Air Conditioners For Condos
A majority of modern apartments and condos do not have air conditioning systems installed. Those that do tend to have windows that extend from floor to ceiling, which provide great views, but also let in too much light and heat.
If your house has ductwork, then a central AC is a good option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke to said that if your building does not have any ductwork, then a central AC system is a good option.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are a simple and inexpensive method of cooling a home without the need for ductwork. They work by removing warm air from rooms and replacing it with cooler air, making them an ideal choice for those with a limited budget or for older homes that do not have ductwork. However, they do have a few drawbacks that should be considered prior to making the purchase.
Window ACs are limited to cooling one room, which makes them not the best choice for larger homes. It’s also important to choose models that have high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. They could also pose a security threat, as they can be easily removed, permitting easy access to your home.
Depending on the size of the unit and the type of window it’s installed in, you may have to put in accordions or even wood to block any space around the sides of the window. The majority of window units come with a window installation kit that you can use to install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and attaching the sleeve to the exterior of the window frame. For larger models with a higher BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to slide on rails, and the sleeve is connected to the frame using brackets.
To determine the amount of unit you’ll require to purchase, multiply the square footage by the number of BTUs needed to cool the room comfortably. To maximize efficiency, consider whether the room receives plenty of sunlight or is on the upper floor. A larger HVAC unit will be more expensive, but it can help you save on energy costs over time. To ensure a longer-term solution, our HVAC experts suggest purchasing a central AC system. The initial cost may be higher, but it will pay for itself over time, with lower utility bills each month and a longer life span than window units with multiple windows.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a stand-alone cooling system that functions as an electric space heater. They are designed to plug into an outlet and a tube or mini-duct will run out of an opening to vent carbon dioxide and heat (not to be confused with the poisonous gas carbon monoxide). They are portable and can be measured by their cooling capacity (defined by BTU ratings). For the best results the unit should be constructed to accommodate its intended room because larger units won’t offer adequate cooling and may wear down faster than necessary.
These units are used typically in apartment buildings or homes that don’t have ducting systems and where the central AC unit is the primary cooling system. By using an AC unit that is portable in one or more of your rooms, you will be able to reduce the load on your central system, and reduce the cost of electricity and money.
The most reliable 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 uncomfortable warm. The units should be equipped with washable filters to ensure optimal performance, as well as remote controls to make the operation simpler. Choose energy STAR certified models to save money and electricity in comparison to non-certified models.
If you decide to go the portable route it is important to select a dual-hose model rather than one-hose options. Dual-hose models allow outside air to be drawn into the hot condenser coils, then blown out through the other hose. This increases the efficiency and lowers the sound level of the unit. It may cost more to purchase a portable unit that has this feature, but it could be well worth the investment in terms of savings and ease of use.
4. Ductless Systems
Mini-splits can be ductless replacements for central air conditioners. They consist of an outdoor unit, one or more indoor units, and thin piping that runs through tiny holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a fantastic option for condos because they can be put in areas where traditional HVAC ducts can’t. This makes them a great cooling option for a lot of Southwest Florida homes and condominiums, since homeowners often do not want to cut through the floors and walls to install ductwork.
In the case of 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 compared to other options, which means it is possible to cool your home without disturbing other people. Some ductless systems also offer heating, so you can have all year round luxury.
The ductless system is ideal for a variety of spaces like garages, sunrooms and bedrooms. They can also improve comfort in older houses condominiums, apartments, and homes which aren’t equipped with ductwork. This type of system is also ideal for multifamily housing because it can easily adapt to various occupancy patterns and requirements.
A ductless system is more energy efficient than traditional systems since it doesn’t have to push air over long distances. It can also reduce your electricity costs. They are also smaller than forced air systems, which saves on costs of installation and space.
Ductless systems provide superior cooling efficiency, and can be adapted to your personal preferences in temperature. They can improve the air quality of your apartment, in addition by utilizing a powerful filtering system that can remove harmful particles from the air. This can help you avoid asthma and allergies while also keeping your space cool throughout the year. If you’re looking to learn more about installing a ductless system into your condominium, contact us now! Our technicians are available to assist you. We can evaluate your needs and help choose the best air conditioning solution for your particular situation.
