on moisture, which is another common cause of hot spots and can make a room feel uncomfortably warm. The units should also have washable filters to maintain efficiency and remote controls for effortless operation. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified models that comply with efficiency standards to reduce energy and cost when as compared to non-certified models.
If you decide to go the portable route it is important to select a dual-hose model rather than one-hose options. Dual-hose models permit outside air to be drawn into the hot condenser coils and then expelled through the other hose. This greatly increases the efficiency of the unit, and also helps to reduce the noise produced by the process. This feature may cost more however the benefits and comfort make it worth the extra money.
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, and thin piping that is inserted into tiny holes in your walls. Ductless systems make a great option for condos as they can be used in areas in areas where traditional HVAC ducts are not feasible. They are the perfect cooling solution for many Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments because homeowners don’t wish to cut into floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless system, air is cooled by the indoor unit when it travels through refrigerant-filled tubing coming from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than traditional models, so you can cool your space without disturbing other. Some ductless systems offer heating capabilities, as well to provide year-round luxury.
A ductless system is ideal for many types of spaces, such as sunrooms, bedrooms, and garages. They can also increase the quality of life for older homes or condos that don’t have ductwork. This type of system can also be utilized in multifamily housing as it is easily adaptable to various occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is more energy efficient than traditional systems because it doesn’t have to push air over long distances. As a result, it can reduce your power consumption significantly. These systems are smaller than forced air systems, saving on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems provide superior cooling performance and can be tailored to your personal preferences in temperature. They can improve the air quality in your condo, as well, with an efficient filtering system that eliminates harmful particles from the air. This will assist you in avoiding allergy and asthma symptoms, while maintaining the comfort of your home throughout the all year. Contact us today if you’re looking to learn more. Our experienced technicians are ready to help. We will assess your requirements and help you select the most suitable air conditioning solution for your particular situation.