Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern apartments and condos don’t come with built-in air conditioning units. A lot of condos and apartments that have air conditioning units are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows which provide great views, but also a lot of sunshine and heat.
If your house is equipped with ductwork then a central AC is a good option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke to said that if the building doesn’t have any ductwork, then a central AC system could be ideal.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are an easy and inexpensive option to cool a condominium without the need for ductwork. They take warm air out of the room and replace it with cooler air. This is a great option for those with a tight budget or older homes without ductwork. However, they have a few drawbacks that should be considered prior to making a purchase.
Window ACs can only cool a single space, 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. In addition, they pose a security risk, as the windows can be removed easily and allow easy access to your house.
Depending on the dimensions of the unit as well as the kind of window it’s placed in, you may have to install accordions or wood to block any space around both sides of the window. The majority of window units come with an installation kit for windows which you can use to easily install them by sliding the chassis into the window and affixing the sleeve to the exterior of the window frame. For larger models that have higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide back and forth on rails and the sleeve is connected to the frame with brackets that secure it to the window.
To determine the size unit you need to purchase, simply multiply the square footage of your room by the amount of BTUs it requires to be comfortably cooled. To maximize efficiency, take into consideration whether your room gets plenty of sunlight or is located on an upper floor. A larger HVAC unit will be more costly, but can help you save money on energy over time. Our HVAC experts suggest buying central AC to provide an investment that will last for a long time. Although the initial cost is higher, it will pay off over time by reducing monthly costs and a longer service life than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are standalone cooling units that function like space heaters. The units are designed to connect to an outlet and a tube, also known as a mini-duct, is able to be run through an opening to vent heat and CO2 (not to be confused with the poisonous gas CO2). The units are portable and are sized by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit should be sized in accordance with the space it will be used in. Oversized units won’t keep cool and get worn out faster than.
These units are utilized mostly in apartment buildings or converted homes that don’t have ducting systems, and where the central AC unit is the primary 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 reduce the cost of electricity and money.
The most reliable portable units include a dehumidifier feature to decrease the amount of moisture. This is a typical reason for hot spots, and can make the room feel uncomfortable. The units should also have washable filters to ensure the performance of the unit and remote controls for effortless operation. Choose energy STAR certified models to save money and energy when compared to non-certified units.
If you choose to move your portable device, it is crucial to choose a dual-hose unit instead of a single-hose model. Dual-hose models allow outside air to be drawn in through the condenser coils that are hot and then expelled through the other hose. This improves the efficiency of the unit and it helps to minimize the noise produced by the process. It might cost more to purchase a portable unit that has this feature, but it can be worth it in terms of savings and the comfort.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, often referred to as mini-splits, are duct-free alternatives to central air conditioning. They are comprised of an outdoor unit, one or more indoor units and thin piping that runs through tiny holes in your walls. Ductless systems are an excellent option for condos since they can be put in places where traditional HVAC ducts are not possible. This makes them the perfect cooling option for a lot of Southwest Florida homes and condominiums as homeowners don’t want to cut through the walls and floors to install ductwork.
In a ductless cooling system, the indoor unit cools the air as it travels through a tube filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter when compared to other options, which means it’s possible to cool your space without disturbing other people. Certain ductless systems come with heating capabilities, too which means you can enjoy all year round luxury.
A ductless system can be ideal for a variety of spaces, including sunrooms, garages, and bedrooms. They can also improve the comfort of older homes, apartments and condos without ductwork. This type of system is also ideal for multifamily housing because it can easily adapt to various demands and occupancy patterns.
In addition, a ductless system can be much more energy efficient than traditional systems because it does not have to push air over long distances. This means that it can cut down on your energy bills by a significant amount. They are also smaller than forced air systems, allowing you to save on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems provide superior cooling efficiency, and can be tailored to suit your individual preferences for temperature. They can improve the air quality in your condo, as well with a highly efficient filtering system that eliminates harmful particles from the air. This will aid in avoiding allergy and asthma symptoms, while maintaining your condo’s temperature throughout the all year. If you’re looking to learn more about installing a ductless system into your condominium, contact us now! Our skilled technicians are waiting to help. We can evaluate your needs and help determine the best air conditioning solution for your specific situation.