Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern apartments and condos don’t come with built-in air conditioning units. Those that do tend to have floor-to-ceiling windows that offer amazing views, but let in too much sun and heat.
If your house is equipped with ductwork, then central AC could be the best option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke to said that if the building isn’t equipped with ductwork, a central air conditioning system could be ideal.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are an inexpensive and simple method to cool your home without having to install ductwork. They take warm air out of the room and replace it with cooler air. This is a great option for those on a budget or for older homes that do not have ductwork. They do have some drawbacks, which must be considered prior buying.
Window ACs are able to cool a single space, so they are not suitable for larger homes. It’s also important to pick models that have high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. Furthermore, they pose an security risk since windows can be easily removed and give 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 wood to block off any extra space around one or both sides of the window. It is possible to install most window units yourself using the window installation set. Simply slide the chassis into the frame and attach the sleeves. For larger models with a higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide back and forth on rails and the sleeve is fixed to the frame by brackets that attach it to the window.
To determine what size unit you require you simply need to multiply the square footage of your space by the amount of BTUs it needs to cool it comfortably. To maximize efficiency, take into consideration whether your room gets plenty of sun or is on the upper floor. A larger unit is more expensive, but it will save you money on energy over time. Our HVAC experts suggest buying a central AC for long-term solutions. Although the initial cost is more expensive, it will pay off over time with lower monthly utilities and a longer lifespan than a variety of window units.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a stand-alone cooling device that functions as the space heater. The units are designed to connect to an outlet and a tube, or mini-duct, will be able to run out an opening to vent heat and CO2 (not to confuse with the toxic gas CO2). The units can be moved from room to room and are typically sized based on their cooling capacity, which is measured by BTU ratings. A unit should be designed according to the space it is intended to be used in. The units that are too big won’t keep cool and wear out faster than necessary.
They are most often in apartment buildings or homes that don’t have ducting systems and in which the central AC unit is the primary cooling system. Utilizing portable ACs in a single or multiple rooms can help reduce the load on your central system, saving energy and money.
The best portable units also have a dehumidifier mode to reduce the amount of moisture that is a 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. Choose energy STAR certified models to save on electricity and money compared to non-certified units.
If you decide to opt for a portable option, it’s essential to choose a dual-hose model instead of a single-hose model. Dual-hose models draw outside air through condenser coils, and then blow it out via the other hose. This greatly 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 with this feature, but it will be well worth the investment in terms of savings and ease of use.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits are ductless alternatives for central air conditioners. They are made up of an outdoor unit as well as one or more indoor units and thin piping that is inserted into tiny holes in your walls. Ductless systems make a great choice for condos because they can be used in areas where traditional HVAC ducts aren’t feasible. This makes them the ideal cooling option for many Southwest Florida homes and condominiums as homeowners do not want to cut through the floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless system air is cooled by the indoor unit when it travels through refrigerant-filled tubing from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than other models, so you can cool your home without disturbing others. Certain ductless systems have heating capabilities, as well which means you can enjoy all year round comfort.
A ductless system can be ideal for a variety of spaces, including sunrooms bedrooms, and garages. They can also increase comfort for older houses condominiums, apartments, and homes that do not have ductwork. This type of system can also be utilized in multifamily homes since it can easily be adapted to various occupancy patterns.
Additionally, a ductless system can be much more energy efficient than traditional systems, since it does not need to force air over long distances. It can also reduce your electricity bills. These systems are smaller than forced air systems, allowing you to save on costs of installation and space.
Ductless systems are superior in cooling performance, and they can be customized to your personal preferences in temperature. With an air 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 allergy symptoms, while maintaining your condo’s comfort throughout the season. Contact us today if you’re ready to learn more. Our technicians are on hand to assist you. We will assess your needs and help determine the best air conditioning solution for your specific situation.
