Air Conditioners For Condos
Many modern condos and apartments don’t come with built-in air cooling units. Those that do tend to have floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views, but let in too much sunlight and heat.
If your home has ductwork, central AC system is a good idea. HVAC contractors Brick spoke with said that if your building does not have ductwork, a central air conditioning system is a good option.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are an easy and affordable option to cool a condominium without installing ductwork. They remove warm air from the room and replace it with cooler air. This makes them an ideal choice for people on a budget or with older homes that don’t have ductwork. However, they come with certain disadvantages that must be considered prior to making a purchase.
Window ACs are only capable of cooling a single room, so they’re not the best choice for larger homes. They also consume plenty of energy, making it important to look for models with high energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings or Energy Star certifications. Additionally, they’re a security risk, as the windows are easily removed and allow an easy access to your home.
Depending on the size of the unit and the type of window it’s set in, you may need to put in accordions or even wood to block any space around one or both sides of the window. It is possible to install the majority of window units yourself with the window installation set. Simply put the chassis in the frame and secure the sleeves. For larger models that have a higher BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide onto rails, and the sleeve fixed to the frame with brackets.
To determine the size unit you will need, multiply the square footage by the amount of BTUs needed to cool the room. To maximize efficiency, take into consideration whether the room receives lots of sunlight or is located on the upper floor. A larger unit will be more expensive, but will help you save money on energy over time. For a more long-term solution, our HVAC experts suggest purchasing central AC system. The initial cost might be higher but it will pay off over time with lower utility bills each month and a longer lifespan as compared to multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a standalone cooling system that functions much as the space heater. The units are designed to plug into an outlet and a tube, also known as a mini-duct, is able to be run through the window to vent heat and CO2 (not to confuse with the poisonous gas CO2). They are portable and are sized by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). For the best results a unit should be sized to accommodate its intended room because larger units won’t provide enough cooling and could get worn out faster than needed.
These units are most often utilized in apartment buildings as well as converted homes without ducting systems, in which the principal cooling method is a central AC unit. Using portable ACs in one or more rooms could reduce the burden on the central system, which can save energy and money.
The best portable units also come with a dehumidifier option to cut down on humidity. This is another common reason for hot spots, and can cause the room to feel uncomfortable. The units should also come with washable filters that can be cleaned to maintain their efficiency and a remote control for easy operation. Select ENERGY STAR certified models to save money and electricity when compared to non-certified units.
If you decide to go for a portable model, it’s important to choose a dual-hose model instead of a single-hose model. Dual-hose models allow air from outside to be drawn into the condenser coils heated to a certain temperature and then expelled through the other hose. This greatly increases the efficiency of the unit and it helps to minimize the noise produced by the process. It may cost more to purchase a portable unit with this feature, but it could be well worth the investment 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, and one or more indoor units, which are connected via thin piping that is shaped like electrical wires through small holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a great option for condos as they can be put in places in areas where traditional HVAC ducts aren’t feasible. They are the perfect cooling solution for many Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments because homeowners don’t want to cut into floors and walls to install ductwork.
In a ductless cooling system, the indoor unit cools the air as it passes through the tubing that is filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter in comparison to other systems, meaning it’s possible to cool your room without disturbing other people. Certain ductless systems come with heating capabilities, too to provide all year-round luxury.
A ductless system is suitable for various types of spaces, including sunrooms, garages, bedrooms, and bedrooms. They can also increase comfort in older houses or apartments as well as condos that are not equipped with ductwork. This type of system could also be used in multifamily housing because it is easily adaptable to various types of occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is more energy efficient than traditional systems since it doesn’t have to push air over long distances. It can also lower your electricity costs. They are also smaller than forced-air systems, which means they can reduce the cost of installation and space.
Ductless systems are superior in cooling efficiency, and can be customized to your personal preferences in temperature. They can improve the air quality in your apartment, too with a highly efficient filtering system that can remove harmful particles from the air. This will assist you in avoiding allergies and asthma, while maintaining the comfort of your home throughout the all year. Contact us today if you’re interested in learning more. Our skilled technicians are waiting to assist you. We can assist you in choosing the best air conditioner for your particular situation by assessing your needs.
