Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern apartments and condos don’t come with built-in air cooling units. Many of the condos and apartments that have air conditioning units are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows which provide great views, but also a lot of heat and sunlight.
If your house is equipped with ductwork then a central AC is a good option. If not, the HVAC contractors Brick spoke to said that the majority of board are now accepting ductless mini-splits.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a simple and affordable method of cooling a home 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 don’t have ductwork. However, they come with some drawbacks that need to be considered prior to making a purchase.
Window ACs are confined to cooling a single room, making them not a good choice for larger homes. They also consume plenty of energy, so it’s essential to select models that have high energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. In addition, they pose an security risk since the windows can be removed easily and give an 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 put in accordions or even wood to block out excess space around one or both sides of the window. It is possible to install the majority of window units yourself using an installation set for windows. Simply put the chassis in the frame and secure the sleeves. For larger models that have higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide back and forth on rails, and the sleeve is attached to the frame using brackets that secure it to the window.
To determine what size unit you need to purchase, simply multiply the area of your room by the amount of BTUs it needs to cool it comfortably. To maximize efficiency, take into consideration whether the room receives a lot of sun or is on the upper floors. A larger unit is more expensive, but will help you save money on energy over time. For a more long-term solution for your home, our HVAC experts recommend investing in 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 service life as compared to multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are standalone cooling systems that work like space heaters. They are designed to be plugged into an outlet, and a tube or mini-duct can be run through the window to let out carbon dioxide and heat (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 designed to fit in the space it is intended for as larger units will not provide enough cooling and could get worn out faster than needed.
These units are usually utilized in apartment buildings as well as homes that have been converted without ducting systems. The principal cooling method is the central AC unit. The use of portable AC units in one or more rooms can help reduce the load on central systems, thereby saving energy and money.
The most reliable portable units will also have the option of dehumidifying to cut down on the amount of moisture that is a frequent cause of hot spots and can make a room feel uncomfortably warm. The units should come with washable filters to ensure optimal performance, as well as a remote controller to make operation more simple. Choose ENERGY STAR certified models to save on electricity and money in comparison to non-certified models.
If you choose to go the portable route it is important to select the dual-hose model over a single-hose option. Dual-hose models permit air from outside to be drawn in through the hot condenser coils, then blown out through the other hose. This improves the efficiency and decreases the sound of the unit. This feature may cost more but the savings and comfort can make it worth the extra expense.
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 small holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a fantastic option for condos since they can be put in places where traditional HVAC ducts cannot. This makes them a great cooling option for a lot of Southwest Florida homes and condominiums as homeowners do not want to cut through the walls and floors to install ductwork.
In a ductless unit, air is chilled by the indoor unit by passing through refrigerant-filled tubes from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter compared to other systems, meaning it is possible to cool your room without causing disturbance to others. Certain ductless systems come with heating capabilities, too to provide all year-round luxury.
A ductless system can be ideal for a variety of spaces, including sunrooms garages, and bedrooms. They can also enhance the comfort of older homes, apartments and condos without ductwork. This type of system can also be used in multifamily housing because it is easily adaptable to various occupancy patterns.
Additionally that, a ductless system could be more energy efficient than conventional systems because it does not need to force air over long distances. It also helps reduce your electric bills. They are smaller than forced-air systems which means they can reduce the cost of installation and space.
Ductless systems offer superior cooling efficiency, and can be customized to suit your individual preferences for temperature. They can improve the air quality of your condo, as well with a highly efficient filtering system that can remove harmful particles from the air. This helps you avoid allergies and asthma and keeps your home cool all season. Contact us today if you’re ready to learn more. Our technicians are on hand to assist you. We can help you determine the best air conditioner for your particular situation by assessing your requirements.