Air Conditioners For Condos
A majority of modern apartments and condos do not have air conditioning built in. The ones that do have floor-to-ceiling windows which offer amazing views, but let in too much light and heat.
If your house is equipped with ductwork then central AC could be the best option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke with said that if the building does not have any ductwork, then a central AC system is a good option.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are an affordable and simple way to cool your condo without the need for ductwork. They work by extracting warm air from a space and replacing it with cooler air, which makes them a great option for people on a tight budget or for older homes that do not have ductwork. They do have some drawbacks and must be considered prior buying.
Window ACs are confined to cooling a single room, making them not the best option for homes with a large number of rooms. It’s also important to choose models that have high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. They can also be an security risk, since they are easily removed allowing easy access into your home.
Depending on the size of the unit and the kind of window it’s placed in, you may need to install accordions or wooden to block any space around both sides of the window. It is possible to install the majority of window units by yourself using an installation set for windows. Simply slide the chassis into the frame and attach the sleeve. For larger models that have larger BTU capacity the chassis is designed to slide on rails, and the sleeve is fixed to the frame with brackets.
To determine what size unit you need to purchase, simply multiply the area of your room by the number of BTUs it requires to be comfortably cooled. To maximize efficiency, consider whether your room gets plenty of sunlight or is located on an upper floor. A larger unit is more expensive, but it can help you save on energy costs over time. Our HVAC experts suggest investing in a central AC to provide long-term solutions. The initial cost could be higher but it will pay for itself over time with lower monthly utility bills and a longer lifespan as compared to multiple window units.
2. Portable Units
Portable air conditioners are cooling units that function like space heaters. They are designed to plug into an outlet, and a mini-duct or tube will run out of the window to let out carbon dioxide and heat (not to be confused with the poisonous gas carbon monoxide). The units are mobile and can be sized by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). A unit should be designed according to the room it is intended to be used in. The units that are too big won’t cool well and can get worn out faster than.
These units are utilized most often in apartment buildings or homes that do not have ducting systems and where the central AC unit is the primary cooling system. The use of portable ACs in a single or multiple rooms can reduce the workload on the central system, which can save electricity and money.
The most reliable portable units will also come with the option of dehumidifying to cut down on the amount of moisture that is a frequent reason for hot spots and can make a room feel uncomfortable warm. The units should also come with washable filters that can be cleaned to maintain their efficiency and remote controls for effortless operation. Choose ENERGY START-certified models that comply with efficiency standards to save electricity and money in comparison to non-certified units.
If you choose to go the portable route, it’s important to choose a dual-hose model rather than one-hose options. The dual-hose models allow outside air to be drawn into the hot condenser coils and then expelled through the other hose. This increases the efficiency and decreases the noise of the unit. It might cost more to purchase a portable unit with this feature, but it could be well worth the investment in terms of savings and ease of use.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits are ductless alternatives to central air conditioners. They consist of an outdoor unit, and one or more indoor units, which are connected by thin piping that functions as electrical wires through small openings in your walls. Ductless systems are a fantastic option for condos since they can be installed in places that traditional HVAC ducts aren’t able to. This makes them the ideal cooling option for many Southwest Florida homes and condominiums as homeowners do not want to cut into walls and floors for ductwork.
In a ductless cooling system, the indoor unit cools air as it travels through a tube filled with refrigerant from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than traditional models, so you can cool your space without causing disturbance to others. Some ductless systems also offer heating which means you can enjoy all year round comfort.
The ductless system is suitable for a variety of spaces, such as sunrooms, garages, and bedrooms. They can also enhance comfort for older houses, apartments and condos without ductwork. This kind of system is also ideal for multifamily housing, as it is able to easily adapt to different needs and patterns of occupancy.
A ductless system is also more energy-efficient than traditional systems since it doesn’t need to force air over long distances. This means that it can lower your energy bills by a significant amount. They are smaller than forced-air systems which can help them reduce the cost of installation and space.
Ductless systems provide superior cooling performance, and they can be tailored to your personal preferences in temperature. They can improve the air quality of your apartment, too with a highly efficient filtering system that can remove harmful particles from the air. This helps you stay away from asthma and allergies while also keeping your space comfortable all season. If you are ready to learn more about the benefits of installing a ductless system in your home, call us today! Our technicians are ready to assist you. We can assess your needs and help determine the best air conditioning solution for your specific situation.
